Author's note: Okay, here it is, the final part to my story. Thanks to everyone who reviewed to keep me going. Let me know what you think of it now that its finished.
Twenty-two-year old Natalie peeked through the doorway of the house. She looked around quickly, and seeing that no one was in sight, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. Another look revealed that her mother was standing in the open kitchen with Ryan sitting on the counter.
Natalie entered the house and walked into the kitchen, sat next to Ryan and tousled his hair as only a sister can. "Knock it off!" he said, but Natalie knew he enjoyed the attention she gave him.
"Hey, what's up?" Natalie asked calmly, waiting for them to notice the sparkling diamond ring on her ring finger.
"Not much," said Mac as she turned around from the stove and frowned. "Get off the counter you two. I just washed it."
"Yeah, like a month ago," said Ryan as he jumped down and ran off before he could get scolded.
Natalie laughed as she watched him go and then turned to her mother again. "I can't believe he's already fourteen."
"I know. A few more years and he'll be off to college as well."
"Don't worry mom. We'll come back to visit." Natalie tossed her shoulder length brown hair and pulled her blue sweater down.
Mac glanced at her daughter's hands briefly, and then she quickly grabbed her hand for a second look. "Natalie, is this what I think it is?" she asked shakily.
Natalie grinned, happy that it was finally noticed. She nodded and Mac pulled her into a hug. "He proposed! Harm!" shouted Mac.
Both Harm and Ryan came running and Natalie held out her hand to them. Harm grabbed both of them and hugged. Ryan, trying to be cool, didn't join in, but Natalie grabbed him as well.
"Jeremy proposed this afternoon at the lake. We're going to wait until we both graduate this spring and get jobs to actually set a date," she said after everyone had calmed down.
"I'm so happy for you," said Mac as she finished clearing the counter.
"Thanks. So what do you say daddy, will you walk me down the aisle when we set the date?"
Harm's eyes shone and he flashed his trademark smile. "I wouldn't miss that for the world."
"And Ryan, you can be one of the escorts if you want. Jeremy's niece Adrienne is your age, and she needs someone so she can be one of my bridesmaids."
"I'll think about it." Natalie rolled her eyes and smiled.
How everything turned out so good, Natalie didn't know. But what had looked like it might have been the worst time in her life had given her everything she'd needed, especially a father.