Chapter 76

While prom was almost a week ago, everyone was still reminiscing about that special night. Each one loved their time at prom and dinner. However, their time at the beach was the most noteworthy in their memory. However, all the teens were fighting to stay awake during church services. For this reason, they all napped when they got home after services.

For Jack, the time on Elizabeth's front porch was the most meaningful to him. The whole night was perfect, but it was when Elizabeth placed her hand on his, when he began to open her door. The fact that she was with him the whole night and still wanted another five minutes meant everything to him. Those five minutes turned into fifteen minutes. In those fifteen minutes, Jack and Elizabeth shared several kisses. Jack wasn't sure if it was several kisses or just one long kiss. Either way, Jack loved the fact that Elizabeth just wanted to be with him.

For every high school senior, prom was the benchmark that showed the school year was almost over. In just over two weeks, they would officially graduate high school. The young group still had a couple of projects that needed to be wrapped up, but for the most part, everyone was settled into the last few weeks of high school.

…

"You know…I didn't notice it until Jack said something about it a few months ago, but I do believe he is right." Connie and Steph watched as Elizabeth walked in their direction.

"And what is that?" Elizabeth huffed at Connie's sassing when she reached her group. She could see it in her best friend's eyes that she was up to something.

"That you do pull into the parking lot on three wheels." Connie chuckled. Her laughter only increased when Elizabeth gave her the stink eye.

Elizabeth turned that stink eye to Jack as he drove past them to park in his usual parking spot. He wasn't sure if it was him or someone else, but Elizabeth's expression wasn't a good one.

"Wow…it's too early for that expression," Jack stated to himself as he pulled into his parking spot.

Jack grabbed his backpack and quickly stepped out of his truck. He turned toward the group and walked to them. Elizabeth was still looking at him like he did something wrong, but Connie had an expression that he knew all too well. She was aggravating her best friend.

"I don't know what's happening, but I didn't do anything. I just got here."

"Sounds like you have been speaking to Connie." Elizabeth pointed her finger at him. He walked up and kissed his girlfriend on the cheek.

"Connie can't keep secrets!" Jack playfully huffed.

"What does that mean?" Connie defended herself.

"Well, first of all, you told Elizabeth that Steven gave me dance lessons."

"Well, that's true."

"And you told Steph that he gave me dance lessons," Cory added as he and Steph walked to the group.

"Plus, you told Elizabeth that Jack told you months ago how she drives in the parking lot," Steven added as he laughed.

"Steven!" Gasped Connie. "Why would you say that?"

"Am I wrong?" His laughter continued to grow.

"Well, I never." Connie dramatically huffed.

"You've been hanging around Rosey too long." Elizabeth snickered.

"Come on…our group is probably waiting for us."

The group gathered around and began walking toward the school's front doors. Each couple came together and held hands as they walked. The special ed group was just coming around the corner when they walked into the school. Jack smiled as Adam raised his arms in the air and began to wave them from side to side.

"There's my guy!" Jack called out.

Adam ran toward Jack the best he could. Jack wrapped his arms around his friend and spun him around twice. They have been doing this for months now. Even with that said, they still acted like this was the first time doing it.

"He's going to miss that," Connie whispered.

"Oh, he mentioned that last night. I thought he was going to cry when he realized it." Elizabeth leaned in just before Sandy called out.

"Princess Beth!" Elizabeth turned her attention to the little cutie.

For the next few minutes, the special ed group loved on the friend group. Each person received a hug. And was called by their normal titles, except for the two non-speaking students. With a final goodbye, the friend group watched Mrs. Johnston escort her group to the cafeteria for their breakfast.

"Hey, when are you leaving?"
Elizabeth accepted Jack's pinky when Steph asked her question.

"We are leaving tomorrow after school. We'll get there late that night. Ted's performance is Saturday. Mother and father wanted to spend Saturday with Viola before the final concert. We'll spend most of Sunday with both Viola and Ted."

"You're not going?"

"No Steven. My parents and I went to last year's semester concert. Ma and Pa have a vacation planned during the summer."

Connie and Steph raised their eyebrows toward Elizabeth. She easily understood their question.

"No, I'm not too happy about it." Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders.

"Neither am I." Jack tightened his hold on her pinky.

"You two have it bad."

"Are you telling me you aren't sad when Steven goes to this father's house for the weekend?"

"Not at all. It's horrible." Connie shook her head. "I didn't mean that as a sassy comment."

"I know…I'm just not happy about it."

"You do have it bad."

"Yup." Jack stated.

…

"Alright class, here's the deal…for all underclassmen, your final project is an eight page report on the Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. You will need to provide one reference per page. Please give the writer's insight and then provide your thoughts on the book. Use proper citations in the references and in the proper format."

The underclassman moaned. This only made Mrs. Williamson chuckle. Their response was predictable and normal each year when she informed her students of the final project. Her chuckle turned to a smile. She always had a different project for her seniors. It was her way of rewarding her seniors who have worked hard to be in Honors English.

"For the seniors, your final project will be a three-page report on your journey through high school. You may write about any part of your high school career, the good or the bad. Whatever was meaningful to you. Please use proper formatting."

All the seniors let out a small, cheerful noise. This was basically their last work for high school, and they were each excited about that simple fact. For the most part, they were ready to be finished with high school. There were moments they were sad about that fact and knew they would miss it, but not so much today.

…

Friday afternoon welcomed the students leaving school with a warm sun and a breeze that made it perfect to be outside. School had just been released, and everyone was looking forward to a sunny weekend. Summer fever was running rampant throughout the whole school, including the faculty.

This particular Friday found Jack and Elizabeth slowly walking down the hall holding pinkies. Elizabeth was under strict instructions from her mother and father that she was to report straight home so the family could leave for their weekend trip to Viola's college. William and Grace were eagerly looking forward to the trip. First, they haven't seen Viola in a couple of months. Plus, they were greatly looking forward to Ted's year-end semester performance. They heard him practice and play in a restaurant setting, but they really wanted to listen to a recital. The problem is that Elizabeth wasn't eager to leave her boyfriend.

The pool at her home had just been opened. The water was still a little too cold to go swimming, but they could lay out at the pool. Elizabeth loved seeing her boyfriend without his shirt on. And the weather would have been perfect for sunbathing during the day. If she closed her eyes for any length of time, she could easily see her boyfriend shirtless with his dimpled smile.

"I'm going to miss you," Elizabeth stated as she leaned against her car door. Jack stood in front of her. He stepped closer when she pulled him to her.

"I love you." He stated.

"Aren't you going to tell me that you'll miss me?"

He chuckled as he shook his head no. He hadn't told her that he was going to miss her since the state championship week. When she would tell him that she was going to miss him, he would always respond by telling her that he loved her. Their normal three—to—five—minute walk to their vehicles took them almost ten minutes.

"What? I said I love you. You didn't say that to me."

"Jack…" She whined a little "You're not being very nice to me. I am going to miss you this weekend."

Jack scooted closer to her. They were barely touching bodies. He was going to miss her very much. The longer they had dated and the more time they spent together, the more he wanted to be with her. He just never grew tired of her. Their relationship continued to grow closer.

With Jack's breath softly on her face, he spoke softly to her. His voice was full of love.

"This will be the longest weekend ever without you." He leaned in and gently kissed the tip of her nose. "I don't know how…but I fall in love with you more each day."

"You're such a romantic." She leaned a little closer to him. She shivered when he raised his right hand and placed it on her waist.

He pulled her closer with his hand until they were completely touching. His eyes told her he loved her without using any words. She melted when he slowly moved in to kiss her deeply on the lips.

…

Elizabeth woke up when Julie nudged her with her elbow. Just like any other trip, Elizabeth was asleep within the first thirty minutes of the trip. She raised her head and looked out the window. The night sky replaced the sun, she remembered, when she finally got comfortable in the back seat. She quickly looked around and noticed the college.

"We're here," Julie stated as she looked out her door window.

"Yeah." Elizabeth rubbed her eyes.

"We will be at the hotel in about five minutes," William stated.

"Will we see Viola?"

"Not tonight. It's late here. We are meeting with her in the morning for breakfast."

Elizabeth reached for her phone, which was under her leg, when it vibrated. She knew who it was before she even looked at the screen.

J – I love you

She smiled. While she wanted Jack to say, 'I miss you,' she understood this was his new way of saying it since he hadn't said it since she sassed him so much about being a little whiny when he would say it to her.

E – I love you

E – We are here about five minutes from hotel

J – Call me if you can

E – Of course I will call

E – Let me get settled first

Jack had just put his phone down after Elizabeth's last text. He looked up at his father. He was nodding off in his chair. So often Thomas would sit in his chair at the end of his day. He would watch TV and would often drift off to sleep. He would adamantly deny that he was sleeping even though he clearly was.

"Why don't you go to bed, pa?"

"I'm not sleeping."

"I know…" Jack smirked. "You're resting your eyes." Jack cut his father off.

"Man, your girlfriend leaves, and you get all kinds of sassy."

"It's not even nine on a Friday night and you're already falling asleep. You're getting old pa."

Thomas caught his oldest son's expression. He would get it when he was a little boy, just before he jumped on his father, trying to win a wrestling match.

"Are you sure you want to try that, son?"

As soon as Thomas finished the statement, Jack jumped off the couch. He took two steps and hurled himself through the air landing on top of his dad. An all too familiar wrestling match began when Thomas rolled Jack off him and onto the floor. Jack may have been younger, but he wasn't a match for Thomas' old man strength and experience. Thomas won until the youngest Thornton male entered the living room from the kitchen. He heard the scuffling and came to check it out. Without hesitation, Tom jumped on top of the pile without even thinking.

With Tom helping Jack, the tables began to turn on Thomas. Jack was lying on the floor with Thomas on top of him. Jack couldn't get out from under his father. Tom was on top of the older Thornton with his arms wrapped around his father's stomach and chest. He was just holding on for dear life.

Charlette laughed when she walked down the stairs and saw an all-too-familiar scene playing out in front of her. She walked around the pile of humanity and sat on the couch, taking the remote.

"Are you boys sure you want to do that?"

"We're winning!" Tom called out.

"Oh, little one…you think you would have learned by now." She shook her head.

Charlette knew her husband. He wasn't an overweight, out of shape man. She also knew he wasn't willing to lose to his boys. The younger ones always pushed her husband. She figured it was a father's thing or a guy's thing. Maybe it was both, but her Tom wasn't willing to allow his two sons to win. Tom wasn't one to hand out participation trophies, nor was he one to allow his boys to win without earning it.

Jack and Tom thought the tides were turning. "Oh…the worm has turned," Jack said as he slipped from under his father. Once he got on his knees, Thomas reached up and grabbed his oldest son's shirt. "Not so fast." He stated as he tugged on Jack's shirt, pulling him back down to him. With his right hand, he brought it behind his youngest son's neck. "Come here son." He chuckled as Tom began to resist him.

Before any of the younger Thorntons knew what had happened, they were both on their stomachs with their father lying across them.

"That's my man," Charlette stated as she waved her hand in front of her face. She loved it when her husband was all man and all father. He was extremely attractive when he was in that mode.

"Wow…that happened fast," Jack mumbled with his cheek against the carpet.

"What happened? We had him!" Tom said as his father pressed his cheek a little more into the floor.

"Say it!" Thomas declared.

"Nope!" Stated a firm Jack and Tom.

Thomas rested a little more of his weight on his two boys. He actually loved the fact that his two sons weren't the type who would give up so easily. However, he was ready to end this little wrestling match. As he placed more weight on his sons, he put both of his hands on the back of his son's neck. With his thumb on one side and his fingers on the other side of his neck, he found the pressure points and applied pressure. He applied a little more pressure with each second until his sons gave in.

"Fine! Fine!" Tom stated loudly.

"Say it!" Thomas demanded.

"You're the king!" Both boys shouted quickly when the pressure became too much.

"Now, who's the champ?"

"You're the champ." The boys stated in a defeated tone.

"Now that is settled…get me and the champ some tea."

"Yes ma," Jack stated as the boys slowly stood up.

"If you would have just…"

"Me?!" Jack gruffed as they walked into the kitchen. "You were the one on top. Why didn't you take him?"

"I tried!" Gasped Tom. "Where were you?!"

"I was keeping him preoccupied!" Jack pushed his brother's shoulder.

"That was impressive," Charlette said as she scooted closer to her husband.

"It won't be much longer and those boys of mine will end up taking me out." He exhaled a long, deep breath as he shook his head.

"I guess it was inevitable." She chuckled. "If you're not busy later…" Her voice full of flirting. Seeing her husband in dad mode was always a turn on to her.

"Give me an hour to recover." He whispered.

…

At Viola's insistence, the Thatcher family arrived at the music hall almost two hours before the performances were to begin. Elizabeth wasn't too happy about it. Her time talking to Jack was cut short. She was missing her boyfriend and not speaking to him as long as she wanted didn't help at all. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best.

Viola led the group into the hall. Before them there were several tables. The tables on the left were full of refreshments and snacks. The table on the right was full of pamphlets giving background information on each person who was to play tonight.

"Viola! Viola!"

Viola turned her head when she heard two little voices call out to her. She quickly found the source of the chatter.

"Sarah! Lola!" Elizabeth called out a little louder than she should have in this setting.

"That must be Ted's sisters." Grace leaned toward her husband. She could only smile watching her oldest daughter brighten at the sight of the two children.

Viola kneeled and gave the two little girls a long, loving hug. When they released the hug, they turned their attention to Elizabeth. Their hug matched the hug with Viola.

"Mother…father…I would like to introduce you to Sarah and Lola. They are Ted's sisters. Sarah and Lola, this is my mother and father, William and Grace Thatcher."

"Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher." Sarah and Lola stepped forward and extended their hands.

The older couple accepted the little hands that were waiting for them. Grace swore those two little girls were as precious as they could be.

"Mother and father, this is Ted's mother, Ms. Shirley Milligan. Shirley, this is my mother and father, William and Grace."

First, Shriley hugged the young lady. She just had to give her a hug. Then she turned her attention to Viola's parents. "Please call me Shirley."

"Please call me Grace. This is my husband, William."

Shirley shook their hands as she spoke. "We just fell in love with your two daughters."

"Thank you for allowing Viola to visit you and your family. She spoke so highly of you all."

"We hope she can come again." Then she turned her attention to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth dear, it is so great to see you again. It's been too long."

"Ms. Shirley. It's great to see you." She hugged the smiling older lady.

The two families stood in the foyer of the music hall getting to know each other. Most people haven't arrived yet. They fell in love with each other very quickly. Shirley and Grace hit it off instantly. William fell in love with Sarah and Lola.

…

Thirty minutes before the program began, Elizabeth excused herself and made an effort to find the restroom. Afterwards, she stopped by the refreshment table and took a bottle of water with her. When she turned around, a black-headed gentleman stood just a couple of feet behind her.

"Well, hello."

Elizabeth took a step back. Something about his smile unnerved her. He wasn't creepy or anything; he just seemed a little too flirty.

"Hello." She stated.

"I haven't seen you before."

"I'm visiting with my family. My sister is dating someone playing tonight. If you'll excuse me, I need to find my family. The performances are about to begin."

"Maybe I can help somehow?"

"Help me find my family? I don't think so."

"My name is Justin."

"I hope you enjoy the program."

"I'm here to watch my sister. She's a senior and I'm a freshman."

Elizabeth didn't say anything. She simply nodded her head. As she stepped to the side to walk by this guy, he continued to speak.

"If you're not too busy after the program, maybe we can meet at the student center."

"I don't think so. I have a boyfriend."

"Is he here?"

"What does that matter?"

"Well, if he isn't here, we could talk. There is nothing wrong with just talking. Maybe we can grab a coffee or ice cream or something."

Elizabeth squared her shoulders to this young guy. "You don't just want to talk. Plus, and most importantly, I have a boyfriend."

"What he doesn't know…"

Elizabeth cut him off. "Jack has my heart and I have his. I will not give his heart back for anything or anyone, including you. It doesn't matter if he knows or not…I will know! I am not doing anything that jeopardizes my relationship with him!"

"Come on…wait, you didn't tell me your name." The young man flirted with his best smile.

Elizabeth didn't even try to hide her light laughter. This guy was trying his very best. She knew he thought his smile was going to work. However, it couldn't even begin to compare to Jack's simple dimpled smile, not to mention one of his sassy smiles when he thinks he won one of their little battles or when he thinks he's right. She internally smiled at the memories of his smiles.

"It's not happening!" She stated with great determination.

With that proclamation, Elizabeth stepped to the side again and began walking past him. She thought he mentioned something about her looks or perfume, but she wasn't paying enough attention to him to listen. She didn't even care what he said. She grinned when her phone vibrated. She knew who it was.

J – I love you

J – Enjoy the program

E – I love you

E – What are you doing

J – Sitting by the firepit enjoying a fire

E – I wish I was there

At that moment, she really missed her boyfriend. She loved sitting by the fire with him. It didn't matter what they were doing, she just loved that atmosphere with him.

J – me too

E – Some poor guy tried talking to me he wanted to sit with me

J – You didn't break his nose did you

E – No he tried his best but it wasn't even close to succeeding

J – Because I have your heart and I'm not giving it back

E – And I have your heart and you're not getting it back

E – You understand I turned him away don't you

J – Elizabeth I trust you completely

J – Us together

E – Us together

E – I love you

J – I love you

E – I gotta go

J – Talk to you later

E – I'll skype when I can

Elizabeth reached for the door handle and continued to look at Jack's picture. The previous guy had already long been forgotten, so Elizabeth could only look into the penetrating emerald eyes of the guy on her screen. "I really do love you, Jboy." She contently sighed as she pulled open the door and walked through, looking for her family and her seat.

…

Before Ted took the stage, there were two pianists and one violin player. He was dressed in a tux that the music department lent him. Even though this was a college performance for a grade, all the performers were expected to dress properly. Therefore, the music department had a closet where they loaned out tuxedos and dresses to the students for their performances.

Ted purposefully walked to the piano and pulled out the small bench. He sat down and adjusted the sheet music in front of him. The official page turner stepped to his left. Before placing his hands on the keys of the beautiful, grand piano, Ted looked quickly to his right. He had to find his person. It only took him a few seconds to find the eyes he was desperately seeking for.

Ted's and Viola's eyes met in a moment of joy for the both of them. As confident as Ted usually was playing the piano, the semester end performance was a huge portion of his final grade. He needed to perform well to get good grades in class. On top of that, William and Grace were in the auditorium. They made him a little nervous. However, Viola's eyes and the look of love written on her face were comforting. She instantly relaxed him. Their eyes sparkled. Then he shifted his attention to the ivory keys in front of him.

Ted really didn't need the sheet music. He knew the music very well, and he glanced at it on occasion. However, he felt comfortable enough without it to play at ease. With one last deep breath, he began to play.

As Ted's music filled the auditorium, William closed his eyes. He allowed the music to pick him up and carry him to the place of perfect peace that Viola told him about earlier during lunch. If Ted wasn't the best piano player he ever heard, he would be second best. William was convinced, in his own mind, that Ted was the best piano player.

Viola instantly closed her eyes and lived in the place where Ted's music always took her. She had a permanent smile as her boyfriend worked his fingers over the ivory keys. She knew he had easily mastered the first two songs. Those were the songs he picked out. The last two were the ones his professor chose for him. She had heard him play those songs several times in practice and once at a restaurant, but she knew Ted was still nervous.

As the third song began, Viola knew he was going to play it well. She could just tell by the sound coming through the grand piano's open lid. Not only that, but she could easily see it written on his face. Ted had this expression when he was playing the piano when he was in the zone. It was half concentration and half peace. She wasn't sure if anyone else saw exactly what she saw, but the look was easy for her to see.

…

Jack didn't want to be a third wheel with either Steven and Connie or Cory and Steph. Instead, he decided to stay home and build a fire in the firepit. This was always a welcome time for him. He brought out his guitar and strummed a few songs. Then he spent some time sketching. It has been a while since he held his sketching pad. Most of his time by the fire was watching the flames flicker in the darkness.

Tom stepped out to see his big brother sitting by the small fire. He knew his brother was having a peaceful evening by himself.

"Is it ok if I interrupt your evening?"

"Of course." Jack nodded toward a camp chair leaning against the back porch's steps. "Help yourself."

Tom grabbed the chair as he stepped off the porch and walked the few feet to the firepit. He sat down beside Jack and stared into the flames.

"You're missing your girl?"

Jack nodded his head. "Probably as much as you are."

Tom lowly chuckled. His tone was light. "I still don't know how that happened with Julie so easily."

"When it's right, it's just right."

"Is that what happened with you and Elizabeth?"

Nodding his agreement, Jack spoke. "You know I've always enjoyed my alone time, but I have to be honest. I do miss Elizabeth. She has just become so much of me and my time."

"Are you saying you can't function without her?"

"No. I still like my alone time, like tonight." He looked intently into the fire for a few reflective moments. "This has been good for me, but I still miss her. I can't explain it."

Tom let out a contented sigh. "You don't have to…I fully understand." Tom's voice was reflective.

"You think Julie is the one?"

Tom rubbed his hands together as he seriously gave the topic thought. "You know me, Jack. I'm a sophomore. I just turned sixteen. I don't think it's in me to think five or ten years ahead. I'm not that type of person. I'm not ready to say we're getting married or anything like that…however, Julie is very important to me. I've grown to enjoy her company."

"Grown to enjoy her company?" Jack challenged his little brother.

"I love spending time with her. She's a free spirit like me. We think a lot alike. We enjoy having fun in the moment."

"With each other?" Jack asked in a teasing tone.

Tom nodded his head.

The two brothers sat around the fire for a couple of hours. Jack added a few logs when it began to die down. Nothing was decided on, and no other important topics were discussed. They just enjoyed each other's company and relentlessly teased each other in the only way brothers can. They also needed this time to reconnect with each other. With Jack's new relationship with Elizabeth and Tom's new long-term relationship with Julie, their school year was very different from any other.

Tom stood at the French door, staring out over the backyard, watching his two boys. He was content to see them relaxing and talking.

"What are you doing?" Charlette walked up behind her husband. She smiled when she caught him spying on the kids. Her laughter bubbled out when he jumped. It wasn't often she scared him.

"What? I'm not doing anything!"

"Sure…sure…" She smirked. "It's great that whatever is going on in their lives, they have each other."

"It is." Thomas sighed. "I'm grateful for that."

"Me too. You think they're missing Elizabeth and Julie?"

"I know they are. However, this isn't about that." He nodded to the brothers and the fire. "Jack was enjoying the fire like he has always done, and Tom joined him like normal. I think this is more of them just enjoying the quiet than being down because their girlfriends are out of town."

"They've certainly spent a lot of time around the firepit in the past."

Thomas turned his attention back to the boys. His heart was full knowing that his sons were close to each other. They may not have hung out in the same friend group or been constantly together, but he knew they were close. He also knew they would be there for each other no matter what kind of life awaits them.

"Come on…let's go to bed. They're doing just fine."

"I'm not tired," Charlette answered.

"I know." He turned his attention to his wife. He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"You just won't do." She smiled as she took his hand and began to pull him toward the stairs.

…

The night was great. Ted played exceptionally well. His professor hugged him after his performance. That was out of the ordinary and wasn't necessarily proper, but Ted was his star pupil. Everyone was patting him on the back and congratulating him for his performance, but all he could think about was to leave backstage and find his girlfriend. After about ten minutes, he was able to do just that.

"Thank you for coming. I know this was a long way for you to travel."

"Nonsense young man." Grace tightened her hold on Ted. "Nothing could keep us from being here. You played great!"

"Thank you."

Viola reluctantly released her boyfriend's hand so that her mother could hug him. Even Julie congratulated him for his performance. William stepped forward, shook his hand, and patted his shoulder. Sarah and Lola were standing beside Viola. They rarely left her side. They really loved their brother's girlfriend. Shirley was standing by, waiting for another turn to hug her son. She was his first stop, but she wanted to hug him again.

The group of nine left the music hall after Ted changed. They enjoyed a laid-back dinner at a local diner that wasn't too far from campus. Shirley and Grace became instant friends. Sarah and Lola sat beside Viola. Along with Ted, William shared in that group's discussion. In all honesty, they only listened to the two young girls chatting with Viola. They loved their older brother. They also loved Viola.

The evening came to its natural end. Ted escorted Shirley and the girls to their hotel. He spent a few minutes with them in their hotel room before heading back to his dorm. Viola escorted her family to their hotel and spent a few minutes with them. Afterwards, she wanted to spend time with Ted but needed to go home. It was already late, and they were meeting everyone again for breakfast.

The plan was for a group breakfast. Then, both families would spend a little time together before heading home, which was a little bit of a drive for both families.

Ted and Viola did talk on the phone as they made their way to their dorm room. They just had to talk with each other.

…

An hour after Viola left her parents' hotel, William sat in a comfortable chair with his book in hand. Elizabeth was out on the balcony skyping with Jack. Julie was in the hotel's grand room on the first level speaking with Tom. Grace just stepped out of the shower and was already dressed for bed. She was doing her nightly skin routine when there was a knock on the door.

"Did Julie forget a room card?"

"No, she said she picked one up before heading downstairs," William said as he stood and placed his book on the small table.

William walked to the door and opened it. He stepped back and opened the door wider. Ted stepped into the room.

"Hello Mr. Thatcher." He stated as he stepped inside. He turned to his left and said hello to Grace. "Hello Mrs. Thatcher."

"Oh Ted, we are past the Mr. and Mrs. thing. You know that."

"Well…" He rubbed the back of his head. Grace chuckled when she remembered what Viola told her what it meant. "…for this conversation, I believe I should use the proper title."

"For this conversation?" Grace asked.

Suddenly, William understood exactly what the conversation was going to be about.

"Mrs. Thatcher, if you will excuse us…I have to speak to William about Viola and my future."

After a second, Grace reached up and wiped away a tear that was forming in the corner of her left eye.

"I hope you are amenable to it."

Grace walked forward and hugged this young man. "I am." She whispered into his ear.

"Mr. Thatcher, would you please take a walk with me? I would like to discuss something vitally important with you."

"Come on, young man. I do believe we need to have a discussion."

…

Even though the Thatcher hotel was only ten minutes from the college, Ted didn't know this area well. He had only been on this side of town a couple of times. On his way to the hotel, he noticed a well-lit park a block from the hotel. As the two exited the main door, they waved at a stunned Julie. They turned right out of the door and in silence walked to the park. Instead of sitting down on a park bench, Ted led the older man to the small walking track that circled the small park. He didn't think his nerves would allow him to sit on the bench.

William broke the silence as they made their way on the track. "You played extremely well tonight. Ted, you have a God given talent playing the piano."
"Thank you, sir. It meant a lot that you and your family came all this way tonight just to listen to me."

"We wouldn't have missed it for anything in this world."

Ted nodded his head.

"I assume this isn't why you wanted to speak with me?"

"No sir."

"Ted, I understand the importance of this walk and discussion. But son, we are well past the propriety of a formal relationship. It's me. We have gotten along very well so far. So, it's William."

Ted nodded his head in understanding. However, he just couldn't during this conversation. His father's voice was just too strong in his ear.

"Maybe after this conversation, but for now…I prefer sir and Mr. Thatcher." He quickly added. "I don't mean any disrespect."
"

None taken. I remember my conversation with Grace's father."

"Yes, sir." Ted released a long breath and gathered all his nerves running rampant inside him. He tried his best to turn the nervousness into strength. "Sir, we have spoken about my intentions with your daughter before."

"Yes we have."

"Before we further that conversation, I need to share something with you first."

"What is it?"

"I accidentally stayed with Viola the other day…in her dorm."

"Accidently stayed in her dorm? How exactly do you do that?"

"We were watching a movie. She fell asleep."

William cut him off. "Let me guess, within the first twenty minutes?"

"Yes. You know your daughter." Both men laughed. "I watched the movie for a few more minutes and fell asleep too. We slept on the couch, fully clothed. Sir, nothing improper happened!" He emphasized. "We just fell asleep and woke up the next morning."

"It's ok, son. That is easily done."

"Thank you for understanding."

Somehow, William's understanding calmed Ted's nerves a little. It gave him the confidence to continue even with her nerves.

"Sir, when we previously spoke, I stated that I was hoping for my relationship with your daughter to develop into a lifelong relationship."

"Yes, I remember."

"Sir, I am ready to have that conversation with you now."

"You are asking for my permission?"

Ted took a deep breath as they followed the trail through a small patch of trees.

"No sir. I am seeking your blessing. Your blessing is important to me."

"My permission isn't important?"

"Not as much as your blessing, sir. My father told me before he died that I wouldn't be asking a father for permission to take his daughter to the movies or dinner, but that I would be asking for him to trust me with her life, her heart for the rest of her life. To form a home with his daughter and to go through every up and down of life with her. That her father needed to trust me with his, or one of his, most treasured aspects of his life, or most importantly, one part of his heart. Sir, I am asking you for your blessing to ask Viola to walk this life with me as my wife."

The two men continued to walk slowly on the track. There were only a few seconds of silence. For Ted, the silence was taking forever to end. For William, he was digesting everything Ted said.

William stopped walking and turned to face Ted. "Son, do you promise to walk this life hand in hand with my daughter?"

"Yes sir."

"Son, do you promise to work with my daughter to accomplish both of your dreams and wants in this life?"

"Yes sir."

"Son, do you promise to love my Viola with everything that you have inside you?"

When he stopped walking, Ted stood a little taller than normal. He squared his shoulders. He didn't doubt that William was questioning his intent; he was just being a father looking out for his little girl. He wanted this father to know his true heart.

"Sir, I will love Viola with everything I have in me. I can promise you that!" Ted's voice wasn't loud, but it was very determined.

The two men looked in each other's eyes for only a couple of seconds. They knew the love for Viola each of them held in their hearts. He felt William was looking deep into his eye to see his soul.

"Young man…" William's voice cracked just the slightest. "…you have my permission and my blessing to seek Viola's hand in marriage."

"Thank you, William!" He basically shouted as he hugged the older man.