Page 39 of When the Leaves Fall

LUCA

I wasn’t sure what to expect. Drew insisted her parents would not only accept that we were pregnant, out of wedlock, after only knowing each other a little over a month, but that they’d be truly excited.

I had my doubts, though.

Yes, Frank and Sandra have shown nothing but understanding and compassion when it comes to mine and Drew’s relationship. But, still.

To my very pleasant surprise, though, Drew was right, as usual. Her parents were thrilled and amazingly helpful throughout the entire pregnancy. They didn’t even mind that I basically lived there during that time.

My parents were also excited when they heard they were going to be grandparents. We waited a few more weeks before we told them, wanting to get our heads wrapped around everything first and get Drew fully moved and settled into her parents’ house .

After we had the ten-week ultrasound and saw our tiny jellybean on the screen, we decided it was the right time to tell my parents. We took the sonogram over to their house, and when they opened the door, we held it out for them to see.

It was then time for them to meet Frank and Sandra.

F rank is manning the grill while chatting with Sean and my dad, who’s holding Lou.

I lean against the door frame, watching the interaction taking place in the backyard of my new house.

The home that Drew and I will raise our family in.

Where I will play catch with Lou and any future children we may have.

Our backyard is filled with maple trees, something both Drew and I insisted was an important need when we bought a house.

We’re excited for our first fall in this backyard; sitting next to a small fire, Drew savoring a pumpkin-spiced latte, enjoying the colorful trees, carving pumpkins with Lou, and when the time comes, watching the beautiful leaves fall.

And one day, watching our kids run around and jump in leaf piles. Listening to their giggles as they tromp through the crunchy leaves and the squeals when we have to pluck them out of their hair, only to do it all over again. Sounds like that’s as close to heaven as I’ll get here on Earth.

Speaking of heaven, behind me, I hear Drew giggling with Sandra and my mom, and the sound brings a smile to my face.

I’m the luckiest man in the world that I get to call all these amazing people family.

I’m proud of where this life has taken us.

Without those hardships and heartaches, we wouldn’t be here today.

A family. Full of love and standing strong. Nothing can come between that.

I place my hand in my front pocket. Butterflies swarm my stomach as I feel the velvet box with my fingers. I’m going to ask Drew to marry me. Tonight. After everyone leaves and we’re sitting in this backyard, next to a small fire, enjoying the calm after a wonderful day with our families.

“What are you thinking about?” I hear a sweet voice behind me. Carefully pulling my hand out of my pocket, I turn to see Drew standing there.

“Oh, nothing really,” I reply, pulling her into me. “Just about how lucky I am.”

“And don’t you forget it,” she winks at me.

I rest my forehead on hers. “Never.”

The End