Chapter 9:
Firestorm fired up the grill, through the steaks on and added the sauce. He looks over to the young couple, Nat was sitting on Brad's lap, and they were sharing eskimo kisses, he rolls his eyes as he flips the steaks, but he needs to know this Bradshaw fellow's intentions.
"Uhmm, sweetheart, can you go get more beers?".
She gives Brad one last nose rub and goes into the house.
When it was now the two men, Firestorm went into fighter pilot-mode. "Let's get one thing straight, my daughter isn't some plaything that you throw away after a while, if you as much as think about doing that, I will end your career, and make sure you have to move for the rest of your life in a wheelchair, am I clear?".
Brad had to admit, he was taken aback by that warning, but he understood. "Well then, I guess I must make this a formal request then," he gets up and walks over to the older man, "Sir, with your permission, I would like to court your daughter.".
Nat stood at the door at that moment, she was taken aback that Brad was willing to make their relationship official, but the one who was really shocked, was Firestorm.
"You got balls of steel kid, I gotta give you that, but yes, you have my permission.".
Brad releases a sigh of relief, but he was soon joined by Nat. "Babe, can we talk, in private?".
"Sure. Excuse me, sir.".
Pulling him into the house, she seemed a little rattled. "What was that back there?".
Brad, only shrugs, "What did I do?".
"The fact that you asked my dad for permission, if we get caught, it's not just the two of us that get screwed, but my dad too.".
Understanding her, he feels a little stupid, "I see now, I am sorry, it's just, Mav taught me the right way to start a relationship is to earn the father's approval, that indicates that I have the father's trust." He left out the part about getting one step closer to marrying her, he wasn't sure if they have been long enough together for that step.
But Nat smiles after a while, giving a quick peck on the lips, "You truly are a classic gentleman.".
Getting back outside, the BBQ was ready, and the three adults sat down to eat and drink beer. It was a good time, everyone laughing and getting along, most of the times, Nat would lean into Brad as she laughed, it was a feeling he could get used to.
By the end of the day, as Brad made ready to leave, he greets Nat with a kiss, but John was glaring at him, but they shake hands, and Nat finally lets out a breath.
"You're a good man, Bradley. Take good care of my little girl.".
"I will, sir.".
Getting in his truck, he glances over to her, and with a smile, he drives away. He drives back to his little apartment dancing his way inside, singing in the shower, and dancing again up until he gets in bed.
Sleeping with a smile on his face.