It’s only because he knows I’m joking that my legs are still attached.
“Is there anything in particular you want, Kitt?”
“Yeah, actually. I want to marry your daughter. So, if I can get your blessing, that’ll be great.”
His jaw drops, and his eyes bulge. He stands stock-still, like he’s not sure he heard me right. Or he’s trying to figure out who to call for the number of a hit man.
“You all right there, old man?” I ask, leaning forward.
I’m treading a very fine line here. He could say no. It’s not going to change anything. There is nothing he could say that would stop me from proposing to her, but I know she will want him to be okay with it.
“You want to marry her?”
“Of course I do. How are you surprised by this?”
He coughs. “Because you’re twenty-two, and she’s nineteen.”
“All right, so we’re young, but that doesn’t change a thing. We’re still going to be together until the end. I’m not saying I want to get married right now, unless she does, but I want to put a ring on her finger.”
“Why now?”
“Why not now?”
He cocks his head. “That’s your answer?”
“I don’t really know what else to say. I love her, and I want to marry her. That’s my reason. What more do you need?”
His back straightens, and he folds his arms over his chest. Mark wants to say no. He wants Texas to live at home with him longer. He’s not ready for another big change where their relationship is concerned, but he also can’t do anything he knows she wouldn’t want.
He’s scared she’ll say yes and move out, and he knows it’ll happen.
“When were you planning on doing it?”
“Before we leave for Australia.”
“Why so soon?”
I smirk. “Because you’ll probably be sick of me when we hit the road again, and I’m not going to give you the opportunity to change your mind. I’m looking for a yes from both of you, so I’m not taking any chances.”
“What if she says no?”
“She won’t.”
“What if I do?”
“I’m going to marry her, Mark. You know that, too. I’d rather do it with your support, and so would Tex, but I will make her my wife.”
He stares at me for a long time. His hazel eyes search for answers to every doubt he has. I hold his eyes, sitting tall. She is all I want, and he’ll never find anything else inside of me other than Texas.
Finally, he breaks our gaze. “When she was six and asked why her mum didn’t live with us, like her friends who all had two parents together, we ended up having a huge discussion. She got upset…for me because I didn’t have anyone to parent with. I had to do it all alone. And when I told her I was happy to do it alone, she promised me she’d live with me forever. Of course, that would never happen, but she was so sure. I would love more time with my daughter, but I would never ask her to put her life on hold or give up her happiness for me. So, if she wants to marry you, Kitt, you have my blessing.”
Thank fuck for that.
The weight of the damn world lifts off my shoulders.
Shit, I get to marry the girl of my dreams. Like I said, it’s happening anyway, but it’s better with the old man’s approval.
“Thanks, Mark. And I don’t expect her to move in with me straight off. You’re both going to need time to get used to it.”
“Oh, she’ll want to move in with you. You’ll be engaged, Kitt. You should live together.”
Well, I know that, but I’d never push her. Not that much anyway. Not when it comes to her relationship with her dad.
“You’ve had enough of her already?” I joke.
He laughs. “I’m just looking forward to watching you try to handle her.”
I have a few tried and tested ways. None I can discuss with her daddy.
“It’s fine. I’ll drink.”
Folding his arms, he takes a step closer, like he’s putting me on trial. “What does this mean in the long-term? You’ll be touring, and she’ll be…”
“She’ll be wherever she wants.”
“You’re fine with her staying behind?”
“Mark, all I need is for her to be happy. Whatever we’re doing, we’ll figure it out. And I won’t cram the whole world into a summer next time. I love my career—it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do—but it will never come before her. Nothing will.”
He gives me a nod, and I think he’s content with what I’ve told him. I’ve never had to put so much fucking work into a relationship before. Mark and Texas aren’t easy, but I love them both. In very, very different ways.
“Better not. If she sheds one tear over you, I swear…”
“Got it,” I reply. “Anyway, shouldn’t you be worrying about your next move? Your nineteen-year-old daughter will beat you down the aisle. Don’t you think it’s time to settle down?”
“I’m about to get rid of one woman, so I think I’ll enjoy the peace for a while.”
“Mark, if I ask you a personal question, do you promise not to—”