Robert expected stony silence. “Sir, I should have come to you sooner. I’m in love with your daughter. I’ve come to ask you for her hand in marriage.” Katie stepped closer and he put his arm around her.
“I promise to take good care of her, sir. I’ll do anything to make her happy.”
“He does make me happy, Daddy,” Katie added. “And when he told me he wanted to come talk to you today… well, I knew this was right.”
“I know we only met the one time,” Robert continued, “and I regret we didn’t get to know each other better. Katie and I have known each other a long time though. We didn’t make this decision quickly or lightly.
“I have a good job and I own my house — well, me and the bank do — and it’s close by. I’m not wanting to take her away from you and the rest of the family. I love her more than anything and we want to spend the rest of our lives together. We both really want your consent, sir.”
He faced Katie and wiped a tear from her cheek. “Anything else?”
“No. Thank you so much for doing this.” And with that they turned from her father’s grave and walked hand-in-hand to start their life together.
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Let's do Something Cheap and Superficial 
Awww. What he does for love. *sniff*
Thank you for such a poignant, sweet, and happy story.
You’re welcome, Marisa. Thanks for stopping by. ~Tim
What a respectful thing to do. I love the opening sentence!
Simon.
Thanks, Simon. They are rather traditional. ~Tim
The title and the first line told me where we were going. But it’s still a lovely idea.
*happy sigh*
Thanks, Karen. I couldn’t resist putting references in right at the beginning. Glad you like it anyway. ~Tim
Waaaaa! I miss my Daddy!! Your story is so lovely and touching. I didn’t read the story and the opening line went over my head, until the end, but Robert’s love for Katie, and taking the honorable step of asking for her hand were chivalrous and respectful. Katie’s a lucky girl. Well written and poignant to boot! Happy Valentine’s Day ~ Olivia
Thanks, Olivia. What a sweet comment. Happy Valentine’s Day. ~Tim
Awwww. This strikes a chord with me, my husband’s father passed away years before we got together so I never got to meet him
Thanks, Mazzz. ~Tim
Stony silence…:) While others loved it for its sweetness I loved it because I found it bizarre. *walks offstage as others throw tomatoes at me*
Thanks, Laura. I’m not throwing anything. “Bizarre” from you is high praise! ~Tim
Very enjoyable story. I like the way it shows how deep the young man’s love is for the girl, and her love for him and her father.
Thanks, Carol. It is a compact little love story. ~Tim
And then the dad’s hand emerges from the grave to reveal a middle finger.
Sweet story and good character depiction of Robert for so few words. Nice work.
Oh, I had to laugh at that image of dad flipping the bird. Thanks, G.P. ~Tim
Fresh piece of writing – really likable. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Michelle. ~Tim
Very true to life, Tim. For me, anyway.
I love to read your fiction.
Thanks, Jenn. ~Tim
Aww, that was a very sweet story. Your brevity served you well in this story!
Good storytelling!
Thanks, Anne. ~Tim
oh wooooooooooooow. I was wondering the whole time why the father hadn’t responded. I liked the ending — kind of choked up a little bit there.
Thanks, Aymiee. I’m glad you like it. ~Tim
you are a master of the unexpected twist. this is so beautifully bittersweet and touching. well done.
Thanks, Lime. This one is actually based on a real event. ~Tim