Page 37 of Something More

Dakota

“Thank you.” I looked over at Hank.

“For?” He seemed confused.

“For being you. You’ve been so patient with me and accepting of Jack. When I came back here, I wasn’t sure what toexpect, but you’ve been so great about all of it.” I reached over and squeezed his hand.

“I’ve always loved you. That’s never changed.” He shrugged. “And Jack is easy to love too.”

“He is, isn’t he?” I lifted my chin and nodded in the direction of the creek. Jack was sprawled across a tube, just floating in the water.

Hank moved closer. “I was wondering… what do you think about getting married?”

I was shocked. “I’ve only been back a few months.”

“I know, but we already know each other. I love you, you love me. Why wait? What would that do for us?” He scooted even closer. “Waiting would just delay the inevitable. Make me an honest man. Say yes.” He leaned in and kissed me.

“I…” I couldn’t really think of a reason to tell him no. I mean, he had a point. “Ok.” I slowly nodded as I attempted to process what was happening.

“Are you saying yes?” He tipped his head and looked right into my eyes. “Codie? Is this a yes?” I pressed my lips together and nodded.

“It’s a yes, I think.” I was confused. I was afraid to be happy. I was afraid to go all in. The last time I went all in with someone, it ended in tragedy. Could I do this again?

“You think?” He moved into my sightline. “What’s holding you back here?”

“Fear, I guess,” I murmured.

“Of what?” He squeezed my hands.

“Of something happening to you.”

“Nothing’s going to happen to me. I’m healthy, and about to be really happy when you realize that I’m your future.”

I closed my eyes. I tried to picture a life with Hank. Living here on the farm. Having him come home each day to Jack andmyself. Maybe adding to the family one day. “Ok.” I opened my eyes and slowly nodded. “Ok, yes.”

“Woo hoo!” Hank shouted as he stood and pulled me up. He lifted me in the air over his shoulder and spun around, hooting loudly before setting me back on the ground in front of him.

“What are you doing?” Jack climbed off the tube and stood in the water, looking at us like we were crazy.

“Your mom and I are getting married.” Hank threw his hands in the air in celebration.

“Finally!” Jack made an exasperated expression. “I feel like I’ve been waiting forever.”

“You’re happy?” I looked at him, surprised by this reaction.

Jack stomped through the water, dragging the tube, climbed out, and walked over. “If I could pick someone to be my dad, it would be him.” He pointed at Hank. “He doesn’t treat me like a baby, and he teaches me stuff.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

My chest squeezed as I listened to him. He was probably the one I was most worried about with all of this. I wasn’t just doing things for me, all of my decisions affected him and part of me questioned if my choices were the right ones.

“Ok, then.” I laughed.

“So it’s settled. We’re going to be a family.” Hank fist-bumped Jack.

“When?” Jack watched with curious eyes as we both looked at each other.

“Next week?” Hank suggested. “We can do something small here at the farm.”

“What’s Grandma gonna say?” Jack mused.

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