Family Ties

“No, but it’s what I read. Because I study politics and war. Although in my case I wanted my sons to do the same.”

“Do you think that’s what they wanted?” I asked quietly.

His expression sharpened. “Son, only two people can question my decisions. You aren’t one of them.”

“Right. Sorry. Note to self: don’t question the Admiral’s decisions.”

He did his best scowl.

“Sorry. I have a really dumb sense of humor sometimes. I get the puns from my mom, but the smart aleck is from my dad. The stupid ‘note to self’

thing is my own, though. Along with a couple of other things I—”

He laughed and shook his head.

“I should probably shut up now,” I said.

“You and Birdy… Lord! That girl can talk when she’s nervous.”

Anne stuck her head through the open doors. “A few more minutes,” she said politely.

“We’re wrapping up,” Harold said with a nod.

She smiled and disappeared toward the kitchen.

He returned his attention to me and assumed his I’m-her-father expression.

I did my best not to fidget.

“I enjoyed meeting you,” he said.

My head came up in surprise.

“I didn’t think I would, but I did. I’m still not sure I approve of you dating Birdy, but my wife is fond of pointing out that she can make her own decisions.”

“I hope I’m a good one.”

“I’m willing to give you the chance.” He gestured at the note in my hand.

“I still wish you’d consider the Navy, but I understand that maybe your father wanted you to study mathematics and philosophy.”

“I think he did— does.”

“As long as you take care of Birdy and make her happy…”

“I’ll do my best.”

“See that you do.” He smiled and we stood.

I almost said, “Dismissed!” But I decided that teasing my girlfriend’s father was probably something I should ease into, rather than jump with both feet.

Christy and her mother were sitting at the kitchen table. Christy wasn’t quite a nervous wreck, but close. She shot to her feet as soon as we entered.

She couldn’t decide if our expressions were good or bad.

“Relax, Birdy,” her father said. “I’ll give him a chance.”

Christy rushed into his arms. “Oh, Daddy! I knew you’d like him!” She released her hug, but he kept his arm around her protectively.

Anne glanced at him and then pointedly at me.

I smothered a smile.

“Oh, right,” he said. He lifted his arm from around Christy’s shoulders, and she moved to my side. “I’m not ready to give her away, mind, but you can look out for her in Tennessee. You seem to be doing a good job so far.”

“Why, thank you… Harold.”

“He does that very well, doesn’t he?” Anne said with a grin. “You can almost hear the ‘sir.’”

He nodded. “Like he wants to impress me.”

“What a novel idea.”

“Thank you very much for inviting me,” I said. “And this probably isn’t the best time, but I want to apologize for… you know. We really didn’t mean to fall asleep together. And then Rich… well… yeah.”

“You handled yourself well,” Harold said. “You shouldn’t’ve been in the situation in the first place—”

“Neither of them should have been there,” Anne said with a significant look at her daughter.

“Right you are,” Harold said. “So… see that it doesn’t happen again.”

“Not a chance,” I said, as earnestly as I could.

“I’ll believe that when I see it.”

“Oh, Harold,” Anne said. “Be nice. He’s trying to apologize.”

“It’s about time…”

She jumped and looked at her watch. “Time. Oh, dear! We’re going to be late.”

“Then let’s get a move on,” he said. “Paul, help me with the luggage?”

I turned to the row of suitcases along the kitchen wall and pulled up short.

“Um… sorry?” Christy said in a guilty voice. “I couldn’t fit everything in the ones I brought.”

Her father and I shared a look.

“This is one thing I am ready to give away.” He gave me a weary look.

“Son, if you can keep up with her wardrobe, you’re a better man than I.”

“Not a chance,” I said again, as earnestly as before.

Christy’s parents parked the car and walked with us into the airport terminal.

We chatted in line until we reached the check-in counter. Christy shot me a guilty look as she remembered the near-fiasco on the trip out, but we didn’t have any problems this time.

We checked our suitcases, took our boarding passes, and walked a little way toward our gate. Christy’s parents hugged and kissed her and said goodbye. Harold shook my hand, and Anne gave me a long hug.

“Be good to her,” she whispered. “She really likes you.”

We lingered a bit longer, until I looked at my watch and gave Harold a little nod. Then we said our final goodbyes and Christy and I shouldered our carry-on bags.

We made it to our gate with time to spare and settled in to wait for the start of boarding. Christy couldn’t decide whether to be happy that her family and I had gotten along well or sad that we were leaving. I decided to take things another direction entirely.

“What would you think if I joined the Navy?” I asked.

“Why? Are you thinking about it?”