"Ellie, I'm so glad you decided to call!" He had picked up after the second ring. "You're not mad at me, are you?"
I hesitated for a minute, not sure if I should be honest about it all or if I should just tell him what he wants to hear. "I was mad at first but I'm over it now. You left us so quickly without a warning and no contact. There were times where all I needed was a hug from you but I had to get over it. Especially at the funeral."
My father sniffled on the other end of the phone. Was he crying? After another sniff and a cough, he spoke again. "How did it happen?"
Knowing exactly what he meant, I filled him in about how mom and Drew were shot. Even told him about our old neighbor Jessica. Once we were over the sad talk, I told him about Jake; how we met, our times hanging out, when he saved me, everything from there on out.
What he said after that surprised me the most, "can I meet him? We can meet at lunch or at the park. If you want I could even bring Rylee and Maryann if you're comfortable with that. Mary is dying to get to know you."
That was a big step for me. Although she marketed my dad which would make her my stepmom, she would never be as good of a mom than my real mom. Just like the saying "anyone can be a mother but it takes someone special to be a mom."
"How would tomorrow at two be?" I asked. Jake had somewhere to go in the morning so we'd have to wait until at least noon. But was I ready - let alone Jake- to meet and get to know my fathers wife and other daughter? I guess if everything carries on the way it's going, I'd have to get used to them being my family.
"No problem. I'll see you there." There was a click on the other end. Mark never asked weather or not to bring the rest of the family. I'll just text him later. I set my phone down on the small table next to my bed and left my room to find Jake.
My handsome soon-to-be husband was still in the kitchen but preparing lunch now that he had more food to choose from. In my opinion, he was the best cook in this household. Coming in second place had to be Monica.
"How did the conversation go," Jake asked from over his shoulder. I took a peek at the food and smiled. Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn. It's smelled great!
"Not as bad as I thought. He wants to get together tomorrow at two to meet you. Well, that and he wants me to actually meet his wife Maryann and get to know Rylee a little better."
Jake's without his mixing spoon and walked over. He grab my hips and smiled at me. "If that's what you're comfortable with, I'll do it for you. I've always wanted to meet the man who created the rosy cheeks, chocolate I'd be able of my dreams. I'll do anything for that girl."
And I ask myself how I ever deserve a man like him. Seriously, snow, hurricanes, volcanoes – he still stayed right by my side. And now here we are, engaged and happy as ever.
"I love you."
"I love you more."
