The Iron giant: Hogarth meets Deirdre

Chapter 19

Deirdre showered in the Hughe's bathroom and changed into some clothes she brought with her. She put on a white, long sleeved, button up shirt, a red sweater jacket over it,  blue jeans fitted with a belt, and black boots, with a red headband on her hair.

She headed downstairs to join Giant and Hogarth  in the backyard, and sat against Giant's foot, Hogarth sitting next to her. They held each other hands and smiled at each other. Dean walked into the backyard.
"Hey kids, I have to ask you something."
"Yeah, what's up?"
Dean was awkwardly silent for a moment before saying,
"I was wondering if you'b all be okay with this."
He pulled out what looked like a metal ring box and opened it, revealing a copper ring with a silver butterfly (which was Annie's favorite insect) on top with a small emerald (Annie's favorite gem).Hogarth and Deidre's  eyes grew wide and their mouths hung open. Giant looked down curiously at the ring, even Rover perked up.

Hogarth, who was speechless from disbelief, abruptly said,
"Wait? Is that what I think it is? Are you going to marry"-
"Shh! Not so loud, kid! Yes, I'm going to propose to your mother. I really love her and I want to officially be a part of your family."
Deidre was very happy hearing this, knowing that Hogarth wish was coming true.
"Dean, that's amazing. The ring's beautiful, too."
"Yeah, it took me lots of time and money to make it. So, do you guys approve?"

Hogarth perked up.
"Yes! Yes! I totally agree! You have to!"
"Of course! I won't only be happy for you and Dean, but especially for Hogarth, too. He always wanted a father figure officially."
Dean looked up at Giant.
"What about you, Giant? You approve?"
He started to reach down to grab the metal box to eat, but Dean jerked away.
"Uh, uh uh! No eating this!" He wagged his finger with a stern look.
"Sorry," Giant said.
"I guess that's a yes, then," Dean concluded.

Deidre and Hogarth laughed. Even Rover seemed to bark with approval for the proposal, making Dean laughed.

"I think Rover wants me to marry her, too. Well, I going to tell her we're going to the park for a date. You all are coming as well." He went inside.
Hogarth whooped with joy, jumping up and down. He hugged Giant's leg, then Deidre.
"It's finally happening! Dean's gonna be my dad! I'll going to have a father again!"
"Shh. Calm down, boy. You don't want to get your mom's attention, you'll spoil the surprise."
"Yeah, yeah," he said, rolling his eyes but smiling. He looked up at Giant.
"You coming to the park with us, Giant? We can fly the way there." Giant nodded eagerly. He liked going to the park and seeing the statue of himself, plus hanging out with Hogarth's friends. Hogarth picked up Rover and rubbed his head.

"You want to come, too, buddy? I know you want to play football." Rover barked, tail wagging hyper.

Later, everyone was about to head to the park. Giant was carrying Hogarth, Deidre, and Rover.
"Hey, why don't we all drive there in the car",  Annie suggested.
"Giant can follow behind us."
Dean said, "No, Annie. You're riding on my bike with me."
Annie's eyes widened and shook her head.
"No, no, Dean. No way. I not the type to be riding on that."
"Come on, I think you're to plenty brave enough, beside. It'll be romantic..."
Dean smiled waiting for a answer from Annie. Finally, Annie reluctantly agreed, throwing her hands in the air.
"Alright, Alright, but be careful, though."
"Don't worry. I'm a careful rider."
"Whatever you say." Annie got on the motor bike after Dean, cautiously though.  The kids looked down, smiling at the romantic sight.
"Alright, then. Let's head out! Follow behind, guys."

He started up the motor bike and rode slowly out the driveway then down the road fast.
"Let's fly, Giant!", Hogarth said. Giant powered up and blasted off into the air, flying in the skies after Dean and Annie. Annie held on tight, hair whipping in the air.
"Whoa, this is a bit fast, honey", she laughed a bit nervously
"Made it fast for you." Annie wrapped her arms around Dean, while Dean chuckled.
Hogarth and Deidre laughed.  Rover barked and jumped up to bite a fly but almost fell off of Giant. Giant steadied him and put him on his head. Rover bite the wind joyfully. They speeded towards the park, enjoying the journey.