Disclaimer:  I don’t own any part of them.  I am not making a profit from this – only having a little fun. 

Note:  This story is not betaed so all mistakes are my own. 

I wrote this short story for Valentine’s Day.  I hope everyone likes it. 

She’d meant to leave earlier, but she was too engrossed in the other women’s gossip. Now she would be late getting home.  Her father would be displeased; he’d already lectured her twice this week about her tardiness.  He believed ‘one should always be sure one was prompt.’ 

‘He’ll never change.  Always by the book, always on time, always on schedule,’ she fumed to herself.  She was not paying attention to where she was going, and so, she did not notice the man until she had actually run into him.

“Pardon me,” she said.  “I wasn’t paying attention.  I’m sorry.”

“No harm done.  Are you alright?”

“Yes.  I’m just in a hurry and, well….  Really, I should pay more attention to where I’m going.”

“May I escort you to wherever it is you’re headed?  It’s getting late and a lovely young lady like yourself shouldn’t be out walking alone.”

“Thank you, but I’m only going up the street a short way. I wouldn’t want to put you out.”

“Oh, no, it wouldn’t be any trouble,” he said and offered his arm.

She graciously took his arm and pointed in the direction she had been headed.  They talked as they walked along, introducing themselves and exchanging pleasantries.  It was only a short distance before she indicated she was home.

“May I call on you, perhaps go to dinner one evening?”

“I would like that,” she said, as she gazed into his blue eyes.

“Then I shall see you again,” he told her, then took her hand and kissed it.  He bowed to her and wished her good evening.

She was watching his departure, hoping to see where he was heading when the door behind her opened.

“Get inside this instant, young lady,” her mother’s voice was not loud, but carried a note of disapproval.  “I’d like you to explain who that man was.  First, get ready for dinner.  Your father sent word that he will be working late.  We’re to dine without him.”

“Alright, Mother.  I’ll explain about the gentlemen over dinner.”

 

“I will not have that man coming here.  I will not have him coming around my daughter.  No uncivilized ruffian will call on my child.”

“Be reasonable, Father.  He is not uncivilized, and he is far from being a ruffian.  He acted as a gentleman should.”

“NO.  This is my final word on the subject:  I expressly forbid you to see that man!”

“You don’t own me, I will see him.  He wants to take me to dinner tomorrow night and I’m going out with him.”

 

“I’m not a child.  I know what I want and I know when I have strong feelings for a person.  Father, can’t you understand why I want to see him.  He makes me laugh and he makes me feel so special.”

“Daughter, don’t you see, I only want the best for you.  I’d like you to find a man that can give you everything.”

“How do you know he can’t give me everything I want?  Do you truly believe that possessions and wealth are all it will take to bring me joy?  I am not like the daughters of your acquaintances, thinking only material things can make them happy.”

“I’m not stupid.  I know that it takes more in life than material possessions to keep one happy.  My only concern is that a man like him will cause you undue heartache and problems in the future.”

“He’s only asked me out.  There is no ‘future’ right now.  He may not wish to see me after tomorrow night.  You are just blowing things out of proportion.”

 

The younger man stood facing the older man, twisting his hat in his hands.  He knew the older man’s feelings about him.  There was another way to do what they planned, but he was determined that it be done the right way.

“I wanted to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage, Mr. Garrett.”