Page 94 of About That Night

That makes me shake my head, amused. “There’s a bourbon behind the bar with your name on it. I’ll have Conway bring it to you.”

“Screw that. I’ll go get it.” Pops rubs his hands together. He’s moving pretty well as he hightails it to the bar.

I put my hand on the small of Chastity’s back. The amount of pride I have in my life tonight has me near to bursting. There’s only one thing left that I need to do.

A little over an hour later, I finally get my chance to escape the kitchen. Everyone is having a great time enjoying the food and the atmosphere of Conviction. The staff is doing an amazing job, and there have only been minor hiccups, but nothing noteworthy. I’ve actually been smiling and laughing in the kitchen, even though I’m focused on delivering a delicious meal to each of our guests.

I’ll need to make this relatively quick, but I want to thank everyone for being here for me.

“Attention, everyone, attention.” I knew I wanted to make a speech, so I have a mic ready by the bar and a glass of MacKay’s bourbon to toast with.

The restaurant quiets down, and everyone turns to look at me expectantly. Toby lets out a holler of encouragement, raising his glass, which makes me grin. I seek out and find Chastity sitting next to George’s wife. She’s beaming at me.

“I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for being here tonight. This is a special night for me, to realize my personal dream of opening up a restaurant, but it’s even more special because it’s here, in my hometown. Good or bad–this place, my parents, and our amazing Cajun culture are responsible for me becoming the man I am today.”

“It’s not my fault!” my father yells out with a grin, raising his bourbon glass. “Blame your mother!”

My mother smacks his arm. “Dave!”

“My parents, ladies and gentlemen. Dave and Jenny Young. Let’s raise a glass to these two crazy kids who thought it made sense to raise five boys and two girls.” I lift my glass and take a tiny sip. “But now that we’re all grown, the Young family is getting bigger as two of my brothers have gotten married and added their beautiful wives to our collective insanity. What do you all think about adding one more wife to this family?”

There are a few gasps. My mother’s hands go to her mouth.

Chastity looks frozen.

“Chastity, come on up here, please,” I say.

George’s wife pats her hand in encouragement. Chastity stands, her cheeks pink, and she walks over to me. I kiss her gently and take her hand. “Don’t look so scared,” I murmur.

Then I tell the crowd, “So, when I came home a while back, I ran into this girl again, and I was kicking myself for wasting a chance I had to win her heart two years ago. She told me she wanted to be just friends, and I tried, y’all, I really tried.” A few people in the room laugh. I take in Chastity’s sweet smile, her tender eyes, her perfect little nose, and the way she always leans in toward me. The two of us draw together, time and time again. “But it’s really hard to be just friends when you love someone the way I love this woman, when she makes me a better man, and trusts me both with her own heart and that of her son’s. Chastity, I will spend every day for the rest of my life making sure you and Josiah are taken care of, protected, and loved the way you both deserve to be loved.”

My dad and Josiah are in on what I’m planning, so I look over at them. “Dad, it’s time. Josiah, come on up here, son.”

That’s what he feels like to me—my son. I know we still need time to learn how to be a family, but I’m as committed to Josiah as I am to Chastity. He’s a great kid, and I love him.

Josiah takes the box from my father and runs up to us, grinning. He shoves the ring box at me. “Thanks, buddy.” I give him a fist bump.

I set the mic down and go down on one knee. “Chastity DuBois, will you marry me?”

Chastity is crying, shaking her head in earnest. “Yes, Hank Williams Young, I will marry you.”

I slip the ring on her finger. “The Williams is silent,” I tell her, gathering her in my arms and giving her a kiss that comes from the depths of my soul.

Everyone is cheering when we ease apart. Chastity is laughing and blushing and holds her hand up to show off the diamond.

I turn to the room and call out, “Hell yeah, she said yes. That would have been really embarrassing if she said no.”

“As if I’d ever say no to you,” she says quietly. The look she gives me is naughty.

For a split second, I wish we were alone when I’d done this, but then I realize there will be the rest of our lives to be alone together. We need to share this moment with Josiah, and with our family and friends.

Chastity bends down and hugs Josiah. “You knew about this?”

Josiah nods. “Me and Hank talked about it last night.”

“A little man-to-man,” I tell her. “I needed his permission.”

Now she’s crying. “God, I love you.”

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