Off the Grid

“Um no, I’m good. I’ll stick to my runs and Zumba,” Cece said.

“You are so a city girl at heart.”

“You take that back,” Cece said.

“Nope.”

Cece slapped her with a pillow and the epic battle was on. They ended up a winded, laughing heap in front of the couch on their backs breathing heavily. The best friendships were the ones that never really changed, no matter how many years rolled by.

***

Thorn

He wasn’t a man who scared easily, but standing in front of the two-story brick home, he was terrified. He rang the doorbell, and waited for what felt like an eternity before the door opened.

“Mr. Finch?”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Fehr.” He offered up the bouquet of fall flowers. “These are for you.”

“Can I safely assume you’re not here to steal my wife from me?”

The rich tenor made him stand up straight. Despite being in his late sixties, Jebediah Fehr was an imposing man. Slender with broad shoulders, and dark eyes that could stop you in your tracks, he was the main hurtle to be jumped if he wanted permanency with Lilac.

“Yes, sir. I’m here about courting your daughter.”

“Let him in, Mother. We don’t want the neighbors wagging their tongues or accusing us of being inhospitable.”

“Come on in, Thorn,” Mrs. Fehr said. The tall woman with kind eyes, a bright smile, and soft voice winked. He could see Lilac in them both. From her heart-shaped face to her rich skin tone, smile, and straight nose. An ally!

“We’ll take coffee in my office if you don’t mind, Mother.”

“I’ll add a little snack, too. Thank you for the flowers, Thorn,” she said before she veered off to what he assumed was the kitchen. He had to bite his tongue to keep from calling her back as he followed the silent man into his lair. They stepped into a room full of bookcases and a large mahogany desk. It was clear to see this room had gotten a lot of TLC. From the pictures of his children growing up to the expensive black leather chairs on either side of the desk. As an accountant it made sense that Mr. Fehr would want to be comfortable.

“I can’t fault your manners, boy. What I’m more concerned about are your intentions and your worth. You started off on the right foot. Try not to go downhill from here.”

“I want to marry your daughter, sir. Anything other than forever with her won’t do.”

Mr. Fehr nodded. “Keep talking.”

“I don’t need to tell you Lilac is intelligent, sweet, encouraging, funny, and beautiful, but I will, because I want you to know she’s the most precious thing in the world to me. She literally saved my life when she got me to the hospital after a snake bite. But she saved my soul when she showed me women like her still existed in the world. I’d all but given up on finding someone to build my life with.”

“And what kind of life are you looking to have?”

“One she and I will decide together. I have enough money to take care of her and any children who’ll eventually come after marriage, of course. I’m honest enough to tell you even if I don’t procure your blessing, I’m going to keep dating her, because I can’t imagine life without her. She’s a beacon of light in a very dark world, Mr. Fehr.

“That she is, my boy. I’m glad to hear you can see it. You don’t think this declaration is a bit premature?”

“At my age, you know what you want and what you don’t.”

“And what exactly do you want?

“A woman who can love me flaws and all.”

“And you think that one woman is Lilac?”

“I know it is. I spent a lot of time praying for my future wife, and then she appeared unexpectedly on my doorstop. I didn’t want to believe it at first. I made a right ass of myself and she put me back in my place real quick.”

Mr. Fehr laughed. “Oh yes. Like her mother, she won’t let you get away with anything. So you’d best get used to it if you plan on being a part of the family.”