Page 71 of Tides and Tidings

We pulled into the driveway, and I could feel a wave of relief wash over me. I thoroughly enjoyed our time away, but something about getting home made me feel at peace. I squinted and saw Marjorie, Ron, and Wren standing on the sprawling front porch waving at us.

Charlie parked, immediately got out, and damn-near sprinted to his mom while Wren ran toward my side of the truck. I opened the door and was greeted with my favorite face.

“Birdie!” Wren climbed up in my lap, not giving me a chance to get out. “I missed you!”

I gave her a big squeeze, “I missed you more!”

She shook her head violently, “No way!

“Yes way!”

This is what I loved—being home with my favorite people.

I slid out of my seat and adjusted Wren on my hip while slinging my bag over my shoulder. It took every ounce of my strength not to spill the beans about the surprise in the truck right then.

We made our way over to Charlie and his parents on the porch. When we were in earshot, they stopped talking and stared at me.

“Daddy!” Wren slid down from my arms and leaped into Charlie’s arms.

Watching the two of them, you would think they hadn’t seen each other in weeks. There’s no doubt that they are each other’s comfort. They both visibly relaxed when she was in his arms, and it melted me.

I turned my attention towards Marjorie and Ron. “How are you guys?”

“All good over here. How was your trip?” his mom asked, hugging me. This family is full of huggers.

“It was nice. The plan changed slightly, but I think it was for the better.”

Marjorie and Ron immediately looked at Charlie.

What in the world are they doing? Have I missed something?

Charlie

As soon as we parked, I ran over to my parents before they could say anything to Blythe. They had no way to know that the whole plan had been upended and that we weren’t engaged. Wren came in clutch and distracted Blythe so I could have this conversation.

“Hey—” I was out of breath from my sprint. I deeply breathed, “Don’t say anything about the engagement. Long story short, we weren’t notified when the restaurant closed, and we ended up at a diner and then bars last night.”

My mom’s face fell, “Does that mean it’s not happening?”

I shook my head, “It just didn’t happen this weekend. I’ll plan for a better time.”

“Don’t plan it, buddy. Let it happen naturally.” Ron commented.

“I drunkenly asked her to marry me last night at one of the bars with a straw wrapper ring.”

Both mom and Ron’s eyes went wide and my mom covered her mouth.

“What did she say?” Ron was just as much of a romantic as my mom—if not more.

“She said yes…”

“But…” My mom knew where this was going.

“She doesn’t remember, so I pretended I didn’t.”

“Well, that’s annoying, Charlie. What have I always told you?” She scolded.

“Not to eat dirt?”