Disc: HMC is not mine to own.
Upon hearing that their eldest intended to ask for a young lady's hand, Howl and Sophie reacted considerably different.
Sophie, the more sensible of the two, encouraged the boy and, after a loving hug, wished him the best of luck. "Oh, Morgan, I'm sure she'll say yes. She really is a sweet girl."
Howl used an alternative approach. "Of course she'll say yes," he slapped Morgan soundly on the back. "What girl could resist that face? You are your father's son, Morgan. We Jenkins men are revered for our suave and irresistible manner."
"Revered, really?" Sophie snorted, "Then how about you start explaining to the countless girls appearing regularly on each of our four doorsteps why the 'suave and irresistible' Rhys and Thomas confess their undying love only to disappear a few days later?"
"I didn't know those two already had girls after them," Morgan mused, hoping to dispel the approaching debacle.
"Don't even pretend Morgan. We all know that the first girl that chased after you was in primary school."
"Yes," Howl acknowledged bitterly, "you were so fortunate to be blessed with good looks during your first childhood. If only all of us had been so lucky…" Morgan wisely chose to ignore his father's unusual comment--he tended to remain saner that way. He did, however, notice the withering glare Sophie sent in Howl's direction.
"Anyway," Howl began, effectively changing the subject, "have you given any thought to the manner in which you plan to propose?"
"Well, no, not really." Howl blanched.
"None whatsoever?" Morgan shook his head. After a moment of total awe that his son could be so careless, Howl continued. "My boy, the proposal sets the tone for the entire marriage!" Sophie's snort could distinctly be heard across the room. "Now, the way to go is fantastic. I'm thinking a large fountain with a chorus of singing fish, nightingales in the trees and two swans making a heart shape with their necks should do the trick." He looked like he was ready to say more, but that was before Sophie whacked him on the back the head.
"Don't listen to this peacock. Remember, women prefer sweet and simple over gaudy and over-done." It was Howl's turn to scoff. "As long as you're sincere, I am positive all will be well."
With those words of encouragement, Morgan chose to excuse himself in favor of seeking his siblings' whereabouts upstairs.
"For all our sakes," Sophie began once he was well out of earshot, "she better accept. Despite all my efforts, Morgan did inherit your theatrics." Howl innocently smiled resulting in the marring of his newest suit with a rather large spoon shaped stain across the front. "Remember the show he put on after he thought he misplaced his favorite toy when he was five?"
Howl did remember the incident, quite well in fact. He had come home after a rather tedious meeting with the King (that man really was too demanding) to find the entire main room of the castle literally turned upside down, the furniture in disarray, with every square inch covered in thick, gooey oatmeal. He could have laughed except the action would surely lead to certain death at the hands of his beloved wife.
"Wasn't it under his pillow the entire time?"
"Exactly! Imagine if he was rejected! I swear we might actually have to leave Market Chipping; which would be a shame considering we've survived with your antics and reputation."
"Now, Sophie. No need to be so harsh!" He snuck behind her and snaked his arms around her. "Morgan has nothing to worry about. After all he is our son. I'm sure no one could reject the offspring of such a lovely couple like us."
"You may have a point," Sophie conceded before adding, "Which reminds me! There was a rather handsome gentleman at the door earlier asking for our daughter…" She was not able to finish as Howl was already halfway up the stairs.
"Cerys!"
As they say, 'like father like son!' For future reference, in this fic, Howl and Sophie have four children: Morgan, 23, Cerys, 19, Rhys,17 and Thomas, 15. I feel that Howl would be very protective of his daughter considering his past.
Any thoughts, comments, or concerns? I'd love to hear it all!
Oh, who should offer advice/ whose perspective should be next?