Page 84 of Give Me a Reason

Aria’s smile faltered for the first time. Kim and Kenny had every right to be proud of Iris, but didn’t they know Aria’s dream was to go to school, to have a better life? Instead, she’d made sacrifices for the day that Iris got to go.

“Can you put the chicken on the grill?” Kim asked Kenny.

When he opened the slider, I followed him out, letting the girls have a few moments to themselves. There was a small square concrete patio off the door and a table and a few chairs. A clothesline hung empty.

“So, you’re dating my daughter?” Kenny asked as he placed each slice of chicken on the grill and slathered barbecue sauce on it.

“I have to be honest, sir.” When he looked over his shoulder at me, I continued. “Your daughter, Aria, she’s a tough one. She won’t let me put a label on it.”

Kenny let out a barking laugh. “Good for her.”

“She hasn’t made it easy on me, but that’s what makes her special. I’ve known she was different from the start.” The love bloomed in my chest and spread outward. I wanted to share it with someone.

Kenny shook his head. “She used to complain about you, ya know. Said you didn’t like her views on weddings and love.”

I looked away from his concerned gaze. “My parents were divorced multiple times. It took its toll on me growing up. And I thought I was doomed to have the same pattern in my life.”

“We make our own realities.”

“I’m starting to see that now, and I’m willing to be patient with Aria and show her how much I love her.” I shouldn’t have said it to her father before her, but he needed to know.

“I can respect that.”

“Aria’s dream is to go to college. I’m worried about her now that Iris is going.”

“I know my daughter’s heart. I told her to go. We’d support her, but she didn’t want to take any loans. She didn’t want any help.”

“Did she apply for scholarships?”

Kenny’s expression was regretful. “I’m not sure. I’m ashamed to say we were overwhelmed by the process of applying to colleges. We weren’t that involved in it. The school counselor was supposed to be helping her, but I have a feeling Aria turned it down.”

“She’s independent. Likes to make it on her own.”

“But it’s a skill to know when to ask for help.”

“I agree,” I said as I rocked back on my feet. I was impressed with her family so far. It didn’t matter what their house looked like or where it was located, I could feel the love radiating from them. Aria was lucky.

“Anyone who’s going to be with her needs to give her a little push. And from what I’m hearing, I think you’re the guy for her.”

“Thank you, sir. That feels good to hear. I don’t think I’m who she was looking for, or who she would have picked. I grew up a little differently, but it wasn’t better. I didn’t have the love that she did. She’s a lucky girl.”

“Money’s helpful. It supports us when we need it, but we need good, loving people around us too. And sure, relationships are a risk, but we’ve been together for thirty-five years. I met Aria’s mother in high school, and there’s never been any other woman for me.”

“I love that.”

Kenny grinned at me before checking the chicken again.

Aria’s home was filled with love. It radiated from the people and every corner. I helped Kenny carry the chicken inside when it was finished, and we sat at the small round table. Kim added store-bought macaroni salad and set out the potatoes with a few fixings. It was simple and perfect.

After dinner, we helped clean up and then headed out. As much as I enjoyed our time with Aria’s family, I had plans for tonight.

On the ride home, Aria was quiet.

“I thought it went well. You have a beautiful family.”

Aria sighed. “Iris thinks I should go to school too. She said there’s more help and opportunities now. That I should see what’s offered.”

“Is that what you want?” I asked, glancing over at her pensive face.

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