In The Shadows

Chapter 9

After spending the weekend with Billie in a beautiful setting, with part of her family and their friends, Harry wasn't ready to tell her bye and go to school the next day. The one good thing the weekend has brought him is, Harry had the chance to talk to Billie's dad, to tell him how he felt about his daughter. Alex gave Harry his approval for him to buy the engagement ring, before leaving the the camping area Harry and Billie told everyone there the good news.
Now here he is driving her truck back down the mountain toward his house, knowing he wouldn't see her again until the next day.

"Why are you so quiet?" Billie asks Harry as she lays her head on his shoulder.

"I don't like the idea of you driving back up that mountain without me." Harry whispers as he threads his fingers through hers. "I enjoyed sleeping with you every night, holding you in my arms."

"Me too." Billie whispers back. "Dad did say you could go ahead and move in with us since we're planning on getting married. Harry it's up to you." She says.

"A friend of mine from the city is visiting next week, he's going to be on spring break." Harry says.

"So? It's not like we don't have the room. Dad will enjoy the company while we're in school and if he's anything like you he'll love him." Billie says.

Harry chuckles. "Babe he's my best friend for a reason." He says kissing the top of her head as he parks her truck in the driveway. "Tell you what, let's go talk to my parents, see what they have to say. If they agree I'll pack some school clothes for the week, then move the rest of my stuff next weekend when Lou's here to help. That way you will have the chance to get know him." Harry says.

"Okay, let's go." Billie says, kissing Harry's cheek.

Harry and Billie walk into the backdoor hand in hand, Harry drops his bag down beside the door just as his mom turns to look at them, Robin, his step-dad, sitting at the table looks up.
"Well hey guys, did you have a nice weekend?" He asks.

Harry nods. "Actually, we did." He says as he pulls Billie the rest of the way into the kitchen. "Mom, can you stop what you're doing for a sec? We need to talk to the two of you." Harry says as they sit at the table across from Robin.

Anne nods, reaches up turns the stove down, then sits down beside Robin. "Okay, what's on your mind?" She asks.

Harry takes a deep breath before speaking. "Please hear me out before saying anything." He says, Harry then goes on to tell his mom and Robin everything that's happened since they've moved there. How he feels about Billie, how she feels about him. He told them about the conversation he had with Alex over the weekend. He and Billie told them everything.

Anne looks at the two teens in front of her, she can see the tears shining in their eyes as they talk, how they keep looking at each other for the courage to continue saying what needs to be said, she can see the love. When Harry and Billie finally stops talking, Anne and Robin just look at them for a few seconds.
"Okay, so what I got from all that is, you're in love, even though you haven't known each other very long." Anne says.

"Mom.." Harry starts to say.

"Harry, son, I'm not doubting you." Anne interrupts him. "I knew the second I met Robin he was the man for me, I get it, but why are you telling us this?"

"I'm buying Billie a ring tomorrow, her dad knows, I talked to him about it already." Harry says. "He gave us his blessing, we'd like to have yours also and well, her dad said it'd be okay if I move in with them." He adds.

Anne looks at Robin, he in turns looks at the teens across from them. "Harry, I've always thought of you as the son I've never had, thank you for including me in this important part of your life." Robin says with glassy eyes as he glances at his wife, when he sees her nod, Robin looks back at Harry. "Do you need help packing, son?"

"Oh God." Billie whispers, as she stands up. "Thank you, both, so much." She chokes out as she throws her arms both adults at the same time.

Harry wipes a tear off his cheek. "Yeah, thanks mom and dad. And if Bill wants to help mom finish whatever that amazing smell is, I'll take that help packing dad." Harry says as he slaps Robin on the back.

Billie smiles. "What are we cooking, Momma Anne?" She asks causing tears to come to Anne's eyes.

Anne wraps her arm around Billie's waist. "I'm making chili, it's Harry's favorite." She says as she leads Billie to the stove.

"Hmm, I'll have to remember that, my mom made the best chili on this mountain." Billie giggles as Harry and Robin start up the stairs.

Once Harry and Robin were in his room, Robin turns to look at Harry. "Do you have enough money for that ring you're planning on buying? If not I'll give you some." He offers.

Harry gives Robin a hug. "Thanks, but I have plenty. If you haven't noticed about the only flashy thing about Billie is the truck she owns." Harry chuckles. "I'm sure she'll refuse an expensive ring."

"Yeah, she reminds me of your mom." Robin laughs.

Once they were done eating, the dishes done and put away, Anne hugs Harry and Billie as they walk toward the backdoor. "Some weekend when you're not going camping, come spend the weekend with us." She says.

"Or you can go camping with us, my dad, brothers, and their wives do all the time." Billie says as she hugs the couple back.

"That actually sounds like fun." Robin says as they wave the teens off, smiling as they watch Harry help Billie into her truck before getting into his car and driving off.