"Milkshakes?" Alexa questions through the phone. Because of Grayson's work the couple cannot see each other everyday. Alexa has been helping around her parents' house more to keep her mind off the ruggedly handsome Ryker son.
"Yes, my treat, Dollface." Alexa's face flares up at the term of endearment. Over the last few weeks they've spoken on the phone almost religiously.
Timothy smiles to himself at the sight of his daughter curled up at the dinner table, the phone pressed to her cheek, and a blush on her porcelain skin. Alexa was the shyest daughter, the most fragile daughter, and everyone in the town knew she was a sensitive soul. Looking at his little girl he can't help but thank Mary for finally giving Alexa a reason to smile.
"What exactly is a milkshake, may I ask?" Alexa giggles. Grayson's heart goes crazy at the sound.
"It's one of the bests treats a pretty lady like you will ever have."
Alexa giggles again and blushes like mad. Her mother glances at her every now and then, a similar smile of Timothy's on her face.
"Then I guess we're having milkshakes."
"I will be at your house soon, Dollface. Goodbye."
Her voice lowers in disappointment. This was her least favorite part of the day. "Goodbye, Grayson." She sets the phone back in it's place. She pulls her legs to her chest and sighs.
Soon enough, Grayson stands at her door, waiting for someone to answer. A burly man at equal high to Grayson answers the door. From Alexa's description this is her father and a cold sweat breaks out on Grayson. His face is covered by his beard. A petite woman ducks underneath the man. Must be her mother.
"Grayson Ryker, I'm delighted to finally meet the man who's stolen my last daughter's heart," Valentina greets. "I am Valentina and this is my husband, Timothy."
Grayson shakes both parents' hands before being invited inside. "Alexa is in her bedroom, she'll be available shortly." Timothy's deep, rough voice scares the wits out of Grayson. He knew eventually he'd have to meet her parents, but he really was not prepared.
"Thank you for allowing me to take your daughter out, Mister Hayden. I appreciate it."
Timothy looks Grayson up and down. The two share physical similarities but what Valentina noted was most similar was the look of love they both held for Alexa as she emerges from her bedroom. A pair of denim pants and a flowy top covers her short body. She skips over to kiss her parents goodbye before even greeting Grayson.
The two haven't shared more than a simple, quick hug in the month they've been seeing each other. Mary's wedding is coming closer and closer and Alexa wants Grayson to accompany her to the ceremony. Alexa refused to be apart of the wedding, her shyness outweighing the happiness. Instead she will sit front row.
"Hello, Grayson," Alexa greets, almost dreamily. Grayson stands stunned by her beauty. Alexa slides her hand into his and he's shocked back into reality by the small spark they share.
Alexa's parents watch interested in what is happening before them. Never has a man come into their home and couldn't utter a single word. Timothy thought something was wrong, that Grayson was somehow gone brain dead in a moment. But Valentina knows why Grayson is completely speechless.
He's a man in love.
"Alexa--," he chokes out but stops himself, not sure what to say. He adores the casual, nonchalant look on her. She's a specimen God handmade himself. "You look-- my goodness, Dollface, you're exquisite."
Timothy asks Grayson to follow him to the back of the cottage. Confused, and still in shock, Grayson follows without a word. The two men come to a stop in a library.
Timothy grips Grayson's shoulders in an attempt to shake him out of his frozen state. The two lock eyes and Timothy groans. Not an angry groan or even a sad groan, just a pain ol' annoyed groan.
"I did not think it would happen this quick." Grayson listens to the older man speak. "Alexa is a wonderful girl and I see me in you, boy. So listen here while I talk to you. My daughter doesn't trust easily or love easily so really listen. I am giving you my blessing."
"Blessing for what, may I ask?" Grayson asks softly, still not trusting his voice.
Timothy digs in his pocket and pulls out a velvet pouch. "My blessing to marry my daughter." Grayson opens the pouch and reveals two gold rings, one for a man and one for a women. They look too old to be recently purchased. "Alexa is a wonderful woman and will be the perfect wife for you."
Grayson doesn't know what to say, so instead of words he puts the velvet pouch in his slacks pocket and shakes hand with Timothy.
They reenter the lounging area. Alexa and Grayson lock hands again. "Let's go, Dollface, we have milkshakes to try."
