take the phone
and cover the mouthpiece.
“You told him!” I hiss. Christian nods, and his eyes
widen at my obvious look of distress.
Shit! I take a deep breath. “Hi, Dad.”
“Christian has just asked me if he can marry you,” Ray
says.
Oh Shit. The silence stretches between us as I
desperately think what to say. Ray as usual stays silent,
giving me no clue as to his reaction to this news.
“What did you say?” I crack first.
“I said I wanted to talk to you. It’s kind of sudden,
don’t you think, Annie? You’ve not known him long. I
don’t you think, Annie? You’ve not known him long. I
mean, he’s a nice guy, knows his fishing . . . but so soon?”
His voice is calm and measured.
“Yes. It is sudden . . . hang on.” Hastily, I lea一ve the
kitchen area away from Christian’s anxious gaze and head
toward the great window. The doors to the balcony are
open, and I step out into the sunshine. I can’t quite walk to
the edge. It’s just too far up.
“I know it’s sudden and all—but . . . well, I love him.
He loves me. He wants to marry me, and there’ll never be
anyone else for me.” I flush thinking this is probably the
most intimate conversation I ha一ve ever had with my
stepfather.
Ray is silent on the other end of the phone.
“Ha一ve you told your mother?”
“No.”
“Annie . . . I know he’s all kinds of rich and eligible,
but marriage? It’s such a big step. You’re sure?”
“He’s my happily ever after,” I whisper.
“Whoa.” Ray says after a moment, his tone softer.
“He’s everything.”
“Annie, Annie, Annie. You’re such a headstrong young
woman. I hope to God you know what you’re doing.
Hand me back to him, will you?”
“Sure, Dad, and will you give me away at the
wedding?” I ask quietly.
“Oh, honey.” His voice cracks, and he’s quiet for a
few moments, the emotion in his voice bringing tears to my
eyes. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure,” he says
eventually.
eventually.
Oh, Ray. I love you so much . . . I swallow, to keep
from crying. “Thank you, Dad. I’ll hand you back to
Christian. Be gentle with h
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