Page 105 of Marc

“I promised Mom that we would video call her so she can meet Staci and see the ring.”

Marc coughs. “You told Mom?”

He looks surprised that his mom would want to see the ring or meet me.

“Wait, you didn’t tell your mom that you were planning on proposing to me?”

“She knows how I feel about you and she already knew that I went ring shopping, but no, I didn’t tell her I was proposing tonight.”

Amanda groans. “I’m sorry, bro. You can blame me.”

“Uh, yeah. You’re damn right I am blaming you.”

I love seeing their sibling bond. It makes my heart swell, but it also stings because Teri and I would tease each other like the two of them are right now.

Amanda pushes Marc away and turns to face me. “So, should we call your family first?”

Her question catches me by surprise. “Oh, uh, no, that won’t be necessary.”

“Oh.” She looks towards Marc before looking back at me. “Are they, umm, dead?”

Marc throws his hands up in exasperation and scowls at Amanda. “That is incredibly rude to ask.”

I interject. “In a sense, but no, they are very much alive except my sister. She passed away a long time ago.”

Amanda wraps her arm around my shoulder. “I am so sorry. Marc’s right, that was rude of me and Ishouldn’t have asked. That’s personal, and you just met me.”

“It’s not a big deal.” At Marc’s questioning look, I clarify. “Sure, I wish I had a loving and supportive family, but I’m mostly over it. The only person I wish I could share this with is Teri, but I know she is watching and is proud of me, so that is all that matters.”

Marc grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I know it isn’t the same, but I can promise you that my family will love you like their own and treat you the same, if not better, than they treat me.”

Amanda adds, “He’s right. We already love you and are happy for the two of you. I know we can’t replace your family, but you are always welcome in ours.”

I feel a sense of relief. Almost as if my conscience was worried about Marc’s family liking me.

“Well, in that case, let’s video call your mom.”

“Yay!” Amanda squeals before making the call.

The three of us huddle together on the bench, with Marc in the middle as an older woman pops up on the screen.

Marc and Amanda speak at the same time. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hey guys and hi Staci, I’m Patti.”

I give her a wave. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”

She smiles. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’m so sorry we haven’t met sooner, but with being out of state for the past year, we haven’t had much down time. We will be coming home in the nextcouple of weeks, so we can get together then, if you are up to it.”

Marc looks at me as if he is expecting me to make that decision.

His parents have had to care for Marc’s sick grandparents over the past year, and Marc and I have made sure to keep their house clean and their lawn mowed.

“I’m totally up for that. Work isn’t going to be too crazy, but you are more than welcome to come see Marc in action.”

Marc chuckles. “Me? I just stand there. You are the one that actually works.”

“It’s not work when you enjoy it.”

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