Page 36 of Healing the Quarterback

"I love you. I understand if you can't say it yet, but I need you to know how I feel. One day, I plan on marrying, hopefully soon."

"Really?" she asks with tears falling from her eyes.

"Really," I state simply.

"I love you too. I guess I always have," she whispers, and I kiss her hard.

"Later, I'll show you how much I love you, but for now, could you help me make dinner?"

She laughs, gives me another kiss, and then we set about making dinner.

Dinner with both our fathers was easier than I originally thought it would be. There were no personal questions, thank goodness, and they both seemed happy for Krista and me to be together.

After dinner and clean-up, Krista and her dad left to go next door and catch up. Dad was sitting in his favorite chair in the living room. I can see how tired he is, so I say, “Dad, why don’t you go get some rest.”

He looks at me, then says, “Son, I want you to know, I am so proud of the man you are, of who’ve you become. You had a dream, and you chased it, making it a reality. I love you son.”

“I love you too, dad,” I reply, tears welling up in my eyes.

He’s always told me he was proud, but it never had any meaning to me until now.

“I think I will go lay down for a bit. We should have the Strauss’ over for Christmas,” he says, walking to his room.

“Sure, dad, we can do that,” I say with a small smile touching my lips.

I hear his door close, and tears fall from my eyes.

* * *

Christmas Day

Krista and her dad came over to spend Christmas with us, and I was so grateful to have her here. She’s currently holding my hand, while having a conversation with both of our fathers.

Dad seems to be holding up, but I’m not sure how much of that is for show or real. I pat my pocket, where the box is currently sitting. I know this may seem quick and sudden to some, but I hope Krista knows I mean everything I am about to do.

I’ve already asked for her father’s blessing, and surprisingly, he didn’t say no. In fact, he told me, “Nothing would make me happier, Son.” Then he hugged me.

I get up, round the table, pulling the box from my pocket, knowing now is the time. I get down on one knee in front of Krista and watch the confusion cross her face.

“Krista, I know we’ve had some turbulent times,” she laughed out loud and muttered, “understatement.”

I chuckled with her, because it’s true, then I continue, “These last few months have shown me when you are willing to let go of the past and hurt, how beautiful and true love can be. You are my soul, and there is no other woman on this earth that I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

I open the box in my hand showcasing the ring, “With your father’s blessing, and my father as a witness, Krista Strauss, will you marry me?”

The tears flow down her face as she looks from me to the ring, then back to me, “Yes, yes, I will marry you.”

I slip the ring on her finger and pull her to me for a kiss.

“Congratulations, we are so proud of you both,” my dad tells us both, lifting his glass of water.

“Congratulations to the perfect couple,” Krista’s dad says with a beaming smile.

I give my fiancée another kiss before hugging her to my side.

“Wow,” she whispers, looking at her ring before hugging her dad and mine.

CHAPTER11

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