Helen didn't let him finish. She spoke right over him.
"Will, it's time to eat your lunch so you can take your medicine, dear."
This was pure comedy at this point. It felt like the best-laid plans were slowly starting to unravel. If we could manage to pull this off without Payton figuring out why I was really there, it would be a miracle.
"Okay, well, I brought all of your favorites. There are a couple of chicken salad sandwiches with a side of fruit and an assortment of cookies."
I loved the way Payton took care of everyone. There were a lot of qualities about her that reminded me of my late wife, Laura. Of course, Payton had her own unique way that drew me in and allowed me to fall in love.
"A woman who knows how to spoil her family. I like it,” I said.
"This was a nice surprise. Seeing you made my day."
We embraced briefly as she prepared to head back to work. I wanted to kiss her and hold her for a little while but thought it would be best to save it for when we were alone.
"Mom, Dad, Cole…love you. Enjoy your lunch." She blew a kiss goodbye and headed out the door.
"Love you too. Thanks for lunch, sweetheart,” Will responded.
As soon as Payton was out the door, I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Wow, that was a close call!" Helen said.
"Yes, but you handled it like a pro. I was desperately trying to come up with something, and you saved the day with the sink excuse."
"I've had my fair share of having to keep secrets in this family. With all the birthdays, holidays, surprise parties, you name it. If you don't know how to keep a secret with three kids, you'll quickly find yourself up the creek without a paddle."
"I'll bet. Well, before we go any further, I feel like I have to get this out before anything else crazy happens today."
Will joined us in the kitchen to prepare for lunch.
"As I started to mention on the phone, Payton is very special to me. I never thought in a million years that I would ever meet someone who would captivate my heart and win over my daughter's heart the way Payton has."
They stood still and listened intently to what I had to say.
"I find it to be rather amazing that the three of us began forming our own bond well before I knew Payton existed. From the beginning, I've always regarded the two of you as more than just clients, and I hope you feel the same way about me."
"You know we do." Helen placed her hands over her mouth in anticipation of what I was about to say.
"I'm glad. With that in mind, I think Payton and I have what it takes to build a good life together. I love her. When I look at her, I see the woman of my dreams and a wonderful step-mother to my child. I see my lover and my best friend. With that being said, I came here to ask for your blessing as I prepare to ask for her hand in marriage."
I'm not sure I could make out what Helen was saying. She was all choked up with emotion. Her arms flew open, and she welcomed me to the family with tears in her eyes. She sobbed tears of joy for what seemed like an eternity.
"Will, aren't you so happy? Come here, honey. Our Payton is getting married. And this time, he's a good catch!"
"It's about time our youngest finally got married." Will had his daughters mixed up.
"Honey, I'm talking about Payton, not Rebecca. Cole is going to ask Payton to marry him."
"Right. Isn't that nice? I'm so happy for you, Cole."
"Thank you, Sir." We gave each other a firm hug.
"I feel so relieved now that I have your blessing."
"Cole, did you ever doubt that you would have our blessing?" Helen said.
"No, but a man can never be too certain. I just wanted to make sure I went about this the right way."
"We appreciate the thought and consideration, but you have to know that I've been your biggest fan from day one. The first time I saw the two of you together at the Inn, I remember thinking you would make a good match. Will tried to get me to stay out of it, but that's just not in my DNA."
Will sniggled as he sat down and took the first bite out of his sandwich.
"Please eat, Cole. Clearly, William is helping himself already. There's no need for us to stand here and starve. I know you have to get back to work soon, but I'd hate for you to leave here hungry."
"Thanks, Helen."
I took a seat at the table with them and thought this was the perfect time to ask for some marital advice.
"If you don't mind me asking, what are the key ingredients that have helped you and Will to sustain a long and happy marriage?"
"Hmm,” she said while eating her fruit.
"It would have to be the fact that we were already best friends, strong communication, and knowing when to agree to disagree."
"Well said. Thankfully, I think we have the key ingredients you described. That, coupled with our love for Emmie, makes me feel pretty blessed."
"As you should. You all will make a beautiful family together. Do you already have an idea of what you want to do for the proposal?" she asked.
"I'm glad you mentioned it. I still have a few details that need to be ironed out, but I was hoping to elicit your help."
"Oooh, this is so exciting. What can I do?"
"Well, since the Fourth of July is coming up soon, I thought we could make this a family affair at my place. We can grill, enjoy the sunset, and the fireworks on the beach. This way, Payton will think we're just gathering and will have no idea about what's to come. What do you think?"
She jumped up and squeezed me. To me, it
