Chapter 18

18

Easton

My nerves were rattled. The cab was taking us to her parents house. What if they didn't like me? Every dad wanted their little girl to marry the perfect guy, and what if I wasn't what her dad expected? Sure, we might not be engaged yet, but her dad's opinion mattered to her regardless. There was no way she would ever continue a relationship with me if her parents didn't approve. So, I had to be on my best behavior ever while in Vermont.

Snow was coming down in heaps, covering the road, but snow plows were out in full force. They must get a lot of snow here. It was a great set up for a perfect Christmas. My grandma always dreamed for a White Christmas.

"We're almost there." She said, squeezing my hand. "They are going to love you. I already do."

What had she told her parents about me? They knew we were dating back in college. How did she explain the breakup to them? Ugh. I had no idea what I was walking into here.

Why was I so worried? Isla loved me and our relationship was strong. A week away in Vermont couldn't demolish that. It could only cement it further, right?

The cab pulled up in front of a house decked out with decorations and lights. The Madden's must be obsessed with Christmas. There were more than twenty blow up decorations in their yard.

The front door opened and an older woman with gray hair yelled something back into the house. When her father came to the door and started waving, my stomach eased up a bit. They were excited. Maybe this would be a walk in the park. It was the Christmas season for gosh sakes.

"Whatever you do, my dad is a die-hard chiefs fan. So, even if you aren't a fan of them, just act like you are. Brownie points. My mom, she loves to bake, but sometimes she misses the mark." Isla said, opening the door to get out and smiling back at me.

"Mom! Dad! We made it. You guys really did the yard up this year." They both went straight in for a hug.

I stood idly by, not knowing exactly what to do. Was I supposed to hug them to? Did they want that?

"This is my boyfriend Easton Sharp."

Her dad's face went blank, looking at me up and down, and then laughed. "Just kidding, son. Come here. It's nice to finally meet you. We weren't sure she was ever going to find anyone."

Isla wasn't close with her parents, but obviously they knew about her dating life. Or the lack thereof since college. And they remembered me. Or what Isla had told them about me.

"Yeah, things have definitely changed since college. Thank you for having me." I shook his hand and then unloaded the bags from the back to carry inside.

Isla and her mother were talking, whispering, and it was safe to assume, whatever it was, was about me, because her mom was looking right at me.

"You know, Christmas is a big deal in our house. So, hope you are a lover. I'm sure Isla warned you all about it."

Oh, god. I wasn't sure what she meant by that. What did I get myself into here?

Isla's eyes got big and then she grabbed my hand to lead me inside their place. It was just as festive inside as out.

"You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Madden."

"Thank you, honey. Isla will show you were to put your luggage. Upstairs."

I thought it would weird staying at her parents house, but maybe it would be a good way to show her parents how right for each other we were.

She opened the door and shooed me inside. "Don't let them intimidate you. It's all in good fun. I'll see you downstairs."

I laid the baggage down on the floor and walked to the window, taking in the snow covered streets and the kids building snowmen in their yards. One day, I hoped to have children to do things like that with and with Isla by my side.

It's Christmas morning and kids were out playing with their new bikes and whatever else they got. I hadn't given Isla her gift yet. The right time hadn't passed yet.

But it's coming…

Isla

My parents were going to intimidate him a little bit. What parents didn't. They knew how much I loved Easton even before he showed back in my life. I might not have told Easton until recently why we broke up, but my parents both knew. They agreed that I was doing the right thing for both of our futures.

"He's even cuter now," my mother said.

"Mom!"

"What? It's true. Her grew up. No denying that, honey. All that matters is that you are happy." She rubbed my check.

My dad wasn't always very fond of my dating anyone. You know, the typical dad who wanted his daughter to be single until she was thirty. He wanted me to focus on my career first and foremost. When I started dating Easton in college, he tried to talk me out of it, but it didn't work.

"I still think you did the right thing sweetheart. Now, look. He's back in your life and you haven't stopped smiling since you pulled up."

I couldn't help it. After all those years apart, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that he would waltz right back in. And on top of that, we would be able to go back to being us like no time had passed.

"I put our stuff up in the dresser, babe." Easton said, walking down the stairs.

"What a gentleman. Lunch will be ready in about half an hour and then we can get to know you a little more. We only know what she has told us."

Easton laughed and took a seat at the island watching my mom make the last touches on the meal.

"Ask me anything."

Two hours later, we had eaten, and my parents had asked every question known to man. My parents were finally able to see what drew me to him. His obsession with trying to cure Parkinson's was admirable. Things went perfectly.

"Can I talk to you alone for a moment, sir?" Easton asked, looking at my dad.

He followed him to the other room and my mom just raised her eyebrow. "I really like him. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders."

"I love him, mom. What does Dad think?" I asked. My father's opinion was important to me.

"He likes him. If you can't tell, he hasn't given him the third degree yet. That's always a good sign."

They walked back into the kitchen and sat back down at the table. My dad made a sly look toward my mother.

"What was that about?" I asked, taking his hand from under the table.

He scooted the chair back and got down on one knee. No fucking way. Wasn't it too early for this?

"I know we only got back into each other's lives recently, but the moment I saw you again, my mind was made up. Something you didn't know about all those years ago." He popped open the box. "I bought this engagement ring the week before I graduated to propose to you."

"You kept it all these years?"

"I did. A part of me dreamed that one day I would see you again. Now that you are back in my life, I never want to spend another day without you. Isla, you are the woman for me. Was and always have been."

Tears started creeping down my cheeks and a few escaped from his eyes too.

He slid the ring on my finger. "With your parent's blessing, would you please do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Sharp?"

I was so choked up that words wouldn't form. So, I nodded instead, throwing my hands around his neck. "I love you so much, Easton."