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“I think we should talk,” her father said, sending my heart galloping in my chest.
I let out a breath. “I love your daughter, and I’m going to ask her to marry me tonight. I thought about asking for your blessing, but—”
“You’re going to propose anyway.”
I cleared my throat, wondering for the umpteenth time if I was making the moves. “That’s right. I love Hanna. I have for most of my life. Recently, it’s morphed into something bigger than us. I want her in my life. I want to build a life with her. I hope you’re okay with that, but I won’t ask for your permission.”
His face remained stoic. “What about this business with the ex?”
“I told Hanna that Brandy wasn’t welcome to show up unannounced and that she wasn’t welcome in my home anymore. I’m also talking to an attorney in the new year to get things settled officially.”
“That sounds good.”
“I know I’ve made mistakes in the past. I’ve held back from Hanna when I should have been leaning in. But I know what I’ve got in her, and I’m not willing to let her go. I want to make her mine.”
“Then I guess there’s nothing to say but good luck.”
I let out the breath I’d been holding. “You’re not upset?”
“How could I be? A deserving man is asking my daughter to marry him.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate your vote of confidence.”
“I didn’t say she’d say yes. I just said I approve, and it’s about time.”
“I’m sorry?” I blinked at his blunt admission.
“You two have been dancing around each other for years. I’m glad you finally made the move. I think you’ll be very happy together.” He touched my shoulder, holding my gaze.
“I hope so.” I didn’t think I needed his blessing, but it sure felt good to have it.
“I know you will be.”
The door opened. “Dad?”
Hanna wore leggings, boots, and a red sweater, with a puffy coat over it. She was dressed for the cold, but she might as well have been wearing an evening gown. “You look gorgeous.”
Hanna’s cheeks turned pink. “Thank you.”
“These are for you.” I handed her the bouquet, and she inhaled the scent. “They’re lovely. I’ll just put these in a vase.”
Hanna disappeared inside again.
“No offense. But I’m hoping to not have her home on time tonight, or at all,” I said to her father, and he let out a large guffaw.
“Is that right?”
I’d taken a risk that Hanna’s father was okay with us being together, and I’d been right. Her parents probably saw what we’d been avoiding for years. They just wanted Hanna to be happy.
By the time Hanna returned, we were talking about business on the farm.
“Are you ready to go, or do you want to spend the evening with my father?” Hanna asked dryly.
I grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. “I want to spend it with you.”
“I’ll leave you two to it.” Her father disappeared into the house, shutting the door behind him and leaving us alone.
“Are you ready for your carriage ride?”
