Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22400 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22400 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Mom nods. “I put them away when I realized something had gone awry. It’s all still there for you, and I’ll happily help you out.”
“I’ll lend a hand too,” Ruby says.
When breakfast is done, Dad retreats out to the porch, Filson joining him, lounging on a deck chair, both of them drifting off to sleep. My niece and nephew are out in the backyard running about, laughing and playing with one another, having the time of their young lives. The twins take a lot out of my brother, so I can understand him wanting to catch up on some sleep when he can. Despite this, I’m rushing to join him in the chaotic life that is fatherhood. Common sense says I should know better, but common sense never considered Annie Rowdy.
I step inside, watching my love hard at work turning that pail of blackberries into a fine pie. She’s laughing and getting along with my mother and sister-in-law, really becoming part of the family even if she’s not officially part of the club just yet.
I’m going to change that, and it’s going to be a whole lot sooner than anyone thinks.
“Hey Dad,” I say, coming back out to the porch.
He snaps out of his light snooze. “Hmm? Huh? What’s up, son?”
“Do you keep grandma’s wedding ring at the cabin? Or is it in a bank or something?”
He shakes his head. “No, no, it’s personal. I keep it in a safe in your mother’s and my bedroom.”
Dad stands up, looks toward Annie, and then to me. He waves a finger my way and I follow him up the stairs toward my parents’ room, going to a safe in the wall.
He twists in the combination before letting out a sigh. “Are you sure about this, Red? This is meant for the woman you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. It’s not meant to be given freely.”
I let out a sigh. I understand his concern. I am old enough to know I’m in love, but still young enough to make a stupid decision. “Dad, I’ve never been more certain of anything in my entire life.”
He takes the ring out of the safe, grabs my hand, and presses it into my palm. “Then take it, son. Go make her yours.”
I nod his way, opening my hand to look at the ring. It’s not huge, but my grandmama was always a practical person. She wanted something sleek and functional that wouldn’t get in the way of cooking for her family. A characteristic that I’m sure Annie will appreciate.
I bide my time. The pie fills the house with such sweet smells, and I’m watching it like a hawk when she takes it out to let it cool for a bit. It looks rich, flaky, and golden, and if it tastes anywhere near as good as it looks, I’m about to go to heaven.
My mother makes dinner later in the day. Old-fashioned fried chicken, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and some roasted broccoli. She never fails to make the family happy to come together for dinner.
“And now, the moment of truth,” Annie says nervously when it’s finally time for pie and she brings it out. She sets the cooled pie down in the middle of the table and my mother dishes it up. She gives a big ol’ piece to my father, who digs in, and it puts a huge smile on his face. Mom serves my niece and nephew, my brother, my sister-in-law, and all of them adopt expressions that are giving Annie’s pie a very positive review.
Finally, I get my big piece of pie.
I smile her way, and take a bite. Like there was ever any doubt? It’s fantastic. It’s sweet, but not overwhelming, and the buttery, flaky crust only enhances the flavor further. I’m in love all over again.
“I’m guessing you all like it, then?” she says with a smile, ever so slightly overwhelmed.
“Annie, I want this pie every day for the rest of my life.”
“I don’t think that’d be the best idea for your health...”
“It’s hyperbole, babe,” I say as I stand up before her and then drop down to one knee in front of her, pulling the ring out of my pocket. “I just want you there every day for the rest of my life. I want your pie, Annie. I want you. I want to spend my life with you, and build my family with you. I want to share every joy and every sorrow.”
She’s taken aback. Everyone except my father is a bit shocked as well. I was going to do this regardless of how the pie turned out, but it being excellent was just icing on the very lovely cake that’s Annie Rowdy.
“The short time I’ve spent with you has proven without a shadow of a doubt that I need you in my life, Annie. Will you marry me?”