Page 67 of Loving Decker

“I made my mama’s shepherd’s pie.”

“Wow, that’s impressive, Deck.”

“She helped me.”

“Of course. Still impressive though.”

He pulled it out then sliced the French bread, poured their drinks, and scooped up food on their plates. “Dinner is served.”

She sat next to him at her kitchen table. “The place is pretty empty now.”

“I think it looks good.”

“Me too.”

“Should we pray?”

She took his hand and smiled, bowing her head.

“Lord, we thank thee for this meal. And for Mama. And for Grandpa. And we thank thee for Faith and for our friendship and…love. Please bless Faith. Bless our choices. Watch over Willow Creek.”

As he prayed, she remembered what an honorable man he was, how deep down to the core of Decker and all the way from there to the surface, was a good, God-loving man who was doing his best.

And some of her new fear and distrust started to soften.

When he was finished, she squeezed his hand. “Amen.”

They talked about everything and nothing, the things two best friends always talked about. The weather, the crops, the people they loved, the news, the birds she saw while mowing, their horses, everything except what was most difficult.

Then he said, “I miss Grandpa, but I also keep remembering he’s in a really great place with Grandma, and he can talk and walk, and it’s just harder to feel sad for him.”

She nodded. But before she could agree or disagree, he continued, “But it makes me sad for you. Some of this right here is to stick myself back in your face. You’re not alone. Even when you want to be. You’re not. That’s what family is. And I want to be family. I’m not sure if I lost the chance to be your closest family, the man who would be at your side forever. But even if that’s gone, I’m still Decker and you’re still Faith. And we know how to be friends through it all.” He raised his right hand. “Best friends to the end.”

He studied her face. She wasn’t sure if he was looking for some kind of answer from her or not. But she suddenly just wanted to talk it out. “Alright. Let’s hear what you have to say about New York.”

He exhaled in relief. “Faith, it’s been killing me that I haven’t been able to talk to you about this.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“’Cause all of a sudden you were not just my best friend Faith. You were someone I was trying to love, to date, to…marry.” His gaze bore into hers with an intensity that burned inside her. But she tried really hard not to react. She needed to keep her wits about her, needed to understand.

She nodded.

“And so it just felt a little soon to come at you with a potential move and a petition that you come with me, ’cause the only way that would work would be as my wife.”

She nodded again. “And so you didn’t want to bring it up at all until you knew you could propose?”

“Hearing you say it like that makes it sound silly, but yes. I didn’t want to spring this whole thing on you in the middle of Grandpa and selling and trying to convince you to love me back. I didn’t want to rush us. I wanted us to have a nice, slow, get-to-know-you relationship. But…” He shrugged. “I guess we’re past that. So if you want to tell me to back off or slow down, I will. But that’s what is going on in my head.”

“And New York?”

“Oh right. Your original question. I’ve been wanting to work at this particular firm since I graduated from college.”

“I know. I helped you pick them out.”

“Oh, that’s right, you did. In fact, you honestly might be the reason I like them.” He laughed. “I’d forgotten about that. See what kind of influence you have on me.”

She laughed. “So, what did they say?”

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