run(mainProgram)
“I thought it might be simple like that,” Hunter explained. “Like… saying everything started because of her. That she’s the reason the system runs.”
“And you did great,” Nat told him. “Do you think you could maybe add something, too?”
“Sure,” Hunter nodded eagerly.
Nat turned to Ford. “Maybe I’m wrong and maybe in computer speak what you already have there is enough to tell her what you mean, but… oh, never mind. It’s great as it is.”
“No, go on,” Ford encouraged her. “You think I should add something – help me out. I didn’t even think to get a ring before I proposed, so that should tell you that I need all the help I can get.”
“Well, you call her Lil’ Bit. That’s like… your thing.” She turned back to Hunter. “Can you work that in somehow?”
Hunter’s tongue stuck out as he carefully added something to the paper. He turned it around to show them:
run(mainProgram: Lil Bit)
“There,” he said. “That’s how I’d write it if I was telling a program to start.” He looked up at Ford and grinned. “You’re saying your life runs because of her now.”
“All our lives,” Nat said with a smile.
Ford nodded happily. “I think it’s perfect. Thanks, guys. And you both approve?”
“I do,” said Hunter. “And I think Auntie Amelia will love it.”
“It’s actually… kinda beautiful,” said Nat. “Nerdy. But beautiful. Just… whatever you do, please tell me you’re not going to engrave it in that awful cowboy font.”
“Cowboy font?”
“You know, those ones with spurs on the letters? I’ve been messing around with my phone – don’t make fun of me. I have taste.”
Hunter snorted. “She’s been researching. She says it’s so she doesn’t look dumb when she texts Tanya.”
Nat shot him a glare. “Exactly. And that’s why I have opinions now.”
Ford chuckled. “Got it. No cowboy fonts.”
He spent the rest of the morning getting in Boone's way. He couldn't focus on anything other than hoping that he'd be able to find the right ring. Thanks to the kids, he now knew what he wanted engraved inside it, but there was still the not so minor detail of what the ring itself should be.
When Wade swung by to pick him up, Boone grinned at him. "You'll be fine. You'll know it when you see it – and if you can, come down here and show it to me when you get back, would ya?"
That made Ford laugh. "You like looking at engagement rings now?"
"Yeah, I want to see what you get her. Maybe give me inspiration for if my day ever comes."
"In that case, sure, I'll come show you when I get back."
Wade grinned at him as he climbed into the passenger seat. "Are you ready to go do this?"
Ford patted his pocket to make sure that he had Hunter's piece of paper in there. "I am. Thanks."
"Glad you wanted to ride with me."
As they drove up East River Road, Wade smiled at him and jerked his chin. "Recognize this spot?" he asked.
It took Ford a moment but then he smiled. "This is where we found Sierra – the first time you met her when she'd gone off the road."
"That's right," said Wade. "And you're welcome."