Henry handed his champagne glass to Aggie and hurried over to help Larissa.
“I thought Junior would be my troublemaker, but Nathan is turning out to be one, too.”
“I’m sure they’ll be fine. He just likes the games she has on her phone,” Harlow said and took a sip of her champagne.
“How does it feel to finally be a college graduate, Harlow?”
“At thirty-four? Honestly, I think it feels better today than it would have back then. It means more now, I think.”
“And what does one do with an undergraduate degree in political science and philosophy?”
“Philosophy was a minor. It was mostly for fun, but I do like it.”
“So, you’re a philosopher now?”
“No. I do have a new job lined up. It’s not exactly using my degree, but it’s something I’m excited about. Plus, the company is actually closer to the house and to campus, but I can go hybrid and work from home if I want, so I’m pretty excited about that.”
“New house, new job, new degree. What’s next for you, Harlow?” Aggie asked and finished her champagne.
“I know what you’re asking, Aggie.”
“You do, huh?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Well, she wants to get married, Harlow. You told her you wanted to be the one to propose. She’s really not getting any younger, you know? And she’s already three years older than you.”
Harlow wasn’t worried about her girlfriend overhearing because Larissa and Henry had chased Nathan outside, into their backyard, and Henry had gotten Larissa’s phone back. It appeared, the four-year-old was also getting a lecture from his father while his aunt checked that her phone was still in one piece.
“I wanted to graduate first.”
“So, you’re going to ask her soon, then?”
“We’ve been busy, Aggie. We bought this place together after selling her old place, and it took a lot of time and energy. Then, your dad was helping us fix the kitchen, which needed a lot of work. I decided to go back to school and found out that I was missing a lot of credits because I waited so long. I haven’t stopped working, so it’s been work and school for close to two years. Plus,shehad to graduate. That took a year, but she finished, and I thought I’d ask her then, but I wanted to finish,too. When we start planning our wedding, I want it to be our main focus. Now, it can be.”
“I get it. I’m proud of you, by the way. I know you’re Larissa’s girlfriend, but I feel like you’re my sister-in-law already and kind of have been for a lot longer than you two have been together, so I want you both to be happy.”
“I know you do. Thanks,” she replied.
“Mom,” Junior said when he walked up to them. “Can I have ice cream?”
“Not here,” Aggie told him. “We’re going to be leaving soon. Can you go tell your dad and get your brother? If you two both make it easy for us to leaveandbehave in the car, I will tell Dad to stop for ice cream on the way home. One scoop, though. Don’t even try asking for two, Junior.”
“Can I get chocolate?”
“Will you go to sleep at bedtime?”
“Yes,” he lied.
Harlow laughed a little.
Aggie rubbed her older son’s brown hair and said, “Go get your dad.” After Junior ran off, she added, “He willnotgo to sleep at bedtime, but he looks so cute in his little suit. I can’t tell him no.” She turned to Harlow and pointed at her. “Never tell him that.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“And do it when you’re ready, Harlow. Ask her whenever you want is what I’m saying. I’m annoying at times, but it’s because I can’t wait to see my little sister stand up there, with me by her side, while she tells everyone that she’s met her person, you know?”
“I know. Thanks, Aggie.”
