There's Always Second Chances

Chapter 35

Evan seemed to be nervous as he sat across from me in the coffee shop. "I know you've recently just gotten back from your best friend's wedding but I really needed to talk to you about this. You being the man of the house so to speak." Evan blurted out. I was glad Naomi was having a girls day with Jess and Nat. 

"What is it?" I asked. I wanted to know what was wrong. Was something happening? Is he ill? Is Mum ill? He pushed forward a small box on the table. "It's about your Mother. I'm sure you get what the jist is just by the box but I wanted to see you about it first." his words were tinged with the nerves that must've been bubbling inside him for weeks. 

"You've rehearsed a whole speech haven't you?" I asked flicking the lid of the box. A ring sat inside. One that looked vintage and different. Something that Mum would love. "Y-yes," he stuttered. I smirked. I knew the moment I got back that something was different. 

"It's just I've been with your Mother for years and she's made me the happiest man in the world. She's taken my kids in as if they were her own and I think it's time we made the commitment. What I'm trying to say here Adrian is do I have your permission to marry your Mother?" he murmured. The words came tumbling out filled with nerves but at the end he took a deep breath and said them loud and clear for me to hear. 

I pushed the box back over to him. "What can I say Evan? You helped me get on the right track, you've done so much for my Mum over the years. Hell you've done so much for my siblings. You've been a Father to me since I came back from America and a hell of a good Grandfather to Naomi." I spoke. He was bouncing his leg. I could tell my opinion was important to him. I had to admire him for asking me first but it wasn't my choice. It was Mum's choice. 

"You have my blessing, Dad," I responded. His face lit up hearing me say those words. It felt right to call him Dad. Forget the Step part, I don't care if we're not biologically related, he's my Dad. "There's another thing isn't there?" I asked sensing he was going to say something else. "Two things actually," he responded rubbing the back of his neck. I leaned forwards eager to hear what he'd have to say. 

"Your sister's already taken it upon herself to plan the wedding and be your Mum's bridesmaid. I wanted to know if you'd help me propose to your Lauren, your Mum." he spoke. I nodded. I could keep Mum busy while he set everything up. Depends what he had in mind. 

Evan looked up from the half gone coffee. "I'd also like it if you would be my best man." 

The words reached my ears and I laughed blissfully. "It'd be an honour." I replied. Everything really did feel blissful recently. I couldn't of made it up if I tried. I honestly didn't see anything like this in my future, back when I was younger at least. But now, now it's different. Surreal. It's like I'm living in a dream and I'll be waking up tomorrow. 

"So I was thinking, we get all the family to the beach and wait for you and your Mum to come back from shopping or whatever you chose to keep her busy. And then I'll propose to her when everyone least expects it." Evan was already planning it out. "When did you want to ask Mum?" I asked. I was curious as to when he wanted to do it. If it was during work hours, I'd have to book the day off. If it was during this upcoming week then I'd be moving into my new house with Nat. 

Evan's smile turned tight and he was back to being nervous again. "I'd like to do it tonight considering we had already planned to do a bonfire and see the fireworks." he stated. Oh shit, I forgot that was tonight. "Of course. I'll try and keep her busy. How long did you need?" 

I was a bit nervous that this wasn't fully thought out. Especially since that was in, I took a glance at my watch, 5 hours. Jess could handle the kids alongside Evan. Maybe Nat could help out too. "I already thought that Nat would help with the kids, considering how much Naomi loves her. I just need you to distract your Mum for 2 hours." he responded looking down at his phone. I nodded. That should suffice. I could easily distract Mum for two hours.