Page 117 of Tangled Emotions

“Here’s the thing, Mister Malone, I’d like to marry Edith.”

“I see.” He nodded. “Can you support her?”

“I can.”

“What about Mattie?”

“I can support him too, and I’d like to adopt him.”

His eyes stared through me as he thought about his next question. “Mm-hmm. And you promise to take care of my little girl?”

“Until my dying breath.”

He nodded. “You got a ring?”

Matt snapped his fingers. “Shoot. I forgot to ask that.”

Irv smiled. “It’s okay, that’s a question for me to ask.”

Pulling a small ring box out, I handed it to him. “It was my mom’s.”

Irene’s hand flew to her mouth as tears ran down her cheeks. “Edith would love that.”

Still nodding, Irv handed me back the ring box. “I think you would be an excellent addition to our family.”

“Francis.” Irene choked up. “Thank you for being old-fashioned.” She reached out for me and I kneeled by her feet, hugging her.

“My parent’s wouldn’t have me any other way.” My voice dipped low. “And if they were here they’d love Edith and Matthew.”

Matt fell back against the couch. “Do we gotta wait to ask Mom?”

“Nope we just need to wait until the time is right.”

“This is gonna take forever!” He threw his hands up in frustration, making us all laugh.

After we talked for a bit more, I took Matt over to his place to do his chores and wait for Edie to get off work.

Edith

My feet hurt.

I’m crabby.

I’m tired and I just want to go home.

Frank and Matt started their Christmas break today, and I worked it out with Evie and Gene so I could take a few days off.

I made my way upfront and found Evie leaning on the counter, giggling.

“Now what are you up to?”

She flashed me a smile. “Bryan is out there trying to turn on the sign.”

“You didn’t.” I half smiled.

“I did.”

“C’mon Edie, you know it never gets old sending new people to plug it in while we flip a switch.” Big E leaned out through the service window,

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