Page 295 of Devil’s Disciples

“What about the club?”

I sighed. “I’m thinking when we decide to have kids that I’m going to walk away from it. There was a time and a place for it, and those men will always be brothers to me, but I can’t imagine having kids and staying in the club will be a good thing. I want our children to be my only focus other than her.”

“I like the way you think, Porter.”

“Do you know how to get ahold of her father?” I asked.

“I do.”

“Mind telling me?”

“For this occasion, I don’t mind at all.”

* * *

As nervous a virgin at a prison rodeo, I held the phone to my ear and hoped he answered. If he didn’t, I doubted I’d have the courage to call him again for some time. After losing count of how many times it rang, he answered.

“This is Anderson,” he said.

“Mister Northrop?”

“This is Anderson, yes.”

“Sir, my name is Porter Reeves. This might seem like an odd telephone call, but if you’ve got a moment, I’d like to talk to you.”

“Is Abby alright?”

I was surprised that he’d made the connection. “Yes, Sir. She’s fine. She’s got a little bit of a stomach ache, and she’s at home. I’m away from there right now. Actually, I’m at George’s diner. I got your number from him.”

“Is everything okay?” he asked.

“Yes, Sir. Everything’s just fine. I uhhm. Well, I’m calling for your permission.”

“My permission?” He chuckled. “She already told us she rides on that motorcycle of yours. I guess I’ll tell you I’m pleased that California’s a state that requires the use of helmets.”

“Not for that, Sir. For something else.”

“She speaks highly of you, Porter. What can I help you with?”

“Sir, I’d like to marry your daughter. Not right away, but whenever she’s comfortable with it. Maybe a year down the road, maybe two. Heck, it might be six months. Whatever she, and you, Sir, are comfortable with. But I’d like your permission to ask her to marry me. I guess I’d like to propose to her. You know, give her a ring.”

The phone fell silent for a moment.

“Hold on a moment, will you, Porter?”

“Yes, Sir.”

I heard muffled voices for a moment, and then he returned.

“Porter?”

“Yes, Sir?”

“Anna and I would be thrilled if you’d like to ask Abby to marry you. When are you planning on doing it?”

“In the next few days, I think. I need to get a ring and everything.”

“Well, you certainly have our blessing on the matter. Don’t rush. Things like this take time and planning.”