The Hustle of Love

Chapter 27: A Father's Choice

Nick played it cool all week with Judy. years of being a conman made him good at hiding things. He told Bonnie not to tell Judy he was going to Bunnyburrow, she kindly agreed. Finally the week was over, Nick retrieved the rings from his locker. He managed to successfully hide them from Judy. Then Saturday came, Nicks plan was simple. His mom would distract Judy all day with the cover of a girls day out, Jesse would go along to help with keeping her distracted. But even if it took him longer in the Burrows, Finnick would tell Judy he's out with him for a few drinks. Judy couldn't know what he was really doing. Judy left a little after 7:30 with Mrs. Wilde, and Nick's credit card. Nick waited a few moments to insure they were gone. He got in his car and caught the 8 A.M. train to Bunnyburrow. On the way there he texted Bonnie that he was coming. It was a peaceful trip, it also gave him a lot of time to think about what to say. Finally he arrived, Bonnie met him at the station.

"Hello Nick." Bonnie said with a smile.

"Hello Mrs. Hopps." Nick said giving Bonnie a hug.

Bonnie walked Nick to the family truck before one of Stu's friends could see Nick. Once inside Bonnie began to drive to a nearby park.

"So Nick, what's so important that you couldn't tell me on the phone?" Bonnie asked as she drove.

"Before I answer you Mrs. Hopps I have to ask you, do you truly like me being with Judy?"

Bonnie looked at Nick with a smile.

"Nick you have done more for my daughter than I could have ever hoped a guy to do. You made her dream of becoming a police officer come true. Even when nobody else supported her, including myself regrettably. I am proud to say that you are with my Judy."

Bonnie pulled the truck into a parking space at a local park. Her and Nick exited the vehicle and sat one of the picnic table.

"Now that I answered your question, it's your turn to answer mine." Bonnie said

"You see Mrs. Hopps I really love Judy. An I want to show her that."

Nick pulled the engagement ring out his pocket and held it in front of Bonnie. His hand was shaking.

"Bonnie, I want to marry Judy." Nick said nervously.

Bonnie looked at Nick wide eyed. This was one of the last things she expected. Nick was worried about what she would say. He was worried he had made a mistake till Bonnie smiled at at him.

"I think that is lovely Nick. I'll be happy to call you my son in law."

Nick smiled back at Bonnie. He was relieved. He did something he didn't normally do. He reached out and hugged her, she hugged him back.

"Thank you Mrs. Hopps."

"No problem Nick, but why did you come all this way to tell me this."

Nick released the hug and began to get nervous again.

"You see Mrs. Hopps, my mom raised me very traditional. Part of being traditional is asking the dad for the girls paw in marriage. I need your help with that."

Bonnie looked at Nick, she understood his situation.

"It's not that I won't help you Nick, it's that I can't help you. This is all on you, there's nothing I can say to Stu that I haven't already said to change his mind. I've been trying to talk to him about this since Judy told us. You have to be the one to do this."

Nick knew Bonnie was right. As much as Nick wanted her help, he knew he was the only one that could persuade Stu.

"I know Bonnie, can you take me to him?"