Benjamin Roberts knocked on the door to the apartment of the parents of the woman he loved. Angela Barker answered the door and welcomed Benjamin with a warm smile. "Benjamin, now this is a surprise. Come on in" "Thank you Mrs. Barker"
"To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit," Jacob Barker, Lucy's father asked. "Mr. Barker," Benjamin said, "I have come here to ask your permission to propose to Lucy. She is the only person that makes my heart skip a beat… and the only person I love." Jacob and Angela exchanged looks. Angela was the first to speak.
"That would be an honor to have you as a son in law. We just have one request. As you know, Jacob and I have no sons. We had a son, five-years after Lucy's birth but he died in his sleep during infancy. Therefore we have nobody to carry on the family name of Barker.
"If you want to make Lucy your wife you will have to be willing to take on the last name Barker… so our family line might continue at least one more generation." That's all, Ben thought to himself. He would go to the moon and back for Lucy. Of course he was willing to take her name. He was willing to do anything for the one he loved and oftentimes had.
"Mr. and Mrs. Barker," Benjamin said almost sternly, "I love Lucy more then I ever though possible to love anyone. To be honest taking her name would be an honor, not a request. Thank you for allowing me that honor" Lucy's parents shared a hug with Benjamin. Just then Lucy came in to the apartment.
"BEN," she exclaimed in delight, "what are you doing here" "I have come to ask your parents permission to ask you to make me the happiest man in the world. Will you do me the honor of marrying me, of making me Benjamin Roberts Barker?" Lucy gasped and squealed throwing her arms around Benjamin's neck as they shared a passionate kiss. Then she said, "Wait a sec… Benjamin Barker?"
"Your parents only requirement for our betrothal was that I take on your name, so that the name can carry at least one more generation. I told them taking your last name is an honor" "Oh Ben," she gasped, "you really do love me" "That's the understatement of the century. I cannot live without you"
Ten months later Lucy and Benjamin walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Lucy Roberts Barker. 3 years later Johanna joined their family. They named her Johanna after Lucy's brother Joseph. Her middle name was Roberta after her father's maiden name and her last name Barker. The Barker family was complete for another generation.
