Merworld

Page 11

"Hello." I saw him blush and hold up a little orange coral rattle to Cassie. She took it and immediately started trying to bash Carson in the face with it. He held out a small box to me. I took it, really confused. Inside was another rattle. "For your next addition."

"Uh, thank you." I was really confused. He held out his hand to Carson who took it and shook it smiling. "Okay, what's going on, who are you and what have you done with Larson?" He gave me a frown.

"I find myself in an unusual position. I would like to apologize for all the years I've been annoying."

"Do you know what's going on?" I asked Carson.

"Yes, but I promised I'd not say anything until he was done."

"I'd also like to once again tell you how sorry I am about the loss of your parents."

"How will you know when he's done?"

"Oh, he's saving the best for last." Carson told me with a laugh. Larson rolled his eyes but kept going.

"It's also been pointed out to me that I should make a formal press release, to apologizing to the community for my aggravation over the years." I look up at Carson who is now grinning widely. Larson takes a deep breath and clears his throat. "I would also like to ask you for your blessing in marrying your sister."

"WHAT?" I scream making him wince. I look at Carson. "Explain this."

"Apparently he ended up at one of the work fairs we sponsored where Patty was at. She apparently gave him more than one piece of her mind and after running into each other several more times he was forced to admit he found her intriguing. He then started showing up wherever she was which kind of freaked your sister out. She asked me to find out what his issue was. After a rather tense discussion where I threatened to let you kick him again if he didn't tell me what was going on he admitted that he had developed a soft spot for your sister. She was shocked then intrigued. I was kept out after that, so you didn't find out. then two days ago he shows up here and asks how he should go about asking for your blessing."

"I can't believe this. Where is she?" I start looking around and then head inside the auditorium. She was just going on stage to introduce the next speaker. I waited until she was off. She took one look at me then at Larson and Carson before going pale.

"Uh, hi sis. Everything okay?"

"Two questions I want the truth. What exactly has drawn you to this man?"

"He's sweet. Not to mention he's got the courage to admit when he's wrong. He actually listens when I talk, he's always spoiling me which is a good thing since I know it's how he shows me he loves me. Uh, what's the other question?"

"How on earth did you get him to apologize, I'm assuming it had to be you. His little speech was pretty good." I could see her relax realizing I wasn't going to throw a tantrum.

"I told him that until he did, I wasn't going to speak to him again." I hugged her tightly and gave a heavy sigh.

"Only you could get a stubborn ass like him to change his ways. God is this going to rock the convention." Larson came over and took her hand. After letting her go I roll my eyes and look at him.

"You have my blessing and I am telling you right now no babies until after that wedding. I've got two I need my wedding and hers to be done before we have any more." Patty squeals and hugs me again.

"I knew he'd pop the question soon."

"Congratulations." Larson told us.

"You too." I said. "By the way, what does your family have to say about this?"

"Uh, well..." he looked at Carson.

"They disinherited him, so he'll be working for me until he gets his feet under him. I've been letting him stay at my apartment."

"You still have that?"

"I pay out of a catch all account I'd actually forgotten to go over and cancel the lease. Came in handy though." Patty snuggled into Larson's arms. I saw him grin in away I'd never seen before. Looks like our family just got a little bigger.

"I'm betting she's pregnant at our wedding." Carson says to me. I elbow him.

"Forget them lets go up and lay down I think I need that rest now." I kiss him then take my daughter from his arms. I pull at Larson and hand his new niece to him.

"Uh, Neera?"

"You get to baby sit. My fiance and I have a few things to go over. Be sure to use the sash or you'll be running the rest of the day. Don't worry patty will help." I just leave them looking at us as I tug Carson toward the elevator. "That'll keep them too busy for anything."

I kissed him in the elevator making a mental note to stop at Eden's shrine on the way home and give an extra thank you. Couldn't do any of it without her.