Page 60 of One Sultry Summer

“I’d like that very much.” Her eyes shone; this time, it was happy tears.

As we drove, we passed the city of Round Rock, and I knew we were at the halfway mark. I couldn’t help but feel anxious and tried my best not to express that to Emily. Finally, up ahead, there were signs for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

I made my way over to the garage for short-term parking. As we got out of the truck, we ran inside and stopped at the display screen for incoming and outgoing departures. I was furious with myself as I had no clue what airline they were on.

I found two planes that were scheduled to depart within an hour of each other. Now I just had to figure out a way through security. The security checkpoint was bustling with travelers, each trying to navigate their way through the lines. TSA agents were busy checking IDs and scanning bags, their voices a constant background hum. The air was filled with a mix of tension and urgency as people hurried to catch their flights, their eyes darting to the clock and departure screens.

My emotions were on high alert, but I couldn’t see Valerie, and my heart was racing. I felt Emily pull on my trousers. I looked down at her and she had her other hand extended and pointed at agroup of ladies I recognized.

I grasped Emily’s hand, and we made our way through the crowd. Valerie hugged her friend, and her friend noticed I was standing nearby. She turned, and her eyes went wide with excitement.

“Wyatt! What are you doing here?”

“I didn’t want you to leave without telling you I love you. I was hoping you’d change your mind about leaving and stay here, with me and Emily.”

“Stay?” She grasped her hands together and held them to her chest.

“I know you love San Francisco, but I would like you to consider staying for good in Skybrook and becoming my wife.”

She gasped, and I can honestly say she was at a loss for words. “Listen, I may not be the most romantic person. But I know what I want, and that’s you, standing by my side until we grow old.”

“Pretty lady, will you marry my daddy?”Emily’s question added a heartfelt and innocent layer to my proposal, amplifying the emotional weight of the moment. Her simple, yet profound inquiry emphasized the importance of family in my decision to propose and demonstrated how much she already saw Valerie as a part of our lives. It was a touching reminder that love isn’t just between two people, but also about creating a family and a future together.

She nodded, and tears filled her eyes. “Yes!” She replied. My cheeks heated as it became apparent I had no engagement ring to give her. Emily had her hair in a ponytail. I asked for her elastic hair tie, and she pulled it from her dark hair and handed it to me. I slipped it on Valerie’s finger. I wrapped her in my arms and kissed her. Emily wrapped her arms around our legs and squeezed tight. After a few minutes, each of her friends congratulated us, and they made Valerie promise to check in with them later with details. Then they picked up their small carry-ons and walkedtowards the security screening station. Valerie waved goodbye to them. “Do we need to find a way to get your luggage?”

Valerie’s eyebrows furrowed. “What are you talking about? My luggage is back at the hotel.”

“I’m confused. So, you were heading home with no luggage?”

“I think I can straighten out the confusion. Did you get the message I left?”

I took out my phone and played it for her. Her face turned beet red. “Oh, that’s embarrassing. My phone battery died midway through the message I left. I had intended to call you this morning, but my group of friends consumed me, and I lost track of time.

The rest of the message explained that I won’t see you before I leave. I miss you and will see you later in the afternoon.” She let out a breath. “I’m sorry you drove out here for nothing.”

“Darlin’, I would drive across the country if I had to.”

“You don’t ever have to worry about being alone, you’ll always have me by your side. I love you, Wyatt.” I kissed her lips again. She released me and bent down and hugged Emily. “I love you too, Emily.”

“I love you too, pretty lady.” She tilted her head. “Can I call you momma?”

Valerie wiped a tear away. “You can call me anything you feel comfortable with. Okay?”

Emily nodded. “Okay, pretty momma.”

A small laughter escaped me as I listened to my little girl. Emily has a way of captivating the hearts of everyone she meets. “Come on, let’s go home.” As we strolled back to my truck hand in hand, people passed us in the opposite direction as they were heading into the airport.

“Valerie, honey. How were you supposed to get back to Skybrook if you weren’t flying home to California?”

“I was supposed to get a ride back in Rae’s limousine.”

“Oh nice, riding in style.”

“It was pretty luxurious, but I wasn’t looking forward to the drive back.”

“Why not?”

She shrugged. “I was going to be alone on the ride back. Somehow, it didn’t seem right.”

---