CHAPTER 21

Edgar suggested that they meet at a seaside café an equally long distance from his aunt's house and the Ungerson house. Edgar thought that the long walk would help him calm his nerves and he could think of a way to pose the question to Berk Ungerson. "How do you say, I want to marry your daughter." Edgar thought to himself. He reached the café at a quarter to 10, a few minutes before the scheduled meeting time. He did this because he knew the place would just be opening and he could get the most discreet table on the outside patio. The hostess led him just as he requested to their most private outdoor table. The deck extended in a narrow peninsula to a more rounded gazebo covered area with one small round table that could seat four comfortably. It was the only table out there and about 10 yards away from the rest of the patrons and out of anyone's earshot. Edgar thought it was really beautiful as he leaned over the deck railing. He then realized that the deck had been extended some twenty feet beyond solid ground and directly below him, after a fifty foot drop, was the rocky edge of the sea. "Bad idea Edgar," he thought to himself.

"Well, Edgar Hansen, we missed you at breakfast again this morning." Edgar shot around the table and extended his hand. Berk Ungerson shook it never breaking his firm gaze. He liked Edgar. He was resolved that his daughter was moving to the states. She was intent on doing that before she even knew Edgar Hansen existed. He still did want to make this too easy for this young man. He wanted to marry his baby. He had not said so on the telephone, but daddies knew these things. Parents are not supposed to have favorites, but they always do. Edgar motioned for the waitress and ordered coffee. "That will be fine for me too. Just bring us a carafe, please." Berk added.

Jenny had come out a little diva. She liked being treated like a baby doll and doted on, and he and his wife obliged. In truth, she was a lot easier child to please, until she became a teenager, Berk thought. When Louise popped into their lives she did so in a big way. She came two months too early and scared them to death. She has been in a hurry ever since. Her middle name should have been 'independent', Berk thought. She walked, talked, and read, earlier than any of her counterparts. She had a love of books and old films that delighted him. She was a natural athlete despite her slight size and did not mind getting dirty. She was his fishing buddy and weekend project helper. Yes, she was his favorite. She had a good head for business and was following in his footsteps at the bank. He was one proud papa. He did not think he could hand her off to this fisherman, but he knew he had no choice.

"I never knew this café had such an amazing view." Edgar remarked. Berk recognized the young man's nervousness and his change in complexion. He grinned inwardly. "Are we here to discuss the scenery, Edgar." Berk enjoyed watching him squirm. "No sir. I uh, well, I uh, wanted to apologize for keeping Louise out so late the last two nights. Uh, she is, I mean we have not, sir uh, she is a remarkable lady." This kid is going to puke or piss himself, I am not sure which and neither is he, Berk thought. "Yes, she is very special, Edgar, I know this, she is my daughter." Edgar fidgeted in his seat. "Yes sir, of course you do." Edgar took a sip of coffee and he and Berk never broke eye contact. This kid is scared to death, good for him, Berk thought. Edgar gave one last look in the direction of the railing, remembering the long rocky drop and blurted out, "I am in love with Louise and I want to marry her, with your permission of course." Berk stared at him like he had laser vision and he cold cut him in to. Berk remembered his daughter in time to keep him from lunging across the table and strangling this man. He burst out laughing. Edgar thought he may be having a psychotic break. "I now question whether or not you know my daughter well enough to marry her. If she knew you were here, a man, asking for her hand in marriage from me, a man, she might just kill us both. So I am not going to give you your answer." Berk continued to laugh as he refreshed his coffee and then Edgar's for him.

Edgar relaxed a little for the first time since he told his mother he would not leave the island without Louise. Berk motioned the waitress over and requested a pint of whiskey to go with their coffee. Poor Edgar was going to need it. He was about to get a crash course in independent women 101. "Louise appreciates education and hard work. She wants a career of her own. I have no doubt that she will be a wonderful wife and mother. However, if you try to make a housewife out of her she may go along for a while but she may very well, tell you to go to hell. Knowing this, I ask that you and she discuss at length any plans you may have including her schooling and her work and family before you go off half cocked. Marriage is difficult. The more you know what each of you expects of the other up front, the better off you will be. Louise is loyal and capable of being a wife to a man that is often absent. She has a good strong character. She is also very sensitive and if you hurt her or make her unhappy rest assured, I will come to Seattle or wherever you may be and kill you. Now with that said, finish up your coffee, come on to the house and let's get this over with." Edgar was feeling very lightheaded. He thought he might faint, and then he did.

He was only out for a second he thought. When he came to the waitress was pressing a cool towel to the back of his neck. He was still in the chair, thank goodness. Berk was on his cell phone telling his wife that they would be along in about a half hour or so and Edgar would be joining them for lunch. Berk patted Edgar on his shoulder and said, "We will leave when you feel ready. Jinna has made an amazing pot roast. You are in for a treat." Edgar managed to get to his feet and steady himself, smiling sheepishly at his soon to be father in law, "Just let me get the check." "Already taken care of son." Berk placed his hand on the back of Edgar's neck and shook him just a little, "You feeling alright?" Edgar exhaled loudly, "Yeah, honestly, I am glad we got this over with." Berk smiled and shook his head, "Son, I hate to tell you this, but that was the easy part." They walked the path to the Ungerson's house in silence. Edgar was afraid Berk was right. Now he had a whole new set of nerves to contend with. "What if she says no?" Berk had called him son twice. That was promising.