Richard Prentiss is the lovely creation of sienna27 and her story "Falling in Love with a Girl"! Thank her for letting me use the name! Let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: Nope not mine!
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On the 4th of July - James Taylor, Arlington - Trace Atkins, and Helpless When She Smiles - Backstreet Boys
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Every year on the 4th of July Emily always made a special trip to Arlington. She would buy a bouquet of white roses and go to Arlington National Cemetery where she would spend hours sitting in front of a grave, talking and telling stories about the previous year.
This year would be different. This year Aaron and Jack would be accompanying her on her journey. Emily was nervous. No one else ever knew about what she did, but the boys insisted that they would love to go with her and uphold her traditions as well. Emily was touched, but she had 'meet the parents' panic attack.
Aaron was nervous as he knocked on Emily's apartment door, Jack by his side. As soon as the door opened, Jack flung himself at Emily who picked him up with a smile on her face. She reached around behind the door and grabbed her purse letting Aaron shut and lock her door while she held on to Jack.
Soon the three were in the car on the way to Arlington. Aaron had turned on Jack's CD and held Emily's left hand in his right. She clutched the bouquet of roses in her other hand and tried not to think back on the day she had found out her father had died. She was twelve years old and her mom had been stateside since her father left for war. Her mom was away on a business trip and she was alone with her best friend and body guard, Randy. Two uniformed officers showed up and had to inform her of her father's death.
Emily held her breath as she instructed Aaron where to go. They walked through the cemetery hand in hand and Jack a little bit ahead of them. Emily could feel herself tear up as they neared the tree where he was buried next to.
"Jack, come here bud" Aaron called gently as Emily detached their hands and walked towards the headstone. Jack hurried back to his father's side and clung to his hand, knowing his Emily was upset. Aaron picked Jack up and set the little boy on his hip as he slowly approached where Emily had placed the roses.
"Hi daddy. I'm not alone this year. These two great guys came with me because they knew how much it means to me to visit you. Daddy, this is my boyfriend Aaron and our son Jack" Emily introduced. Jack wiggled and Aaron set him down before sitting next to Emily, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Hi Grandpa, I never met you, but mommy Emily misses you so I miss you too. She's sad 'cause we had to come visit you here, but don't worry, daddy and I will make her smile again" Jack said before he kissed the top of the headstone marked "Richard Prentiss". Emily nearly burst into tears at the little boy's mannerisms.
"Hi Richard I'm Aaron. You're little girl has stolen my heart. I'm helpless when she smiles or when she asks for something. I just can't say no. I love her Richard and I promise to take good care of her forever and always, as long as she agrees to marry me" Aaron said. Emily stared at him in shock. Did he really just propose to her by talking to her deceased father? Aaron pulled out a small velvet box and showed Emily the small plain engagement ring.
"Yes" was all Emily managed to get out before she broke out in tears. In some ways it was the happiest day in her life, but in other ways it had been 26 years to the day since Emily had been told about her father's death.
Emily decided this would have to be a family ritual now, because she was glad the guys had come with her and had made it the best Fourth of July ever.
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Ok well that is finished! I hope you liked it! Happy Fourth of July! Please let me know what you thought!