Game Winner (Penalty Kill 3)

“I think that’s a mature answer, Levi, but you need to remember that’s my little girl. Contrary to belief, she means the world to me, and letting her go to Pennsylvania is hard enough, let alone someone marrying her.”

It hits me then that, in a way, I’m taking Presley away from her family. I didn’t ask her to come down there; Presley had applied way before we even knew I was coming. That has always been where Presley wanted to go. But I am one more reason for her to want to go. Ben might tell me no. It’s too soon or maybe even that he isn’t ready for Presley to be one step farther away from her home and her family. And I would have to respect that.

Ben stares me down before a smile starts to appear. “I’m impressed that you wanted to speak with me, Levi. That seems to be a tradition that has faded for most. You’re a good man, Levi. As long as she’s happy, I’m happy. And you’ve made her very happy. You will make a great son-in-law, I’m sure.”

I grin, extremely thankful for his words and relieved that I have his support. “Thank you, sir.”

He shakes his head in disbelief and says more to himself, “I can’t believe my kids are getting engaged.” Ben smiles again before adding, “Let’s go before they start looking for us.”

We return to the living room just as Marley appears to inform us that it’s time to eat. I have Pops on one side and Presley on the other as we sit down at the table. It’s probably one of the best gatherings I’ve ever experienced with all of us. Conversation flows easily and there’s plenty of laughter. I’m on a bit of a high and part of that is due to the fact that I just verbalized my want to propose. Glancing at Presley, the happiness radiates from her. I’ve missed seeing her laugh and smile. She catches me watching and squeezes my thigh underneath the table.

After dinner, Mrs. McCarthy insists that we leave the dishes alone. So we help put all the food away before retiring to their living room. We start to watch a game, but about halfway through, I notice Pops looks a bit worn out, and a surge of worry passes through me. It’s soon followed by guilt because I’m not around to make sure he’s doing as good as he says he is.

I lean over and quietly ask, “Are you ready to go?”

Pops surprises me by nodding. “Actually, yes. But we can stay as long as you and Presley want.” He rode with us, and I know he only says this out of politeness.

Presley hears us and adds, “I would like to stay longer, but I can get a ride with Trev and Marley. This way you can spend some time with Victor.”

“Okay, I guess we’re going to go then.” We stand and thank the McCarthy’s for their hospitality and having us over for Thanksgiving. Ben gives me a smile and a knowing, approving look. It’s a little bit of a drive to Pops, and I can’t help but pepper him. “Are you feeling okay, Pops?”

He chu

ckles. “How did I know that was coming?”

“I’m serious. You know I worry and especially now that I don’t live a short drive away anymore. I don’t want you to downplay something if you aren’t feeling well.”

“Son, I wouldn’t put you through that. We didn’t ‘downplay’ your mother’s illness, and if something felt off with me, you would be the first to know.” There’s a harshness in his tone as if he resents what I said.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Pops,” I say solemnly. “It makes me nervous that I’m not nearby, and I would-”

“I know,” he cuts me off. “I’ve been fine, Levi. I promise. But I don’t feel great today. Probably getting a cold or something. You know that I usually get sick like that around this time of year anyway.”

That is true, and it eases my worries a bit now that he’s mentioned it. A few minutes pass in silence before I say, “I told Ben that I wanted to propose to Presley.” I glance at him for his reaction and see his mouth part before I focus back on the road.

Pops doesn’t say anything for what seems like forever. And when he does, his quiet words sear through me. “Your mother would be tickled to have Presley become family. This is definitely one of those moments where I wish she was here.”

My throat constricts, and my eyes blur. I blink rapidly until the road becomes clear again. “Do you really think she would love her as much as we do? I was her little boy, you know.”

Pops laughs. “There wasn’t anything little about you, Levi. But yes, Amanda would have loved her. She probably would have been the first to know that this was coming too.” We pull into the driveway, but make no move to get out of the car just yet. Pops unbuckles his seatbelt and turns towards me a little. “When are you planning to ask her? Have you thought about what kind of ring she would like?”

“I don’t know when. I want to get the how sorted first. And I’m not sure about the ring. Presley doesn’t really wear jewelry. She’ll probably want something simple. But I’m not sure. Not really knowledgeable about these things.”

He nods, like he knows what I’m talking about. Pops glances down at his own wedding ring before looking at me. “Your mother’s ring was simple, you know. You remember it, don’t you?” I shake my head that I do. It’s a beautiful ring with a small band and one diamond sitting on top. “Amanda isn’t here to wear hers, and I have a feeling that she would want you to have it, if you want it. If you want to give that to Presley.”

To have him tell me that she would have Momma’s approval means everything. To have him pass down her wedding ring nearly chokes me up. I feel like I need to decline, though. “I can’t take that from you, Pops. That’s your piece of her.”

Pops gives me a small smile. “It is, but I want to give you that piece of her, a small piece, because she lives in our hearts. Nowhere else.”

I can’t help but feel like if I do accept this, that it’ll remind me that I’ll have my mom, her approval, and her love with me on such an important day in my life. The only thing I manage to do is nod. Pops smiles.

“I’m happy for you, son. You and Presley both.”

“Thanks.”

We finally make our way inside. Pops tells me to have a seat and then he disappears. Moments later, he returns with a faded blue box. I take it from his outstretched hand.

“She had to keep the box too,” he chuckles.