Chapter 29
Bishop
I’m nervous as I watch Drew across the bays.This is something I never thought I would do and since we talked about how Liam wasn’t his biological father, I’ve gone back and forth, wondering if this was the right decision.In the end, I know it is.
He catches me looking, narrowing his eyes in a what the fuck way.
Putting my hands in my jeans pockets, I walk over to him.“You mind if we talk?”
Immediately, he looks worried.“Is everything okay?”
“Harley’s fine, but what I want to speak to you about has to do with her.”
“Okay, wanna go behind the shop?”
“I wanna ask her to marry me.”I hold up my hand.“But I have a request for you.I wanna take the Walker last name.”
He opens his mouth, then shuts it, before opening it again.My stomach drops and my heart pounds.The silence stretches on between us and I’m worried about what I’ve just requested.
“I’m sorry, you don’t have to say anything.”
He reaches out, holding on tightly to my shoulder.“No, no, it’s nothing like that.I’m trying to get hold of myself.”He clears his throat roughly.“Those are the last words I expected from you.I mean, I expected the marriage proposal.I’ve got eyes.I can see how you look at my daughter.I know you love her and that you are a part of this family, whether you have the last name or not.”
Now it’s my turn to try and get hold of myself.I’d convinced myself it wouldn’t be a big deal to Drew, that he’d think I was crazy for asking this.I never thought he’d have this kind of reaction.“I hope you don’t think I’m disrespecting you by asking.”
“Not at all, I’m proud that you’d be willing towantto have my last name.Especially after you learned it’s not really mine.”
“It’s yours in the same way it’ll be mine, as long as you allow it.”
He hugs me tightly, pounding me on the back.“I’ll allow it.It’d be my honor to give it to you and I know Liam will love it too.”
“Thank you, I was waiting to ask you before I ask Harley.I want to tell her both at the same time.”
“Well, I give you my blessing,” he tells me.“Can I see the ring?”
“Yeah.”I eagerly dig the box out of my pocket.“I’ve been carrying it around for a few days, trying to find the best time to do it.She’s working late tonight and since this place means so much to us, I thought it would be the best place to ask her.I’m gonna call her out here after everybody leaves.My truck is here.”I nod over to the parking lot.“It’s the one we used to drive around in while we were in high school.”
“She’s gonna love it.”
I open the box, my hands shaking as I show Drew what I’ve managed to purchase for her.It’s not big by any means.
“That’s perfect for her, Bishop.She won’t want something gaudy or that’s going to get in the way when she’s working on her bike.”
“You don’t think it’s too small?”I question, doubt setting in.
“Not at all.You know her so much better than you think you do.”
Putting the ring box back in my pocket, I rub my hands together.“Now I just gotta wait until we close up shop for the night.”
“Good luck with that.”He chuckles.
“Yeah.”I exhale so that my lips flutter together.“Thanks.”
“You ready?”I ask as I head into the office.“Everybody else has already quit and left,” I tell Harley as she has her head bent over something.From what I heard, Drew made up a problem that she’d have to figure out.Just like I hoped she would, she’s lost track of time.
“What?What time is it?”She looks at the clock on her desk.“Six?Wow, I didn’t mean to do that.”
“Have you figured out what Drew messed up?”