I know this is an extremely short update, but I hope the next one makes up for it. :) Hope you guys enjoy this little chapter! Happy reading! :)

Ch. 4

Eric and Annie looked to each other in surprise. "I know Ruthie and I have only been dating for two months technically, but..." he trailed off seeing Annie smile at him.

"Sweetheart it's not that at all," she told him. "Trust me, Eric and I saw that you two cared for each other almost from the day you met. It was incredible to watch really," she said wistfully with a smile. "It's just you're both so young, are you sure you don't want to wait a few years?" she asked him. "Not that I'm saying no I just want to make sure you know this isn't something to take lightly," she told him. "Marriage is a big commitment and both people are responsible for making it work."

"I agree with you," he told her nodding his head. "Mrs. Camden, I've loved your daughter from the moment I met her. I've always felt a strong pull towards her," he said thinking of the mating bond. "I know that there will never be anyone else for me and I can attest to the fact that Ruthie feels the same," he smiled thinking of how Ruthie and him are bonded for life. Or will be when I finally bite her and we have sex, he thought trying to hide a smirk. "I know that it seems like we're too young or that people will probably have doubts about us, but I love her."

Eric looked at the young man across from him. "Son, it's not a question of whether or not you love her. We know you do," he said. "We just don't want you to rush into something and then end up unhappy. We want the best for both of you."

Derek rested his head in his hands and took a moment to breathe and collect his thoughts. "You guys know that I never would have left all those years ago if I didn't absolutely have to," he said seeing them both nod. "Which means that Ruthie and I would have gotten together a long time ago if I had stayed. Would you be so worried if we had been dating for a few years?"

Eric and Annie looked at each other for a moment and then turned to Derek. "No, we aren't worried about how long you've been dating. We know that you both love each other very much. I'm worried though that you're both too young. Derek, sweetheart, you're only 23. And Ruthie is 21! Do you think you're both ready for marriage?"

Derek knew marriage was a big step, but he knew how he felt. And he knew Ruthie saw marriage in their future as well. Marriage, kids, a family he thought with a smile. I want everything with her. "I know it's a big step, but I also know how I feel. There will never be anyone but Ruthie. Please. Please tell me I have your blessing. I wouldn't be able to ask her without it," he told them, looking at them in earnest hoping they would consent.

They looked at each other and smiled. Nodding, Eric turned and looked at Derek. "Okay Derek," he said with a smile. "You have our blessing," he told him, seeing the young man across from him break out in a huge grin.

Derek jumped up and went over to them, immediately being pulled into a hug by Annie. "You know you've always been like family," she told him. "I'm so happy for the life you two will be sharing together."

"Me too Mrs. Camden," he told her with a warm smile.

"Oh heck call me mom if you want," she laughed seeing his smile grow bigger.

"Thanks mom," he told her sincerely, hugging her tight before letting her go. Turning to Eric he held out his hand, surprised when the older man pulled him in for a hug.

"Welcome to the family son," he said happily. "I couldn't have asked for a better man for my baby girl."

"Thank you sir," Derek told him, feeling modest and shy. "It means a lot that I have your approval."

"So how are you going to ask her?" Annie asked excitedly.

Derek smiled, already knowing how he wanted to ask her. "I want to ask her in front of everyone. Like how Kevin asked Lucy. Just in a more relaxed atmosphere," he told them, happy to see the smiles on their faces.

"Oh in front of everyone, I can't wait!" Annie said ecstatic. "She's going to be so surprised."

"I hope so," Derek smiled. "I was wondering if maybe tomorrow you could take all the girls out for the day," he asked of Annie, happy when she nodded. Turning to look at Eric he asked if they could round up all the guys and help him set up a surprise for Ruthie so he could propose to her tomorrow night.

"Of course," he agreed, smiling as he thought of his youngest daughter soon to be engaged. "Alright let's get out there before they send in a search party," Reverend Camden joked.

Derek smiled as they all walked out to join everyone else. Sitting down to dinner that night and saying grace, Derek silently thanked God for all the people he loved able to gather safely together under one roof.

Alright, he has their blessing! Now he has to plan how to propose, shenanigans to follow! Again, sorry for the short update, but I'm really hoping the next chapter makes up for it. Forgive me! :)