Page 26 of Striker

Chapter 18

Striker

The sun wasn’t evenup, but my Little Lark was wide awake. She had already snuck into the house, changed and brought breakfast out to the barn for me. As I sat up, she smiled and handed me a mug of piping hot coffee and a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal.

“Eat up, cowboy. You need some good food after last night.” She winked and started to pick up our mess. I quickly ate and then helped Lilah fold the quilts and bring everything down. “Do you mind bringing this stuff in? The horses need to be let out, the cattle needs to be moved, and I’ve got some sheep that need tending too.”

I leaned down and kissed her and took the quilts from her hand, “I’ll get this put away and come help you after. Should be some Prospects around and I’m sure your brothers are out there too. Keep your wits about you, babe.”

Lilah just smiled and smacked me on the ass before walking off, “Got it, cowboy!” I watched as my sexy Little Lark swayed her hips and made her way to the horse barn.

I chuckled as I made my way up to the house. I was a lucky man to have such a hardworking woman. As I opened the door, Mama Crawford came running and wrapped her arms around me. “Oh, Levi! I was so worried!”

I gently put the quilts and basket on the bench next to the door and wrapped her in a huge hug. “Lilah is fine. She’s acting like nothing even happened.”

Mama Crawford pulled back and took my hand, leading me to the kitchen. “Oh, typical Lilah! That girl is so damn stubborn. I feel so bad not being awake when you all came home. Then, I woke up this morning and thought I could catch her while she was downstairs, but I had just missed her.”

I grabbed two mugs and poured us both some more coffee. “We fell asleep in the barn, sorry ma’am.”

Mama Crawford reached over and grabbed my hand, “Oh dear, don’t you worry. I knew she was safe with you! We’re all safe when you’re around, sweetheart.”

The front door creaked open and a deep voice hollered out, “Hey, Rose! Brought you some more honey and mead!” I knew that voice from anywhere. My Pop turned the corner and a big grin spread across his face.

“Hey there, boy! Come over here and help with this shi...stuff.” I laughed at my Pop trying to curb his swearing around Mama Crawford. I grabbed two baskets from his hands and set them on the counter. My Pops was rambling to Mama Crawford as I unloaded the fresh honey and homemade mead. “So boy, how’s the club doing?” I grabbed another mug and poured the black coffee for my Pop.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve heard about Lilah’s ex. That’s the only big thing we’ve got going on. Everything else is pretty quiet. Working on the new bar and strip...uh gentleman’s club.” I peaked to see if Mama Crawford was listening.

She just shook her head and smiled. “Well, I for one am just glad that you and Lilah are back together. That just makes my heart sing with joy!” She held her little hands up to her chest and smiled.

My Pop laughed and looked at me, “I’m happy too, son. You both sounded quite happy last night too...” I looked down at the floor, completely embarrassed. “I was checking on the animals and heard you two. That was quite the surprise for my old heart. Damn, boy, I thought the barn was going to fall down!” My Pop was laughing so hard that tears were running down his face.

“Oh Daniel, leave them alone!” Mama Crawford slapped his arm playfully. “They’re young and in love! As long as you kids are being safe, I’m happy. I want some grandbabies but you better put a ring on my baby’s hand first. Do you need a talk about how to be safe dear? I can always refresh your mind.” Now both my Pop and Mama Crawford were laughing.

“Alright if you guys are gonna laugh and give me the bees and birds talk I’m out of here.” My Pop grabbed my arm as I tried to stand up.

“Oh sit down, Striker. Just giving you a hard time. But in all seriousness we need to talk about this.” I sat down on the stool and stared at my Pop. He reached down into his pocket, pulled out a small, wooden box, and slid it across the kitchen island. Grabbing it, I slowly lifted the lid.

Sitting inside was my mother’s engagement ring. Rose gold with a big shiny diamond in the middle. The radiant cut diamond was surrounded by tiny little ones, like a halo of flowers. The band had small diamonds scattered down the sides. I looked up and my Pop had tears in his eyes. “I know it may be a little early but I have a feeling it won’t be too long now. Now you don’t have to give this to her but I figured I would offer.”

Mama Crawford sniffled and sat next to my Pop. “It’s beautiful, Daniel. Martha would be so happy.”

I was shocked at the gesture from my Pop. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for something like this. Marriage was a big deal and although I loved Lilah, I certainly didn’t want to rush things. I knew in my heart Lilah was the one for me but memories of the past flooded my brain. Then, after a few seconds of thought, I realized I didn't need time. We were older and no longer young kids. I knew what I wanted and didn’t want to wait. Lilah would always be the one for me. I turned to Mama Crawford and took her hands in mine. “You have helped raise me into the man I am today. You have also raised a beautiful, hardworking, strong, stubborn as all hell, smart, absolutely amazing woman. I wish I did this before Charlie passed, but I would like to ask your permission to marry your daughter. It would mean so much to me to have your blessing.”

She threw herself into my arms, tears streaming down her face. “Of course, Levi! You two are meant for each other!”

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