Page 33 of Tides and Tidings

“I tune it out. I just love how happy it makes her. And if she enjoys it more when I’m hanging with her, then so be it.”

“Way to make me feel like a terrible dad. My word.”

I immediately jumped into action to further explain. “No no no! I didn’t mean it that way, promise. It just makes me happy that she wants to spend time with me. My mom never had the time to sit down and watch a show with me, so being able to do that for Wren helps heal that.”

“You two have healed each other. You’ve given her the mom she always wanted and she’s helping heal your inner child.”

“It’s a very symbiotic relationship.” I sipped the last bit of my coffee. “I’m just thankful we have the life we do. Life with you is pretty cool.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Charlie sucked up air through his straw. “Want to head back to the hotel? It’ll give us both time to shower and get ready.”

I glanced down at my watch, “Works for me.” I leaned into place a kiss on his stubbly cheek, “Thank you for a wonderful day.”

“We didn’t do much…”

“We did exactly what I wanted to do—spend time together. You know I don’t need anything fancy. Canceling our reservation and ordering room service is still an option.”

“Nope, we’re going to dinner.” Charlie stood up and offered me a hand. I grabbed it, and he pulled me up. “I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing.” He winked awkwardly. Winking was not his strong suit.

“I’m not sure you’re ready.” I teased as I started back for the hotel with Charlie in tow.

Charlie

When we returned to the hotel room, I insisted on showering first. I knew damn well that Blythe was going to take way longer to get ready, and if I could get out of her way, it would be best for both of us.

As I stood in front of the floor-length mirror and straightened out my shirt collar, I couldn’t help but think about all the events that led us here. All of the pieces that had to fall into place. Decisions that had to be made. Blythe and I were not a coincidence. This was orchestrated out of my control.

When I heard the faint sound of the shower, I dug through my backpack and pulled out the small square box. My stomach lurched as I ran my fingers over the smooth blue velvet. I was more nervous today than I was the day I became a father. But not as anxious as asking Blythe’s best friend, Rose, for her blessing.

Typically, one would ask the bride’s father, but Blythe had a unique situation. Her dad left when she was a baby, and her mom disowned her last year when she decided to pack up and move across the country. The number of times I had to help Blythe realize she was thirty years old and could make a damn decision for herself…

Four months ago, on a random Thursday morning, I had to pick up the phone and call Rose. We’ve talked plenty of times before; hell, she stayed at my house for a week and a half over the summer, but having to call and ask for her blessing to marry her best friend was terrifying.

“Charles, to whom do I owe this pleasure?” Rose’s voice echoed through the phone.

“Do you have a minute to talk?” I wiped my sweaty palms on my shorts.

“Yeah, of course. What’s up? Is Bee okay?” There was a slight bit of panic in her voice. That’s understandable because the last time I randomly called her, I was setting up a surprise for her to be at the Sea Reads and Coastal Cup grand opening.

“Blythe is fine.” I drummed my fingers on my knee. “She doesn’t know we’re having this conversation.”

“Oh? Then what the fuck?” Rose cursed like a sailor, which meant we got along brilliantly.

“I was just callin’ to talk with you about something…” I was losing my nerve. “You know I love Blythe, right?”

“Mhm…” Rose trailed off, signaling for me to continue.

“I was hoping…um…well…” I struggled to find the right words.

“Spit it out, big boy.”

I snorted in response, “I want to marry Blythe.”

The squeal that statement elicited from Rose could’ve been heard on the moon. “You’re kidding me! Charlie Hannigan, are you asking for my blessing to marry Bee?”

“I am.” My stomach churned with anxiety. If she said no, this was it.

“It’s about damn time! There’s no one else I would willingly hand her off to. When are you going to ask her?”