oxygen (e.d.)

short chapter 3: the blessing

<ethan>

"will he think i consider her an object if i ask?" i say worriedly.

"it's just a sign of respect, ethan." grayson responds, "it shows that you care about her family. after seven years, they're your family too."

"okay," i breathe out, "i'll call him."

.......

"so why am i here, ethan?" garrett smiles, sipping his coffee.

"i have a question." i say slowly.

"okay..."

"and i need your answer."

he sits straight up in his chair, raises his eyebrows and nods his head.

"okay," i start, not knowing where to begin, "i think you know that i love your daughter?"

"i get the vibe." he jokes.

i let out a slight laugh and continue, "and we've talked about this a lot, riley and i. and i think now is the right time."

"for what, exactly?" garrett asks.

"i want to marry your daughter."

he widens his eyes and leans back in the chair.

"she's 25 and i'm 26, i think now would be a good time, considering we've been together for seven years and-" i explain quickly.

"ethan," he holds up a hand and chuckles, "slow down."

"i'm asking for your blessing to marry riley." i say slower.

he's silent for a few moments, pondering in thought.

"so you have a job," he says, and i nod.

"you live together, without wyatt and sloane now." i nod again.

"and you love her."

i grin, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

"so...?" i ask.

"yes," he says, twinkle in his eye, "i would be more than happy to have you as my son in law."

hearing his words make me emotional, honestly. i stand up for a handshake, but he brings me in a hug instead.

"thank you," i mumble into his shoulder, trying to keep the happy tears contained.