G is for Gerry (Men of ALPHAbet Mountain)

“It will,” I said. “But all of that is up to you. I will support you no matter what you choose.” She squeezed my hand. “I’m going to be a father,” I repeated.

I let the thought linger in my mind. I had to admit, I liked the idea of a family. One of my own creation. I would certainly be a better father than my biological one was, but I would spend a considerable amount of energy trying to be half as good as Hank had been. Maybe I would have to take up singing lessons.

We spoke about our fears, and there were a few on her side. But they were ones I could help her with by simply being supportive.

“I know I have a strained relationship with my mom,” she said. “But Wendy thinks the sun rises and sets with her from how she grew up friends with us before Mom got sick. I hope this will help mend some of those fences again.”

“I think it will,” I said. “I just hope we can be like Lana and Hank.”

“Me too,” she said. She had been able to meet them weeks ago when they dropped by during a trip to Orlando. They had loved her, and it felt like she loved them too.

“So, I guess, this should come as no surprise,” I said, taking my own deep breath. “But I love you.”

“I love you too,” she said. We paused. “That’s the first time we’ve said that, isn’t it?”

“On purpose,” I said. “You said it once on the phone by accident.”

“You did too,” she laughed. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”

I smiled.

“Well, I know usually people are able to admit that sort of thing for a while before going the next step, but since we kind of skipped a lot of steps already,” I said, gesturing at her belly, “I figure that what I am about to do might not be so much of a leap.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked.

I stood up and knelt in front of her, fishing out the ring from my pocket. It had been one of the other reasons I had Hank and Lana come by on their trip. Lana wanted to give me her engagement ring to use when I told her my plan.

“Malia, I don’t want to go another day without knowing you are mine forever. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” she exclaimed, and I slipped the ring on her finger as tears streamed from her face. “I love you!”

A chorus of applause around us almost drowned her out, but I leaned in, pressing a kiss to her lips.

“I love you too,” I said. “Always and forever.”