“Bridger and Kellie and Rowen and Braxton as far as I know, but there sure are a whole lot of cars on the street today, huh?” she responds.
“You sure about that, baby? Because I don’t think we brought enough Bourbon or food.” There was no way I was coming to her parents’ house without something for the both of them. My mom would skin my hide if I did, so we made some kind of charcuterie board thing Peyton found online from some sort of influencer.
“Oh yeah, even if we don’t, Mom always cooks more food for Sunday dinners than anyone can eat, but it looks like the neighbors are having a get-together.” That gives the tightening in my stomach a chance to relax. I have an agenda of my own today, one that I don’t really need a whole shit ton of people around for. Hell, the way Bridger acts about his sisters, I won’t be surprised if he sits in on this conversation as well.
“Well, let’s get this show on the road.” I park my truck and nod to Peyton, letting her know I’ll be coming over to help her out.
“You’re the one dilly-dallying,” she jokes. It causes me to chuckle, but she’s not wrong, and I move my ass.
I make a grand gesture, giving her shit back after she threw it my way. “Your chariot awaits, milady.” I open her door, my hand out to help her. Peyton rolls her eyes at me but still uses my hand to get out of the truck.
“Funny, really funny.” She grabs the board with food, and I grab the bottle of bourbon, and we make our way inside. Peyton doesn’t bother knocking, instead, she just walks through the door.
“Hey, Mom!” I follow her in, taking in the house where the woman I know I’ll be asking to marry someday was raised, and that will be happening soon.
“Hey, baby girl, it’s so good to see you.” I watch as the two of them embrace. Mrs. Jennings sees me and brings me into the fold.
“And you, it’s been far too long since the two of you have been at my table on a Sunday. You better make sure that doesn’t happen again,” she admonishes.
“I’m sorry about that. It won’t happen again.” I pull away from her hug, giving her a wink.
“Sure, sure. The men are out back. Go on out there. Rowen is upstairs, dragging out something or other to take to her and Braxton’s place. I swear she’s always shopping in this house like it’s a department store.” She makes a hand gesture, which is my cue to go. I kiss Peyton on her cheek. “See you out back, baby.”
It’s time for me to ask Mr. Jennings for my womans’ hand in marriage. I know one thing for sure—even if he says no, there’s no way I’ll take it sitting down.
“Hey, man, how are you?” Bridger says, standing up. I reach him and shake his hand.
“Hey, can’t complain. You?” I watch as he eyes the bottle of bourbon in my other hand. His eyes show nothing but happiness. Not exactly what I was expecting, but I’m happy just the same.
“Never better. Kellie will be here shortly. I’m sure we won’t see the girls for a bit,” he offers before taking a seat. Apparently, Kellie is riding in her own vehicle, which will be fun trying to find parking with the neighbors partying like it’s the Fourth of July.
“About damn time you came around, boy. It’s been about a month. The company keeping you busy?” Mr. Jennings asks as he shakes my hand and then pulls me in for a hug as well.
“You could say that again. Just got in Friday after being gone for a week. Not something I really want to deal with, but Fox is Fox, and I’m not gonna hang him out to dry either.”
“No, that’s not something you’d do. That bourbon for me?”
“It sure is.” Bridger and he have the same exact expression on our face.
“Ah shit, we all know what that’s for.” Braxton nods at the bottle in my hand.
“Damn, guess y’all can read me like a book. Yet Peyton has no damn idea.” I take my seat. Might as well get comfortable.
“I’ll go grab the glasses while you three start this conversation.” I’ve never seen Braxton move so fast.
“Look at him scurrying off. It’s not like he hasn’t been in your shoes before,” Peyton’s dad says with a chuckle.
“Well, I’m here to ask for Peyton’s hand in marriage. Not exactly sure when I’ll ask her, but I’m hoping to have your permission. It’d make me the happiest man on earth to have her by my side,” I lay it out for both of them.
“Hell, I knew it would take a real man to tame Peyton. You’re already family in my eyes. You guys live together and work together. You may as well be married.” Bridger kicks up his feet and places them on the edge of the table.