Coyly stealing glances at my new engagement ring I eat my homemade fruit scone while listening to the witty banter Robert and my new step-father in-law, Jeremy, share; I am overfilled with joy. It occasionally seeps out with random bits of nonsensical laughter. We’re sitting at the family dinner table—a place where for the past month I have shared scones, discovered Weetabix, and enjoyed a cup of Lapsang souchong—but today, it is even more special…
Robert and his mum sneak off for a final tea date before we head back in the morning to the States, but Jeremy and I don’t mind—WE HAVE SCONES TO BAKE!
As some of you may or may not know I LOVE family, and I especially love creating traditions that foster familial bonds. One of these traditions I have created is with my Dad, Stephen. He and I carve pumpkins together every year for Halloween—we’ve been doing this since he came into my life when I was about 3 years old, and each year I find there is more and more I gain from spending that seemingly small amount of time with him.
Even while making scones with butter and flour on his hands Jeremy has a quiet dignity swirling about him. He glances up only on occasion assuring me that I’m doing a good job as his helper. Part of me feels as though I’m 3 years old again helping Dad lick the batter off the spoon (yes, we did that—haha!) and I hope he considers this to be as special as I do. I have discovered a new tradition on the other side of the Atlantic with another Dad—even more so now.
Robert and his Mum come home. He’s been gone only for an hour or so, but I’ve already begun to miss him. He asks me into the other room so we can pray together—something we love sharing.
“Do you want to spend the rest of your life with me, have children with me, be annoyed on occasion at me, love me, be silly with me, pray with me, develop ourselves spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically for the rest of our lives?” Robert asks as he looks deep into my eyes.
I nod my head smiling.
He drops to one knee and hugs me burying his face in my stomach.
“Will you marry me?” he asks as he pulls out his Grandmother’s engagement ring.
“YES!!!” I shout smiling and laughing as he slips it onto my finger.
We stand silently holding each other and allowing the moment to pass over us, embracing us in its arms…
Now, as I lie in bed the night before I leave this wonderous country, I’m holding open this special place in my heart for my new family to grow knowing that this will be one of many magical moments to come.
