Page 62 of 7 Miles High
Her face wears the expression any man would love. Her eyes are locked on mine. She’s biting her bottom lip and there’s tears welling.
“I love you too, Parker. More love than I knew possible.”
I seal her words with a kiss. I never want to forget this moment and how it made me feel. Loved by the one you love. That’s about the greatest feeling in the world.
“There’s no other woman for me but you. I’m sure of it.”
“And no other man for me. In fact there’s no other man period. I see only you.”
Skin on skin we hold each other close. And a little trepidation seeps in that says,Will she always love me?That’s the fear. It’s so good you have a hard time believing she’ll always see you in the same light. God, I hope you make it so.
* * *
Sitting in the restaurant waiting for my parents to show is making me want another drink but I’ve already had two and another might unleash the beast. That’s what Matt and Elliott used to call me when I’d had too much. But that was my high school self. The beast has been in hibernation for a long time now.
My mother walks in, followed by my dad.
“Here they come. Don’t be nervous,” I say to a completely calm Natalie.
What happened to the nerves I thought she was going to feel? I can’t see a one.
“It’s going to be fine,” she says, patting my leg.
She’s calming me. A plot twist to our story. I’m always the calmest guy in the room. Not at this moment.
“Darling!” My mother reaches out for me as I stand. Taking me in her arms I get the whole treatment. Kisses on the cheek, firm hug, and then a whispered message. “She’s beautiful!”
“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Natalie. Natalie these are my parents, Shelley and Grant.”
My mother goes for the hug and kiss, which Natalie accepts with ease.
“Hello, dear. It’s so good to meet you. Parker has said so many nice things about you I feel like I know you already.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Lisa. Your son reflects well on his upbringing. He speaks so fondly of his childhood, it’s made me wish I had grown up in your neighborhood.”
“Well, that’s about the nicest thing anyone has ever said. Thank you.”
My father is a little less outgoing. He extends a hand.
“Good to finally meet. I’m Grant.”
Natalie brushes aside his handshake and overrides it with a peck on the cheek.
“Let’s not stand on formalities. Hi, Grant.”
That brings a smile to my father’s face. Everyone finds their place at the table and settles in for the big reveal. As we talk I’m aware of the undercurrent. Are they thinking what I am? I’m wondering if they consider the fact they could be family one day. In-laws. This may be day one of a lifelong relationship.
Weird to even contemplate the scenario. But I have. The idea makes me happy, as if it’s almost predestined. Maybe preordained. Wife, meet your mother and father-in-law. Parents meet your daughter-in-law. Sounds right to me. Since I met Natalie, my whole life has taken on a kind of glow. I should have the good sense to know someone is watching over me.
