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Jim watched the cream cloud as he stirred his coffee. It swirled around in his cup until it blended into a single caramel color. He could hear Katy moving around in her bedroom. The tiny house near Myakka didn’t leave much room for privacy. He was sitting across the table from Malinda and trying to work up the nerve to tell his daughter that he wanted to get married again.
“You know I never did tell Katy about us. Maybe we’ll go for a walk, and I'll tell her after breakfast.”
“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Malinda said, clapping Jim on the shoulder. “I’m sure she will love the idea. I know she wouldn’t deny you the happiness you deserve. She’s a bright and loving child.”
“You’re right. Katy likes you, so maybe she’ll like the idea.” Jim got up, headed for the stairs and met Katy, who on her way down.
"Oh good. You're up and dressed. I figured you'd be hungry. Melinda is fixing a nice breakfast."
“Care for a cup of coffee? “Malinda called.
“Yes, please,” Katy replied.
Katy suspected her father and Melinda were up to something. They were acting strangely all through breakfast. She wondered if it had to do with her. As she took the last piece of toast and spread jam on it, Melinda started the dishwater, and Jim began clearing the table.
"There's no use putting this off," he whispered to Melinda. She didn't respond but smiled at him and winked.
“Katy, how about checking the hives with your old man?"
Katy froze for a moment. What was going on? Something was up. Had he found out about the fight or maybe it was about the kiss? She took a deep breath and followed him out the door and down the porch steps.
They walked behind the house to where their own hives were kept. The colonies set not far from a bench in the shade of the big oak tree. One sturdy branch of the tree still held the tire swing Katy had played on as a child. She hesitated when he sat down and patted the seat beside him. She sat and waited. Fear crept in, and a cold chill came over her. What could she say? What would he do?
“Katy," he began, "you know..." he paused, running his fingers through his hair. Katy took a deep breath and waited.
"Katy," he began again. "You know that I’ve seen a lot of Malinda?”
“Yes?” She answered. Her throat was so dry that it came out like a croak. What did Malinda have to do with her? She cleared her throat.
“Well, I want to ask Malinda to marry me, and I need to know how you feel about it.”
It was as though the sun cut through the cold and warmed her to the bone. She took a deep, refreshing breath and suddenly couldn't restrain herself. Dad and Melinda! This was about them!
“Dad, I think that’s great! No, it's wonderful even.” Katy jumped up and hugged her dad around the neck. He was startled by her reaction and let out a moan. “Oh, too tight? Sorry." She took his hand. "That’s the very best news ever!"
"Then you're pleased?"
"Pleased! Of course! I had no idea. I... uh, well gosh, now I won’t have to worry about you when I'm not around. Oh my gosh." She heard herself stammering and took another breath. "This is so exciting. Can I be a bridesmaid? Can I wear a long dress and maybe flowers in my hair? Would you ask her, please? Please...?”
Jim lifted Katy and swirled her around. “You’re the best daughter a man could ask for.” He beamed from ear to ear. Now all he had to do was ask Malinda, but he already knew she’d say yes.
Katy chattered all the way back to the house, and the grin on Jim’s face told Malinda that all had gone well.
“Now to make this all formal like,” Jim got down on one knee and took Malinda’s hand. “My dear, it would make me the happiest man alive if you would marry me... and my daughter.”
“Get up, you old fool. Of course, I’ll marry you.”
"Jim took Malinda in his arms and kissed her right in front of his daughter. Then he danced her around the kitchen to music only they could hear.
Katy burst into laughter. It was exciting, if not a little embarrassing.
Melinda motioned for Katy to come to join them. “I think I am the lucky one. I get two people to love.” She embraced them both tightly and kissed Katy lightly on the head.
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A couple of hours passed as Jim tried to focus on various things around the house, but he couldn’t contain himself. Now all he wanted to do was to introduce Malinda to the Sullivans. Over the years they had become a part of his life. They would have to come to the wedding. Maybe they'd stand up for them.
Melinda said she was feeling tired and wanted to take a nap.
"I'll take Katy and visit the Sullivans and tell them the news." He kissed her again, and she went up to the stairs.
Jim and Katy drove straight to the Sullivan farm. They jumped out of the truck, ran to the house. Ted and Doris had heard them pull up.
"Is everything all right?" Tom asked.
Jim took Tom's hand and shook it vigorously and started to hug Doris, but thought better of it. Instead, he took a deep breath trying to calm down, but that wasn't going to happen.
"I did it," he said. "I did it! I and Melinda... I mean Melinda and me... you know. I had to speak to Katy first, to be sure it's what she wanted, too. But then I did... and she said yes, and I couldn't wait to tell someone... and of course that had to be the two of you." He caught his breath again. “I would like to bring her out to meet you sometime, and of course you're invited to the wedding.
Jesse came running down the stairs carrying his boots and trying to put them on at the same time. He finally gave up and threw them down. "What is it? Is everything all right? I heard you pull up and all the excitement. What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong. Everything's right! There's going to be a wedding." Jim grabbed his hand and pumped it.
"Jim and his friend Melinda are getting married," Katy said.
"Why don't I fix us drinks, and you can tell us all about it," Doris said, and went back inside. Ted slapped Jim on the back as they followed her into the kitchen.
"Married, huh? That's good news. I was afraid it might be something else." he told Katy.
"No, it's all good."
"Oh, good."
Katy started to go in when Jesse took her hand.
"What?"
He pulled her away from the door, took her face gently with both hands and kissed her. It was so good he kissed her again.
“Are you coming?" asked Jim, who was now standing at the screen door.
"Yes, sir," said Jesse and sidestepped Jim as he went into the kitchen. "What just happened?" he said to Katy. "I guess we'll have plenty to talk about on the way home.” He was trying to sound annoyed, but a smile played around his lips. It was a good day, and he was a happy man.
