Granting Wishes (18 page)

“Thank you for giving me a bit of your time today. Go pick out a pretty dress for tomorrow, and I’ll see you both at one.”

He couldn’t get out of there fast enough. It seemed like a good thing to do when he decided to come out here, a respectful thing that Chelsea deserved. Now he had a feeling it was going to backfire on him, but it was too late. What’s done is done and he could only hope for the best. He was envious that Jake wasn’t going to have such a hard time of it when it came to the in-law department. That cowboy was a lucky bastard.

***

Jake was feeling sick to his stomach. The papers he’d been served with were the last thing he wanted to receive today. Alana had followed through with her threats and was attempting to get rights and visitation with Roxy. It wasn’t going to happen, but it was a nuisance to have to deal with. Tossing the papers on his desk, he rubbed his hands over his face. The woman had a hell of a nerve to pursue this. Not once had she even asked to see Roxy. The whole thing was her bullshit way of trying to get to him. It wasn’t going to work. He’d run this by his lawyers office before he headed out to the Cane’s house. Might as well get it over with.

He grabbed his black Stetson hat and shoved it on his head. For a moment, he thought about calling Dom to see how it went for him over at the Everett’s, but if it went bad, Jake sure didn’t need to hear that before he went to do the same thing.

It was nerve wracking driving down the winding road to the Cane’s house. Lilah was supposed to be out with Chelsea and Sabrina doing some shopping so as long as it made it quick, he should be able to get in and out without her knowing he was ever there.

Jake was greeted with a surprised smile and hug by Mrs. Cane, looking pretty as always.
“Jake, it’s good to see you, sugar.”

“Good to see you too, ma’am. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Lilah isn’t here, but you’re welcome to stay and visit if you’d like. No telling when those girls will get home.”

“I’d appreciate a visit with you and Mr. Cane if he’s around.”

Noting the surprise that registered on her face, he pulled his hat off and held it to his side.
Damn nerves
. The part he was worried about was how Mr. Cane would feel about the entire situation. They’d had their rocky moments and he didn’t want this to be one of them. It was understandable why he was protective of his baby girl. So when he came around the corner, Jake held his breath a bit until he saw a smile on his face.

“Hello, Jake.” Noah strode up to him taking his hand in a firm shake, clapping him on the back.

“Afternoon, sir.”

“I made some sweet ice
d tea if y’all want to get comfortable I’ll go get us some.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”
I sound like a damn robot.

“You know you can cut the sir and ma’am crap with us, Jake. I think we’ve been beyond that for a while now, don’t you?” Noah gave him a curious look as he sat on the cream colored leather sofa.

He sat in a brandy colored straight back chair across from him and hung his hat on his knee when he crossed them. “Yes, sir…I mean yes, we are I suppose.” Pausing as he gathered his thoughts, Jake straightened the cuffs of his cowboy shirt and took a deep, calming breath.

“I came to talk to you about Lilah. More specifically, the relationship I have with Lilah.”

“Here’s a tall, cold glass of fresh and sweet sun tea, darlin’s. Did I miss anything?” Mikayla handed out glasses and Jake was grateful to have a sip of the cold brew to clear his dry throat.

“Jake says he needs to talk to us about his and Lilah’s relationship.”

Now they were both staring at him.

He switched how his legs were crossed and
set his hat on his other knee. They waited without saying another word.

Clearing his throat, he sat forward and placed his glass on a coaster on the coffee table.

“I’m in love with her,” he blurted out.

Mikayla grinned at him and nodded her head. “So we noticed.”

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “No, I
really
love her.”
Son of a bitch, this wasn’t going like he wanted it too. He’d done went stupid and needy sounding and they were both smiling like the cat that ate the canary.

“I mean…what I’m trying to say is,”
shit. What the hell am I trying to say?

“I want to ask her to be my wife. I know I didn’t go about all this the way my momma raised me to do it, but you need to know I’ll love and protect her
and our children with my life.”
There, that was good. True and good. See, I’m not a complete idiot.

“It may have been the cart before the horse, but I’m so dang happy we’re having a baby together. Roxy is excited as
can be.” The thought of Roxy’s face when they told her there was a baby on the way was priceless. His little girl had screamed and bounced up and down for a good ten minutes before they got her to calm down.

“What I’m trying to say is
that I want your blessing to marry your daughter. I promise I’m going to take care of our family and do my best by them all. I’ve picked a nice spot on my land to build us a house of our own. It won’t be as fancy as this one, but it’ll be the very best I can give her.”

“Oh, Jake! You are just the sweetest man, but surely you know Lilah doesn’t care about fancy things.” Mikayla was wiping under her eyes.

Nodding his head, he smiled at her, “I know that, ma’am. I do want to give her the best though.”

Noticing that her father hadn’t said a word, he looked him eye to eye. “Mr. Cane, will you give me your blessing to ask your daughter to marry me? I’ve planned a picnic out on the farm on Sunday and I would be right grateful if y’all would be there.
”

The weight of the world lifted off his shoulders when Noah laughed and stood up to come shake his hand. “We’d be proud to call you son, Jake. We’d be glad to be there on Sunday.” He still had hold of Jakes hand and pulled him close quickly, speaking into his ear with a low but dark voice. “But remember, if you ever hurt my daughter, I know how to kill and dispose of a body in more ways that you could ever imagine. I’d make sure yours was a slow and painful one if you ever wronged her.” Then he pulled back and smiled again, slapping Jake on the shoulder. “Let’s celebrate and have a beer, son.”

Jake swallowed and tugged at the collar of his shirt a bit before following Noah into the kitchen for a beer. As he passed by Mikayla, she laughed and patted his back. “Welcome to the family.”

A half hour before everyone was supposed to arrive, Dom was sure he’d lost his damn mind by inviting Chelsea’s parents. There was a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach that wouldn’t go away. His thought was confirmed as a known fact when he watched as they pulled up in their junked out station wagon, swerving a hard right to miss a four foot tall log fence post that had balloons tied around it. It was obvious Mr. Everett was drunk when he threw the car in park and damn near fell out of his car as he opened the door.

Still, Dom made an effort to be polite when he greeted them. “
Thanks for coming,” he stuck out his hand, taking the elderly mans in his grip. It appeared that his money purchased liquid courage, instead of a nice change of clothing.

Mr. Everett was wearing his usual, overalls and a stained t-shirt with his farm boots. He stank of stale beer and nicotine. “Howdy,” he tilted forward, steadying himself by grabbing Dom’s shoulder.

“Don’t you think it would have been more appropriate to refrain from drinking before coming over here?”

Mrs. Everett butted in, coming around the car in her lavender floral dress and white pumps. “Now, Dom, we was a little nervous so we had a little drink to calm our nerves. There ain’t nothin’ wrong with that. Give him somethin’ to eat and he’ll be fine.” She waved her hand at Dom, shooing him away as she took hold of her husband’s arm and led him towards the picnic table where the food was.

Dom watched his parents exchange a knowing glance and look at him with worried faces. He shook his head and wiped his hand over his face in frustration. The girls were going to be there soon and he didn’t want to cause more of a scene then there would be already. Jake looked as rattled as he felt. He’d been pacing so much the grass was smashed flat beneath his feet.

The only ones eating anything were Chelsea’s parents. Thank God his own were trying to control the situation by sitting and talking to the Everett’s
, while Jake’s parents watched after Roxy and Peyton who had become fast friends. The tables were set with red and white checked table cloths and their mothers had put out a traditional picnic spread of fried chicken, potato salad, fresh squeezed lemonade, cucumber salad, yeast rolls, baked beans, and strawberry shortcake for desert. The weather was nice. It was warm and sunny but not so hot it was miserable. A cool breeze brought the smell of lilacs from the vines that covered the fencing. Everything was perfect except for his drunk, possibly soon to be in laws that were chowing down like they hadn’t eaten anything in a month of Sundays.

Turning away from the site, he looked out across the land that he was hoping to raise his family on. Jake came up beside him, “Gonna be an interesting day.”

Dom huffed and shook his head, “You got that right, bruh. I should have punched my damn self when I decided to invite her family.”

“Don’t beat yourself up about it. You did what you thought was respectful. It’s not on you how they behave. Chels will know you had good intentions.”

With a sigh of relief, Dom crossed his arms and shrugged his shoulders, “I hope so.”

Jake raised his eyebrow and grinned, “Or it could go terribly wrong and she’ll say no. Then you’ll grow old alone with only your hand to keep you warm at night.”

With a laugh, Dom shoved him and shook his head. “You ain’t right, bruh.”

A car coming down the road had their heads turning, the girls were here.
Both girls looked surprised and confused when they saw both of their families in attendance. They’d been led to believe it was going to be a double date picnic with the four of them. Chelsea didn’t know how to react when she saw her parents, but she went to them and gave them each a tentative hug before turning back to Dom with a questioning gaze.

Jake raised his hand and called out, “If everyone could take a seat, we’d appreciate it. Chelsea, Lilah, if you ladies could come sit
right here, these seats are reserved for you.”

Dom was so damn glad that Jake was taking things under control since under his booming voice everyone quieted
in an instant and got settled on the benches. Chelsea was beautiful as always. Her fair, freckled skin glowed and her cheeks were a soft pink, matching her blushing pink dress she had on. Her blonde waves were piled high on her head with little wisps flying free. In that moment, he knew that no matter what, he wasn’t taking no for an answer. Chelsea was the one for him.

An elbow from Jake signaled that he’d missed his cue. Dom cleared his throat and smiled at the woman that held the key to his heart.

“We asked our families here to join us today because this is a very special time in our lives. Chelsea,” Dom dropped to one knee in front of her. “I have loved you for years. You’ve been my best friend, my confidant and my rock. I want to you to be my wife, the mother of our children…more than just the one you’re carrying now and Peyton. And I want to grow old with you. I’ve already received your parents blessing,” Dom heard commotion behind him, Chelsea had turned her head to look but he ignored it, and touched her chin with his finger to turn her back to look at him. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me?” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a black velvet box and flipped open the lid. Inside was a solitaire princess cut diamond. Fitting, since he’d called her princess since they were teens.

Chelsea put her hand over her heart. She was shaking so bad it was a wonder her knees weren’t knocking.
Pictures of their life were flashing through her mind like a movie reel. All the laughter, dancing, serious talks and even tears, each picture a poignant memory of how this man came to mean so very much to her. She loved him with her heart and soul.

“Yes, a million times yes!” she held his face in her hands and kissed him as happy tears slid down her cheeks. Amidst laughter and cheers, Dom gave her the biggest smile and picked her up, sitting back down in her chair with her on his lap. He nodded to Jake, turning the floor over to him.

Never one that was much for fanfare or having all eyes on him, Jake stood there a moment staring at Lilah. It hadn’t surprised him when she’d gotten out of the car wearing a pretty dress that cinched in under her breasts and flowed down to her ankles. It was her favorite bright orange color with splashes of white flowers looking like it came straight from Hawaii. Her tight spiral curls were wrapped up in knot with a bright orange flower in holding it all together. She looked like a burst of gorgeous sunshine.

And she was going to be his.

“I guess you done figured out what’s goin’ on here since your brother won the coin toss on who got to go first.”

Everyone laughed and his felt the heat creep up his neck from embarrassment. He was a cowboy. Not a man of fancy words. A nervous cough and he tucked his thumbs in his front pockets and rocked on his heels.

“I’m not an easy man to love. I know that.
You
know that, but damned if you don’t love me no way. Blows my mind, but I’m grateful you didn’t give up on me. Also grateful your parents gave me their blessing to do this.” As graceful as he could, he lowered himself to his knee and took Lilah’s hand in his and kissed it. There was a tremble there, but he wasn’t sure if it was from him or her. “What I’m trying to say is, I love the hell outta you, Delilah Cane. I’d be so damn...I mean so darn proud if you’d marry me and continue putting up with me. Would you be my wife?”

As an afterthought, he reached in his pocket and shoved the box in her hands. He felt like a klutz but it made her laugh.
He wiped his sweaty palms on his thighs before he reached for her hand again.
Jesus H Christ
, she still hadn’t answered but there was still a smile on her face so that had to be good right? In all honesty, he thought he had it in the bag and would get an immediate yes like Dom had. Of course, Jake didn’t have a pretty speech, but it wasn’t terrible either. Suspense was killing him and his nerves were on edge when he spouted off again.

“Well, will you
?”

Lilah was so happy she wanted to bask in the beautiful moment and now that she saw how impatient Jake was
, the devil on her shoulder told her to keep him waiting for a few moments longer. But when she saw doubt creep into his eyes she couldn’t hold back her excitement any longer.

“Of course I’ll marry you!”

There was another round of cheers from the crowd while Lilah kissed him and hugged him tight.

Jake leaned over towards Dom so they could knuckle punch and high-five to their success.

Chelsea’s father, however, felt it was high time to confront Dom. “So let me get this right,” he ambled over to Dom and grabbed his arm. Chelsea hopped up off his lap, turning towards her father.

“Daddy, don’t start trouble.”

“You jus’ hush, little girl. This son of a gun didn’t tell me he’d gon’ an knocked you up when he came to the house pretty as you please actin’ all proper like. Jus’ who do you think you are takin’ the cart afore the horse? You dishonored my family by turnin’ my girl into a hussy!”

“I’m not a hussy! And you leave him alone,” Chelsea yelled.

Dom stood up and stepped towards him with a glowering look, “Don’t you ever talk about her or to her like that again. I’ve been as respectful as I can be towards you, Mr. Everett, but I’ll not put up with you treating her that way.”

“She’s my kid. I’ll talk to her as I damn well please! If she’d a kept her legs closed this wouldn’t have ever happened. Damn trollop. Jus’ like her mother. Damned women screw up everything.”

Chelsea started crying. “This is why I never talk to you. You hateful drunk! I hate you!” She walked away, heading towards the road, hiding her face in her hands as she cried.

Dom was beyond pissed. The old bastard had ruined everything. It was time for him to leave. Chelsea’s mother had walked after her, trying to console her daughter but she pushed her away. Dom grabbed her father’s arm and dragged him to his car and shoved him towards it. By that time, Mrs. Everett had got in her car and was sobbing. “Get the hell out of here. You don’t deserve her, and she sure as hell doesn’t deserve you.” Dom took off after Chelsea. He turned when he heard the car start up and the engine rev up harder than the old station wagon had probably ever
run. In that moment, Dom knew that her father planned on running him down. To his right were the picnic tables where his family and his son were. To his left was wooden fence. He took off in that direction, planning on doing his damnedest to jump over it and get off on a good run, and he did until he heard Chelsea screaming and a loud thumping sound that made his heart drop from his chest.

Turning around, Dom looked in stunned silence as it registered in his brain. Mr. Everett had thrown the car in reverse instead of
drive. Chelsea had been running up behind it and screaming at her father to not do it. The only thing he could see was her arm flung up over her head lying in the dirt.