Milkshake Hearts

Chapter 39: Blessing

"Hey Roger," Shayne greets Courtney's Dad pleasantly when they next visit his house the following weekend.

"Shayne! What on earth was with that game last night?" Roger replies, and they launch into one of their usual discussions. Truthfully, Shayne hadn't watched it, he'd been too preoccupied with Courtney, but he'd seen a highlights clip and read a run-down of the drama early morning before she woke up.

"Was actually wondering if I could... ask you something," Shayne redirects the conversation, a few minutes later, quickly glancing around to see they are alone on the back patio, Courtney having been pulled back inside by Kari for some reason or another and the rest of the family further out in the backyard with the two younger kids present.

"Of course, Shayne," Roger responds, prompting him, and Shayne nods, pausing for a moment to take a deep breath and try and find the confidence he had ten seconds earlier.

"I... okay, truthfully, it's kind of scary to ask this, but... Courtney and I have been talking about marriage for a while, and it's become something that isn't just a far off possibility, it's something we both want to do in the not-too-distant future. I've recently come to the conclusion that I think I'll ask her... kind of soon, or within a few months, at least, and I'm in the process of finding a ring. But before I do ask her- I wondered whether I would have your blessing to do so?" he asks, finding the certainty in his decision and trying to bring it into his tone.

"Firstly – yes, absolutely you have my blessing. I couldn't wish for a better person for my daughter to be with. But, secondly – how long have you been together?" Roger replies, and Shayne nods.

"Thank you. We've been together eight months. And that... it was the main point of uncertainty for me in deciding I'm ready for this, I won't lie. I was concerned, and largely concerned about how it looks from a public perspective, if it would seem like we were rushing things. But then- I don't think that should come into my decision. We might have only been together eight months, but we're in somewhat of a... different situation, given we didn't start from zero, as my brother put it when I talked to him about it a month or so ago. Courtney and I know we're all in and we're in this for life – and I think it's what is right for us that matters more than anything," Shayne explains.

"I think you're absolutely right," Roger replies, nodding, "I can see you two are doing this for the right reasons, and I can't see any problem with it whatsoever. You mentioned your brother, you've talked to a few people about this?"

"Yeah, I talked to my Dad and my brother Chris about it when Court and I were up in Seattle in December – Chris has been married for 7 years or so. But yeah, I've sought advice because I was concerned about the timing for a while, but yeah," Shayne shrugs, not sure where else to go.

"That's good, good. I've heard a bit about your family, will have to meet them someday," Roger muses, and Shayne nods.

"Yeah, absolutely, Courtney and I have been talking about how we can make something with all our family happen," Shayne answers, nodding, before they are interrupted by Courtney and Kari's return.

Kari corners him a few hours later in a hallway inside, and he can't help but laugh at the wide smirk she displays before she even starts talking.

"I don't mean to be pushy at all, but – you had a chat about something with our Dad out there earlier, right?" Kari asks, and Shayne nods.

"Yeah, I- kinda got his blessing to ask Court to marry me," Shayne admits, feeling himself blush, "thanks for that text back in Utah, by the way."

"No problem, happy to help you. Have you got a ring?" she asks, Shayne quickly shaking his head.