Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson Page B

future?”
    â€œBoth, actually.” And thanks for playing along . Maybe this would be easier than I’d guessed. “Casey, I just wondered if maybe you’ve given any thought to, well, the future.” I mustered a smile and prayed he would take the hint.
    An odd expression overtook him and a moment later he nodded. “Katie, I think about the future every day.”
    â€œReally?” A hopeful spark ignited within. “Me too. So let’s compare notes, okay?”
    â€œO-okay.”
    â€œWhere do you see yourself in five years?”
    â€œIn five years?” He rolled his eyes. “Out of this town, for sure.”
    â€œW-what?” In all the years I’d known him, I hadn’t heardhim talk about leaving. “You mean, like, the outskirts of town? In a different house? Different property?”
    â€œNo. I mean, like, way out of town. Another state, even. If a man’s gonna have a career—a real career—it’s going to be in someplace bigger than Fairfield, Texas.”
    â€œBut I thought you planned to live here someday. On this land, I mean.”
    â€œThat’s my parents’ plan for me. They’ve said it a thousand times. And I’ve done my best to play along because I didn’t want to hurt their feelings. Heck, I even thought I could talk myself into it. But I’m not really into all of that, Katie. I thought you knew that. Sometimes I think my father loaded me up with ideas that were really his, not mine. I want something bigger than a few acres of land and a garden. You know?”
    No, I didn’t know. My response was stuck in my throat, however, and refused to dislodge itself.
    He rose and paced the kitchen, finally coming to a stop in front of the refrigerator, where he turned back to face me. “Katie, I’m glad you asked me about the future, because there’s something I need to talk to you about. I’ve been praying about this for days. Just didn’t know how to come out and say it, but you’ve given me the perfect segue.”
    â€œOh? Have I now?” I tried not to let the little giggle in my heart escape. Oh, hallelujah! He was going to propose right here, in his kitchen! Perfection! I’d always joked about getting engaged on a random weekday. What a story to tell our kiddos: “Mama got her proposal on a Monday afternoon over a glass of sweet tea at your grandma’s kitchen table, the one that was passed down from one generation to another.” Lovely!
    â€œJust say it, Casey.” I smiled. “Won’t hurt a bit, I promise.”
    He nodded, walked over, and stopped right in front of me, taking my hand. My left hand. With his free hand he reachedinto his back pocket. My heart skip-skip-skipped, and I wanted to sing a funny little ditty just to celebrate this glorious moment. He pulled out a small box, just the right size for a ring.
    Praise the Lord! Thank you, Queenie! Your suggestion worked like a charm. We’re talking about the future now, aren’t we?
    â€œKatie, you’re the sweetest girl I know. So understanding.”
    â€œTh-thank you. I feel the same about you.” But this would be better if you dropped to one knee. That would make for a better story.
    My sweetie’s smile lit the room, and I stared into his handsome face, a face lit with joy as he spoke. “You asked about my future, and I honestly believe it’s going to be great. Better than great, actually.”
    â€œMe too!” This time the giggle escaped. “I can see it now.”
    â€œI can too.” A contented look came over him. “And I like what I see. A lot.”
    A delicious sigh wriggled its way up inside of me as I whispered, “So do I.”
    â€œAnd because I’m so sure the future’s going to be bright, I need to show you something that might come as a bit of a surprise.”
    Maybe not as much of a surprise as you think. I’ve been