Her heart lightened, and a silly smirk appeared. Her fifth graders were her pride and joy. Being part of a small school allowed her to watch them grow.
“Excellent. We’re gearing up for Valentine’s Day, it’s adorable.”
He shook his head. “Always knew you’d make a wonderful teacher. Thought we might lose you after college, though. Life here isn’t for everyone. Glad you stuck around.” He patted her back and pulled out a chair at the massive oak table he’d made with his bare hands. “Boys, set the table and I’ll serve up dinner.”
“Wait, why doesn’t she have to help?” Ryan asked.
“Because she’s a guest, numbnuts.” Steve sighed. ”It’s like they forget their manners.”
“No, that excuse died years ago. She’s family.” Casey said, giving her a smile.
Steve paused and glanced at the three of them. “Hmm.” He shook his head and walked to the crock pot as they moved to the cabinets and removed dishes.
***
Ryan waited until the dinner was almost over to broach the topic of their shift in relationship.
“So, Pop, we did want to talk you about something.”
“Sorta figured. You had the secretive vibe rolling off you. Last time you came by like that, you bought a house. I’m hoping this will be less dramatic.”
“That depends on how you take it,” Casey said.
“Well, shit, lay it on me boys.”
“We’re seeing Leighton,” Ryan said. He glanced over to see her cringe and hold her breath.
“I’m sorry.” His dad tilted his head. “You are, or Casey is?”
“Both of us, Dad,” Casey said.
Steve turned to Leighton. “And you’re okay with this?”
“Yes, are you?” she asked. Her voice shook, and Ryan’s heart ached for her.
“I figured eventually one of you would get your head out of your ass and realize what’s been right in front of you all these years. I never imagined it’d be both of you at the same time.” He shook his head.
“You’re not going to rip us a new one?” Ryan asked skeptically.
“What for? I figure what a man does behind his own closed doors is his business. Besides, you can’t get any better than Lei. And she knows all about your bullshit. If saddling herself with you makes her happy, I’m all for it.” Steve grabbed her hand. “You going to whip them into shape, darling?”
“I don’t know. I’ll try, but i
t might be too late for that.” Lei winked.
His dad laughed, and the tense moment was killed.
“Were you kids actually worried about what I’d say?” His dad furrowed his brow.
“A little bit,” Ryan said.
“Yeah.” Casey nodded.
“At my age, not much gets my goat up.” He shrugged. “Who wants dessert?”
Ryan glanced down and beamed. He’d never appreciated his father mother than this moment. He glanced back up. “What did you make, Pop?”
“Apple cobbler. Had to get rid of the apples I had leftover before they went bad. No way was I going to let them go bad. Prices are steep these days.”