Beauty and the Gentleman

I’m damn thankful getting to have them as my example of what a happy marriage looks like. Roman showed me how you treat a woman, and I know one of the ways I’d gotten Faith to fall in love with me is how I am with her.

“I moved Faith in with me,” I say, ripping the Band-Aid right off. “I tried. I really did, but staying away from her and letting her spread her wings is not going to work for me. Growing up, I’ve always respected everything you’ve asked of me when it came to Faith. I waited. But the time is up. We’re grown-ups now, and I’m not asking for permission when it comes to Faith anymore. If I do, it’s merely out of courtesy. And I’m still going to do what I think is best for her.”

“Waited,” Oz says, us all knowing it’s past tense.

“She might be your little girl, but Faith is mine. Everyone knew this was coming. I’ve never hidden my intentions when it comes to her.”

“Okay,” Oz says after a long moment.

“Okay? That’s it?”

“You’re right. I’m fucking thrilled I got lucky enough that the two of you fell in love. I’ll never have to worry if you’ll do something to hurt her. Or that she won’t be taken care of. Kennedy and I only ever asked for you to do this because we wanted to give the girls this option. As a father, I had to do that.”

I nod in understanding. “I love her more than anything,” I say. Emotion builds up in my throat.

“We know that, but I have to say you coming here and standing your ground on this makes me believe it even more.”

“Why?” I ask, confused.

“Because you’re Ace King. You always do the right thing. You walk the straight and narrow. Coming here and telling me you’re not going to do what has been asked from you isn’t typical. Everyone can always count on you to do what you say you’re going to.”

“Not this time,” I respond.

“Not this time.” Oz smirks. “You put Faith in front of even upsetting us.”

“She comes first. Always.” I’ve never thought otherwise. “This is the first time I’ve ever disagreed.”

Before now they hadn’t asked me anything that I didn’t think was unrealistic or right. Maybe the waiting for sex part, but it also didn’t hurt anything either. In fact, it helped me come to terms with some of my sexual desires.

“I know. And you did what you should have. Faith should always come first for you. You’ve more than proved you will do what’s best for her to me.”

“Thank you.” We both stand. He pulls me in for a hug. “You have my blessing to marry her. Now you don’t have to ask.” Well damn. I was about to bring that up next. He releases me from the hug.

“I’m going to ask her today while everyone is here.”

“Good.”

“Do I need to talk to the moms first? Fill them in about the living together thing?”

“No,” Dad responds this time having been relatively quiet throughout this. I suppose this has more to do with Oz and me.

“We both had a feeling what you wanted to talk about today,” Roman says.

“We talked with them last night. They feel the same.” Dad grabs me, pulling me in for a hug next. “I’m damn proud of you.”

“That means a lot.”

“I’m always proud of you, Ace. Even if we don’t agree on something. You’re still my son even when we don’t see eye to eye. I love you, son.” I knew that deep down, but it still feels good to hear it. Any of the bullshit I might be hanging on to about not being Roman’s full blooded son slips away.

“I love you too, Dad.”

“You got the ring?” Oz asks, putting his drink down on the bar.

“Yeah.” I pull out the box, opening the lid to reveal the three-carat pink pear-shaped diamond. It’s a soft, subtle pink, which I knew Faith would love. The size might be a bit big, but I wanted it to be noticeable.

“Damn. She’s going to love that.” Oz’s hand comes down on my shoulder. “You did good.”

“I did,” I agree but I’m not talking about the ring. I lucked out in life when Faith became a part of it.

“Let’s go see what the women are doing before they try and accuse us of not helping,” Dad says.

We all head into the kitchen. Whitney and Knox have arrived. The whole family is actually here. My younger brothers are giving my little sister a hard time about some boy texting her cell phone. Which makes me smile. I’ve trained them well.

Knox’s eyes come to me. He too wants Whitney out of the dorm. I give him a chin nod, letting him know everything went well. He gives me one back. I can see him visibly relax. I know he can often feel the same way I do about going against our parents. They’ve done so much for us and have been so supportive about almost all of our choices.