"Owen can we go for coffee soon," Asher asked hesitantly.

"What's going on," Owen asked, "you look anxious is everything okay?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Allie," Asher said.

"Is she okay," Owen asked.

"She is," Asher replied, "she's out with Ava and Everly."

"Do you want to go now," Owen asked, "walk to the place around the corner?"

"Could Teddy join us," Asher asked.

"She's home," Owen said, "we can grab her. Are you sure everything is okay?"

"I wanted to ask you something," Asher said.

"Then we should get Teddy," Owen said, he wondered if Asher wanted to propose but they were both 20. They were young.

Owen went inside t get Teddy, "Asher wants to ask us something. Allison and Ev are out."

"Oh my god," Teddy squealed, "he wants to ask our permission."

"To what," Owen asked.

"Come on," Teddy said, "Hunt, we've been here once before. Asher wants our permission to ask Allison to marry him."

"No," Owen said, "they're only 20. She needs more life experience first. We did, Annie did."

"Not comparing the girls," Teddy reminded.

"She's our daughter," Owen argued.

"I know she's our baby, our youngest," TEddy agreed, "but let's hear him out. We gave Josh that chance. Asher has proved to us he's a good man. He loves her and takes care of her. He's a good partner for her."

"She's 20," Owen said.

"We'll go listen," Teddy said, "Hunt breathe. This is good. They act like they're married anyway. They've lasted longer than my first marriage."

"If it doesn't work," Owen asked.

"She'll be crushed either way," Teddy said, "legally they'll have to sort out custody and bank accounts either way. If this is what they want and will make them happy."

"Everly," Owen asked.

"Her parents legally married," Teddy said, "it's good for her and she won't know them not being together. At her age I was running from Steven trying to get Annie safe. She's loved and he's so in love with her."

"If it had been Annie," Owen asked.

"I would have advised caution," Teddy said, "Allison and Asher have lived together for almost 3 years. Yea we kept them in their own rooms the first 9 months but that let them get to know each other with out the physical aspect. "

"I didn't think he'd stay," Owen admitted, "I pushed him to man I. I tested him."

"I know," Teddy said.

"We shouldn't make him wait," Owen said, "I remember asking Beth's dad. That was scary."

Owen and Teddy walked with Asher to the local coffee place.

"I'll get it," Asher said, "coffee with cream, London fog?"

"Thank you," Teddy replied.

Asher met them at the table with their drinks.

"You can breathe," Teddy smiled.

"I wanted to ask you something," Asher stuttered.

"Ask away," Owen said, "it's okay we don't bite Asher. Only Charlie does that."

That made Asher smile.

"I love Allison and I know I want to be with her forever,"

Asher said, "I know you think we're young and a couple years ago you were really against the idea. Allie and I have been talking for a while about it and we're ready it's something we both want. I love Allison I want what you guys have with her. Decades of being each other's best friends, knowing we are always going to have eachothers backs."

"We know you love each other," Teddy assured.

"I'd like your blessing to ask Allison to marry me," Asher finished.

"You're still young," Owen agreed, "but you've shown us your commitment to each other and your family. You have my blessing. Teds?"

"Yes," Teddy smiled, "you make her happy and I know she loves you. Do you have a ring?"

"I've picked one I just need to find out the right size," Asher replied.

"I do know that," Teddy smiled, "I'll text you it."

"It's not as extravagant as your ring or Annie's or Nishas," Asher said.

"Mine is an heirloom one," Teddy said, "It was Owens moms and grandmas and we were in our mid 40s withestablished careers. Annie's fancy one was for their 10th anniversary not her engagement ring her engagement ring is simple. And you're choosing for Allison and what Allie likes. Not what her sister or her cousin like. Do you have pictures?"

"I do," Asher said, "Ava went to look with me."

"Can I see," Teddy asked.

"It's not a plain diamond," Asher said, "she doesn't love them she likes amethysts."

"What is it," Owen asked.

"It's a little trio a traditional diamond in the center with two smaller amethysts on ether side in white gold," Asher replied showing them the picture.

"That is Allison," Teddy smiled, "she'll love it. When will you order it?"

"This week," Asher said, "I've been saving since Ev was born."

"When do you think you'll propose," Owen asked.

"Between Evs birthday and Europe," Asher answered, "I want to make it special."

"You will," Owen said, "and I've done it three times I'm happy to help."

"I have an idea it's getting the date and babysitting," Asher replied, "and three times?"

"You know this is both of our second marriages," Teddy said, "my first husband passed and we still work with Christina Yang."

"Thats two," Asher said.

"Ms Whitman your middle school principal," Owen said, "we were in school and it was before I did any active service in the army."

"What are you going to do," Teddy asked.

"I want to wait till it's warm enough," Asher replied, "she loves going on a good hike. I wanted to do an overnight one with just the two of us."

"We'll take Ev overnight," Teddy assured, "where would you go?"

"We've been doing some really long day hikes with Ev in a carrier," Asher said, "and backpacking overnight is something we want to start doing with the three of us but the first trip will be just us. We bought some second hand gear. We're going to do Jade Lake."

"Why didn't you tell us before your birthday," Teddy asked, "we were so stuck for birthday gift ideas that weren't clothes."

"We used the REI gif card for gear," Asher said, "are you okay with this?"

"You're young," Owen said, "very young."

"20," Asher said, "we've been together since we were 17."

"We know," Teddy said, "can I suggest a long engagement? Let her finish college before the wedding."

"I want Allie to take the lead on that," Asher said, "I want to take that next step together. We're ready together. We're ready."

"If it was anyone else I would say she's not ready but together I think you might be," Teddy said.

"You will both always have our support," Owen said.

"We will get more independent," Asher promised.

"You are all the time," Teddy said, "she's had a hard couple months with Olivia. Her depression will always come and go in waves like this. She will do really well for a while then struggle for a bit. We've fought with things over the years. She'll learn her triggers, you'll get better at seeing it. You see them now and with more time together you'll learn how to pull her back before it gets bad. I know your family is hard for you and pushes you to your breaking point. I have to ask, is proposing anything to do with your family? Have they pressured you?"

"No," Asher said, "I would have senior year if that was it. This is about me and Allie and Ev. My parents don't know I'm going to. I haven't talked to my parents in a couple months. Ya they came for my birthday but we didn't really talk. My dad didn't actually talk to me all night."

"Asher, are you proposing to Allison to try to fix things with your parents," Owen repeated Teddy's question.

"No," Asher assured, "I'm proposing because I love Allison and I want forever with our family. I want forever with her. I love her. My parents have nothing to do with this. If they couldn't support us and see us then I don't care what they think now."

"I'm three years late saying this," Owen said, "you hurt her. I know how to make it look like an accident."

"Owen," Teddy gasped, slapping his arm.

"I won't," Asher promised, "I want her to be happy."

"We know you do," Teddy said, "she's our baby. She's our youngest."

"I know," Asher said, "I'll look after her and Everly I promise."

"You have been," Owen said.

"I won't ask her if your not okay with it," Asher said, "are you sure your okay with it?"

"I am," Owen said.

"I'm happy for you," Teddy said, "so work?"

"Third year of my apprenticeship," Asher said, "I get my Raise in the next pay check and I've had some over time."

"Long term," Owen asked.

"I like the industrial work," Asher said, "sticking with it. It pays better than residential."

"Goals though do you want to run a crew," Owen asked.

"I'd like to," Asher agreed, "it'll take years to work my way up. I'd like to run the site. Stewart is my crew leader but Brian Olivia's dad manages two or three sites and I want that one day."

"Work for it," Teddy said, "you're not afraid to work hard."

"If you wanted to change we will help you figure out college," Owen said, "if you wanted to take a business class or project management training."

"Maybe one day but not now," Asher said, "I need to do my apprenticeship and Allie has to go to school. She has 6 more years."

"She does," Teddy said, "of classes but resiedncy what ever she choses is still a lot of work."

"We know," Asher replied, 'if it's what she wants to do I want her to do it."

"I was about your age and Annie's biological father told me the same things. If you want to do it Teddy I support you, I want to do it. Then Annie and he changed his tune. I worry about that."

"No," Asher said, 'I want her to be happy and follow her dreams. I'd love to have my own company one day but her dreams and Ev come first. Allie has to go to school and med school. She wants that so badly."

"She does," Owen agreed, "but don't not pursue your dreams either. It's only going to make your resentful over time. I saw it years ago when Beth, Ms Whitman, put her teaching career on hold to follow me to med school then residency. Over time she gave up on her dreams and stopped talking about her masters and wanting to be more than a teacher. She did it eventually but she gave up and got mad at me for becoming a doctor and then a surgeon and my tours of duty. Asher, you don't want that either. That wouldn't be good for any of you."

"I know I need more experience," Asher said, "it's not a 5 or a 10 year plan. I can run a crew in the next 10 years once I prove myself, I can do the night classes for project management and move over to that. If I do it one class at a time once Allie is done school that's okay. I'll do it but right now I can't even start. I need my apprenticeship finished first and the hours worked."

"We want both of you to be happy and to reach for those dreams," Teddy said.

"I used to think getting my apprenticeship and a job that paid better than my parents was the goal," Asher said, "I never thought of leading a crew before or managing a few sites. I've learned that from you. I haven't had that support before. I'll do it one day."

"We're happy to help," Teddy said, "we don't know it well but we'll help."

"My dad was a gas fitter," Owen said.

"Allison has never mentioned him," Asher said.

"He passed when I was 9," Owen replied, 'he never got to meet any of my kids. To see Megan and I finish school or get married. He missed the best parts. Asher, if you sincerely want to marry Allison, you have my support."

They finished their drinks and walked back making small talk. As they got back into the driveway Allison pulled in.

Asher took Everly from the back seat and set her on her feet, "do you want to walk?"

"Daddy walk," Everly said, "char wee."

"We can walk to the back yard and see Charlie," Asher agreed.

Asher held both of Everly's hands guiding her in place of her walker, helping her to keep her balance. On the grass he let go of Everly's hands so she could pet the dog. She held on to the rambunctious animal to keep her balance. Everly was the one person the crazy puppy was calm with.

"Is everything okay," Allison asked.

"We were heading for a walk and Asher decided to join us," Teddy lied.

"Then why didn't you take Charlie," Allison asked.

"No reason," Owen said.

"Mom what's wrong," Allison asked.

"Absolutely nothing, baby girl," Teddy promised.

"I don't believe you," Allison said.

"Trust her," Owen said, "it's all good."

"I should go check on Ev she was cranky," Allison said, "but know I don't believe either of you."

"I promise it is good," Owen assured, "munchkin I would tell you if it wasn't. Haven't I always?"

"Yes,' Allison agreed.

"Try to trust us," Owen said, "you'll find out soon and it's good."

"Promise,' Allison asked.

"Promise," Teddy agreed.

Everly tried to take a couple steps holding on to Charlie.

"Good job," Asher praised.

Everly pointed to the pool, "swim?"

"Not today," Asher said, "we'll go swimming tomorrow. Its too cold for this pool."

"Peas," Everly tried.

"There's no water in it now," Asher said, "we'll go tomorrow. Do you want to go on the swing?"

"Slide," Everly demanded.

"We can go on the slide," Asher said, picking her up and carrying her to the slide.

Inside Teddy looked out the window and smiled, "I'm glad we didn't take the play set down."

"They use it and so do Annie's kids," Owen agreed.

"Married," Teddy asked Owen, "is she ready?"

"She is," Owen said.

"She acts like it now," Teddy said, "she's happy with him but I didn't like lying to her."

"It's not a lie its a surprise," Owen said, "he'll propose this spring."

"He will," Teddy said, "I feel really old. Owen we're old."

"Not old," Owen said putting his arms around her.

"She's so young," Teddy said.

"She is," Owen agreed, "but three years living together they have a daughter."

"I know," Teddy said, "I was her age with Steven and expecting Annie and I wasn't ready."

"I know," Owen said, "but we're here to guide them. She won't stop wanting or needing you because they're engaged or married."

"Annie did," Teddy pointed out.

"She was 27 when they got engaged her relationship was different," Owen said, "she was a resident and had those few years maturity. Allison goes to Asher first now two. Teddy you have to let her grow. They won't move out. They won't leave you. I know losing people is hard for you but you're not losing her. We're gaining Asher."

"What if," Teddy asked.

"She will always come home to you," Owen said, "she'll be so happy."

"She's my baby," Teddy said, "remember when first brought her home?"

"She was so tiny," Owen said, "in your arms on the couch. You would spend hours just staring at her."

"She was my baby," Teddy said, "she's been here her whole life."

"She will move one day," Owen said, 'but I think they'll stay until she's done college. She's doing it her way. They all know they can come home."

"How are you not worried," Teddy asked.

"I am," Owen said, "but look at them Teddy Bear. The three of them out there like that. We said we wanted our kids to find partners they love and have their families. She's loved. He loves her."

"Are we okay with this," Teddy asked.

"We are," Owen said, "its good Teddy."

"She's 20," Teddy said.

"We encourage a long engagement," Owen said.

"We had what 7 months," Teddy asked.

"We were in our 40s though," Owen said, "Annie planned for over a year."

"She did," Teddy agreed, "we encourage her to take her time. I'd like them to be 21 so they can have champagne at the wedding."

"Thats a year," Owen said, "long engagement is good."

"His family," Teddy asked.

"Maybe," Owen agreed, "but he says no and he's never lied to us."

"I just don't want them to try to take control," Teddy replied, "she's told me she's always pictured David doing it."

"Then they ask David," Owen said, "it's their day, they'll do it how they want."

"We paid for the food, venu and dress for Annie and Josh," Teddy said, "are we doing that?"

"All three," Owen said, "we'll help whe Leo does as well."

"Allie and Asher might need more help," Teddy replied.

"And it's so long ago we can't eve do a dollar amount," Owen said, "do we give them a budget of what we can give them?"

"Budget but her dress we are doing," Teddy said, "that was something really special to go wedding dress shopping with Annie."

"You'll do it with Allison," Owen said, "we'll help. I can't see them going over the top or big. Family and a few close friends?"

"We'll see," Teddy said, "we know Ev is their flower girl."

"Of course," Owen agreed, "we'll help them."

"So as far as we know the girls are settled or will be," Teddy said, "they've found great guys."

"Our sons in law are great," Owen agreed, "but Leo?"

"If he could get past the third date," Teddy shrugged, "but he's home for a week next week then does training until we go to Europe."

"He's working as an orderly at the hospital after that," Owen replied.

"I'm surprised Allison didn't want it," Teddy replied, "she's going full time at safeway."

"Holding her job for the fall," Owen said.

"Orderly is 30 hours," Teddy replied, "she could have done 10."

"She said something to do with benefits if she can get her hours up over the summer," Owen replied, "she's worried when she turns 21 she's off ours."

"No," Teddy replied, "as long as she's in school and living in our house or dependent on us. Her getting married would affect that."

"He has good insurance two," Owen replied, "it covers a lot for Ev."

"His union insurance is good," Teddy replied, "and it covers primary care and emergency surgery. I've read the policy with them. When they get married she can use that."

"Teddy let him propose first," Owen replied.

"When they go we get Ev for two or three days," Teddy replied.

"We do," Owen smiled, "spoil her?"

"Always," Teddy replied, "ice cream, chocolate, candy, staying up late."

"You deal with the grumpy toddler," Owen replied.

"She's never grumpy for you," Teddy argued.

"I know I'm the favorite," Owen laughed.