Carrie's POV:
It's been 7 months now since I met Mike and we talk on the phone every night for hours. I'm so in love with that man. I knew from our first date that he was something so special and I thought I had a future with him. Now I can't imagine my life without him. Mike and I have seen each other once since we met in Toronto. He has a game in Nashville this weekend and since my tour is over I've been staying home in Nashville. I made plans with Mike and I suggested that he meet my parents since they would be over for the week and he was eager to meet them. "Carrie, I'm so excited to meet Mike! He sounds wonderful sweetie," Mama said to me. "I can't wait for you to meet him either; you'll love him because I do." I told Mama and Daddy. Daddy was being quiet until he suddenly joined our conversation, "Does he fish?" "Yes he does." "Does he hunt?" "Unfortunately, yes." My dad hunts and most of my family does too. I don't like hunting because I love animals too much but I can accept that about Mike. He understands my love for animals and my reasons for being a vegetarian. "Is he a Christian?" Daddy asked. "Yes he is," I said with a smile. We have a strong bond because of our shared faith and our values. "How does he treat you?" "He treats me like a princess daddy. He spoils me with compliments, he respects me completely for all that I am, he appreciates me, and he does everything he can for me." I get butterflies just thinking about he is with me. "Last question: does he make you happy?" "Of course he does! He makes me happier than I could've ever thought possible. We are just as happy as you and Mama are. I want to spend forever with him." "Then that is all I need to know. If he treats you like a real man should and makes you happy, that's all I could wish for my baby girl." "Thank you daddy," I say as I get up to hug my father. He's more of the reserved type and doesn't have too much to say but when he does, it's important. My parents and I are sitting on the couch when there's a knock at the door, "It's Mike! He's here." I get up and walk to the door, my parents following after me. I open the door and he's dressed semi formally with a nice white button up shirt and black slacks. He isn't wearing any piece of Under Armor apparel at all; socks, shirt or hat. He's always wearing UA which means he's trying to impress my parents and he's nervous. He's also holding two bouquets of flowers, and a box wrapped up in his hands. I give him a huge hug and I just feel happy and safe in his arms. I whisper to him, "I've missed you Mike!" "I've missed you so much too Carrie, I'm so glad to be here." I let go of our embrace and I walk him over to my parents. "Hello Mr. Underwood, Mrs. Underwood. It's a pleasure meeting you." "Oh mike we're so happy to meet you too! But you don't have to be so formal, call me Carole," mama said to Mike. "Stephen," daddy said to Mike and shook his band, then hugged mama. We all sit down on the couch in the living room, except for Mike. "These are for you Carole," and he hands Mama one of the beautiful bouquets of flowers. And then turns to me, "These are for you Carrie." And he smiles at me to whom I respond back with a smile. He then walks over to my father and hands him the gift wrapped present. He opens it and it's a box of Cuban cigars. "Thank you Mike, I've missed these so much," and we all laugh. After Mama and I put our flowers in some vases in the kitchen, we all head out to dinner. The whole time I look over at Mike and think how lucky I am to have him in my life. For him to be mine. I love him. I haven't told him yet, but I knew since our first date. I'll tell him later when we get back to my place. While listening to Mama he peaks over at me and catches me staring and flashes his beautiful smile and I melt, and then return his attention to the conversation. After dinner, we head back to my place and Mama pulls me over to tell me how much she likes Mike, while Mike pulls my father over to the other room to chat.
Mike's POV:
I'm so nervous and I don't know what I'm going to stay to Mr. Underwood but I know we need to talk. "Mr. Underwood, I mean Stephen. I know we just met but I want you to know that I'm in love with your daughter. She means the absolute world to me. I'm not sure when the next time I'll see you is, but I would like your permission to ask your daughter for her hand in marriage in the near future. I'm not sure when I would propose but I know I will. I want to wait a little longer and make sure she's ready and I want to wait for the perfect moment. I want to be completely open with you." I stop speaking like a babbling fool and wait for a response. He just stares at me and I get really nervous like I've said the wrong thing. After about a minute he responds, "It would be my pleasure to have you as my son in law Mike. I know how much Carrie cares for you and I know how much you love her too based on that little speech. I respect and admire you asking for permission and I give you permission from me and Carrie's mother. Don't worry about waiting for the right moment, when it's right, you'll know." I take a deep breath and we shake hands. We walk back to the other room where the ladies are still talking but stop when they see us return. "I think it's time your father and I say good night. We'll see you tomorrow Mike?" she asked him. "I cannot wait," he says with a smile. Her parents go to the guest room down the hall and Carrie motions for me to join her on the couch. I sit down and hold her in my arms. "You know something babe," I say and she turns her head to face me. "What's that?" and she smiles. "I love you Carrie.... I know I've never said it before but I was waiting for the right moment. I've known since our first date." I say to Carrie. "I love you too Mike. I really do. I knew long ago too. I wasn't waiting for you to say it first. I was just waiting too. I love you so much." I lean down and kiss Carrie. We sit there making out for about an hour until we realize what time it is and we should be getting to sleep. "I hate to leave you, but I'll see you tomorrow babe." "You don't have to leave. Stay the night. You can use the guest bedroom." I run out to my car and grab my bag and stay the night instead of staying at a hotel. She walks me upstairs and shows me the guest room. At about 3am I hear thunder crackling outside that woke me from my sleep. I then hear footsteps. Carrie slowly opens the door and I see a slightly scared look on her face and motion for her to join me. She gets in the bed and cuddles up with me and we fall asleep.
