Page 98 of Mistletoe and Mischief

“I know. We’ve talked about that and she’s applied to law schools in the Washington, D.C., area.”

Zach arched his brows. “She has, has she?” Apparently, this had been an ongoing discussion between them. “So Allison’s already accepted your proposal?”

“No, sir,” Anson said. Then he nodded. “Well, yes. I realize speaking to you about this is just a formality, but it’s important to me.”

Zach sent him an encouraging smile.

“Allison wanted me to give her the ring when she picked me up at the airport. I told her I wanted to talk to you and Mrs. Cox first.”

Zach could bet his daughter hadn’t been keen on that. He approved, though. He liked Anson’s old-fashioned sense of protocol and his respect for both Allison and her family.

“Rosie!” Zach called his wife. “Could you come here for a minute? Allison, you, too.”

“Sure.”

Allison came into the other room, holding her mother’s hand.

“It seems that Anson here would like our permission to marry our daughter.”

Rosie turned to look at Allison. “But you haven’t finished school yet and...you’re both so young.”

“They’ve taken both matters into account and still want to get married. Allison will continue her schooling in D.C.”

“Oh.”

“What do you think?” Zach asked Rosie.

“Well...yes, of course. I would welcome Anson into the family with open arms.”

“Oh, thank you, Mom.” Allison kissed her mother’s cheek and then hurried across the room to her father.

“Hold on a minute,” Zach said, stopping her. “I haven’t given my consent.”

“Daddy!”

Wearing a huge grin, Zach stood and hugged his daughter, and then Anson. “I couldn’t imagine a son-in-law I’d rather have. You both have our blessing.” Zach was confident in the strength of this relationship, despite their age. They’d proven their commitment to each other. He’d miss his daughter, but the family was close and they’d see her frequently.

“What’s going on in here?” Eddie asked, returning to the living room.

“Anson and I are engaged.”

“Cool,” Eddie said.

“We’d like a June wedding, and then I’ll move to Washington, D.C., to be with Anson.”

Eddie shook his head. “I don’t know about Mom and Dad having an empty nest.”

“Hey, it hasn’t been a problem so far,” Zach told him.

“But it could be.” Eddie seemed intent on making his case. “Allison’s going to be on the other side of the country, and I’ll be away at school.”

Rosie frowned and looked at Zach. He shrugged, unsure what his son was getting at.

“Mom,” Eddie said. “You need someone to mother. And, Dad, who are you going to boss around? Everyone knows Mom won’t put up with that for long.”

Allison laughed, but Zach was less amused.

“Now, just a minute, young man—”

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