“About what?”
Maybe it’s the reasonable tone of voice or maybe it’s the lack of caffeine, but blunt honesty seems like a great idea, as long as I keep on smiling. “About how I should go about asking for Yuna’s hand in marriage.”
“Does it matter what my wife and I think?”
I heard a rebuke there. “Of course. Family is important to Yuna, and that makes all of you important to me as well.”
“Yuna’s our baby. Even when she’s a hundred years old, she’s still going to be my little baby girl, my greatest treasure. And you’re a thief, trying to steal her from us.” His chin trembles a little, and he tightens his jaw. “It’s bad enough she has to marry, but to marry an American…” He shakes his head. “And not just any American, but one who smiles like an imbecile and lives in America! Half the world away.” He speaks like America is in another galaxy and it’s all my fault.
I stop smiling. Maybe Yuna’s wrong about it being helpful. I should tell her dad what’s in my heart, rather than trying to force him into liking me. “The groom candidates she was given don’t love her.”
“So?”
“I do. And—”
He scoffs. “You missed her birthday party.”
Guess his wife wasted no time telling him. “And I learned a Chopin waltz for her because that’s what it took to prove myself to Yuna.”
His mouth stays in a hard, flat line, but his eyes relax slightly.
I meet and hold his gaze. “Sir, I can’t promise I’ll be perfect. God knows I’m not. But every time Yuna’s sad or unhappy, part of my heart shrivels and dies. Every time she smiles, I feel like I’m king of the universe. I promise you I’ll make it my life’s mission to make her happy and treat her like the queen she is.”
He exhales roughly. “You are serious.”
“Yes, sir. I think she deserves that much from a man who wants to marry her.”
“I’ll be watching you.”
“I wouldn’t expect any less.” I’ve seen how protective her mom is. Mr. Choi and Ms. Kim might become part of the family, too.
“If you hurt her…”
“You can throw a butcher knife at me. I’ll stay very still.”
Shock and something else I can’t put my finger on cross his face. After a beat, he clears his throat. “I’m too old for that. I’ll have my assistant do it.”
A corner of my mouth lifts. “Of course, sir.”
He regards me for another moment. “You may call me Father or Dad, whichever is easier.”
I go still as something hot knots in my throat. I haven’t had a father in years. Phillip certainly wasn’t a dad…more like a sperm donor. I have a feeling that this isn’t just about tolerating me, but actually accepting me into the fold. “Thank you, sir.”
He raises an eyebrow.
“Dad,” I correct myself. “You won’t regret it.”
“I better not. So when and where is the wedding?”
I hesitate for a second. I haven’t thought quite that far. “I think it’s best I leave that up to Yuna and your wife.”
He nods. “Smart man.” He goes back to his newspaper.
Chapter Sixty-One
Yuna
I yawn a little. The first day back from the States is always the hardest for my body to adjust. But I get up early enough to go over to the wing where Eugene is staying, so I can say hello before he leaves for work. He and I didn’t get to say anything yesterday, and I just want to make sure he’s fine, especially since it’s the first time I’m seeing him face to face since his marriage ended.