Drake nodded. “We are most blessed. As you will be someday, if I have anything to say about it.”
“You know it’s too soon to think about something like that.”
“Is it?” He glanced at her. “What difference does time make when it feels so right?”
“We need to make sure we’re compatible. If we agree on the big things in life, and if we don’t, decide if we can live with the differences.”
“I know you’re right,” he said.
“And you have to really know you’re ready to settle down. And I have to be certain I can believe in happily ever after. That our emotions, which have been running high, aren’t clouding our judgment.”
He locked eyes on her for the briefest of moments then looked back at the road. “I know what I want, and I hope to show you that happily ever after does exist. Things won’t be perfect, but we’ll work through all the problems.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Because I know that once I commit to you for life, I will do everything in my power to make sure I don’t do anything to ruin that commitment. And I know you’re the same way. You honor your commitments.”
“Yeah, I do. But I’ve never had one this important before.”
“We’ll go slowly then. Whatever you need. If you need to back off from my family, we can do that starting right now. I can take you home if you want.”
“No, oh, no. That would be rude, but also I have to see this surprise.” She grinned at him, thankful that he caught her lighthearted mood again.
A mood he kept as they left the truck to join his family in the backyard again and helped his brothers gather the s’mores items and bring it all out on trays to the fire pit.
Natalie chose a bright red chair, and Drake took the navy one next to her. The others settled around the pit, Karlie standing at the ready with a roasting stick. Erik knelt by the fire pit and started laying kindling in the middle.
“You planning on burning down the neighborhood,” Drake asked.
“Karlie said she wanted a big fire, right kid?” He grinned up at her.
“I do.” She jumped up and down and clapped her hands. “Daddy said I get to roast my own mellows today.”
Brendan grabbed the stick. “Big girls are careful with the pointy end.”
“I’m a big girl.”
“I know, and that’s how I know you’ll be careful.”
She let him hold the stick and flung her arms around his neck. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, little bit.” Brendan let out a sigh of contentment, and Jenna placed her hand on his arm and smiled at him.
An overwhelming urge to have her own child hit Natalie, something that had never happened before. Maybe it was because she was embarking on a serious relationship with an amazing man, and that had never happened before either.
Erik struck a match, the kindling caught fire, crackling and flames sparking. Karlie jumped down and stood with her hand on Brendan’s arm. She looked like she wanted to dance again but was holding back because she wanted to be a big girl.
The power of a single parental comment always struck Natalie. She knew firsthand how they could help and how they could hurt.
What kind of parents were the Gentry children experiencing right now?
Oh, Father, please. I know I keep asking when I should trust You. But give them a good home together.
Drake leaned close to her. “You okay?”
“Just thinking about what great parents Brendan and Jenna are. Your parents too.”
“And so you’re worried about the Gentry kids.”
