He’s single father. A widower, to be exact. But that’s not the story here.
He waits tables for a living. And on his off-days, he works at another restaurant.
Sometimes, he works with his brother’s power-washing business for extra cash. He does handyman work, and installs home sound systems. He is a busy man.
He does it for his kids.
The money goes out the window as fast as it comes. And he’s away a lot.
His children are used to fending for themselves. They’re used to preparing their own suppers, watching television alone, and tucking themselves in.
But not since she started coming around.
Let me back up.
Nine months ago, he met her. She’s a receptionist at a doctor’s office. She was at his restaurant for her coworker’s birthday party.
He saw her and couldn’t stop looking at her.
By the end of the night, his friends in the kitchen knew he was smitten. They teased him. “Go talk to her,” they said, shoving him.
But, confidence doesn’t exactly grow on trees, and our Lone Ranger has been out of the saddle since high school.
He didn’t know how to approach her. He was—according to his coworkers—a big, fat, hairy chicken. So, without his permission, one of the waitresses spoke for him.
“See that guy over there?” the waitress whispered into the receptionist’s ear. “He’s the best guy you’ll ever meet. He likes you, but he’s too scaredy-cat to talk to you.”
Ouch, Kemosabe.
But that’s how it started.
A little bout her: she was married once. The doctor told her she couldn’t have kids. It broke her heart, all she’s ever wanted were children.
She likes long walks on the beach, Mexican food, Trisha Yearwood albums, chocolate ice cream, and any book that wasn’t written by Danielle Steel.
They went on a first date. It lasted for sixteen hours. But they darkened no bedrooms, rustled no sheets. In fact they didn’t even kiss.
Instead, they sat on his balcony, talking. They watched the sunrise together. When his kids awoke, they ate breakfast. Thank God for simple pleasures.
Since then, she makes him keep nights and weekends free. The four of them do everything together. They go hiking, fishing, ice-skating. They do movies, concerts, board games.
Sometimes, they have sleepovers on the living-room floor. Sleeping bags and all. The eat popcorn and watch black-and-white movies.
But nothing will ever top this weekend.
This Friday is going to be a doozie. They will buy a tree from a nearby farm. They will decorate it together.
There will be a giant Tupperware crate of ornaments, lights, and garland. Tucked in the bottom of this crate is a tiny clamshell box made of felt.
She will find the box. She will reach for the box. She will open the box.
She will see an unassuming diamond ring.
He and his children will have already taken a knee—they’ve been rehearsing this—and say:
“Whenever we’re with you, we’re a real family.”
He will ask her to be his.
“Hey, Sean,” he wrote me. “I’m so nervous, man. Just wondering if you’d ask your friends to put out good vibes today?”
You don’t need any help, brother.
But I’ll tell everyone I know
50 comments
Brenda - December 9, 2018 6:46 am
Aww how perfect!
Carol Stern - December 9, 2018 7:10 am
Sending prayers and love❤️
Steve Winfield - December 9, 2018 7:26 am
?
Karen Greatrix - December 9, 2018 8:10 am
Please please let us know if she said Yes. (I’m pretty sure she will but it would make my day even better to know for sure.)
Cheryl Clem - December 9, 2018 10:38 am
What a cliff hanger…….oh dear
Cheryl - December 9, 2018 10:46 am
Bless them all. And you too Sean for sharing.
Nancy - December 9, 2018 11:32 am
We know in our hearts she said yes! Thanks for sharing this beautiful story!
Judith Perye - December 9, 2018 11:44 am
Loving prayers for a wonderful beginning! I sure would love to hear “the rest of the story”!
Caroline Stinson - December 9, 2018 11:58 am
Good vibes are headed his way!
Merry Christmas ♡
Jean - December 9, 2018 12:17 pm
Sending out all the good vibes I can muster with every good wish and blessing I can think of. Talk about a marriage made in heaven!! keep us posted!
Liz Watkins - December 9, 2018 12:25 pm
I know she said YES!!!
Jo Ann - December 9, 2018 12:30 pm
A lovely Christmas story. Good vibes being sent from here. ( I’m sure she’ll say “yes”, how could she not?!)
Connie Havard Ryland - December 9, 2018 12:37 pm
How could she say no to so much love? Sending out all the positive vibes I’ve got. What a precious story to start my day. Love and hugs.
Phillip Saunders - December 9, 2018 12:55 pm
OK, big guy, you’ve set us up. Now we have to know how this chapter in your latest hero’s book ends. I’m betting it’s a happy one.
MermaidGrammy - December 9, 2018 1:05 pm
Let us know the minute you hear from (I’m sure!) the happiest man on earth
Elizabeth Edens - December 9, 2018 1:16 pm
Ok, so this Friday, as in dec. 14th or this past Friday? You can’t leave us hanging like this! Prayers, good vibes..everything going out to them!!!!
Norma Norton - December 9, 2018 1:17 pm
The sweetest one- so far
Karen - December 9, 2018 1:37 pm
What a lovely story. I cannot imagine how happy they must all be.
Sherry - December 9, 2018 1:37 pm
??❤️
Laurie Wasilewski - December 9, 2018 1:39 pm
You’ve really done it this time, Sean. I can’t stop crying!
Jeanne - December 9, 2018 1:51 pm
Now this one – this one made me cry
Ruth Killough - December 9, 2018 1:58 pm
Love is so sweet! Great story.
Jeanmarie Martin - December 9, 2018 2:16 pm
I often read your blog while I’m at work. It’s hard to work with my eyes blurred!
Jo Brooks - December 9, 2018 2:45 pm
What an uplifting story. Now, give us the next scene. She said yes, didn’t she?
Gale - December 9, 2018 2:45 pm
Prayers and Blessings for them. Thank you so much for sharing! I love this:)
Kathy Wolfe - December 9, 2018 2:51 pm
Every time I think you won’t “get me” and every time you do!
Gayla - December 9, 2018 3:06 pm
Amen, Sean! Consider it done! Oh, and Merry Christmas to you and your wofe.
Debbie - December 9, 2018 3:27 pm
Priceless! Now make sure we hear the results ?
Alan - December 9, 2018 3:37 pm
Just when I think one of your writings cannot be topped, you come through with another one. I so look forward to reading your postings. Keep up the fantastic work you do for us readers. I’m thinking she said yes!
Patricia A Schmaltz - December 9, 2018 3:55 pm
Crying again… but sending good vibes! Happy holidays!
margefromnaturesgift - December 9, 2018 5:35 pm
Tears. Good tears. Happy Christmas to this new family.
William Hubbard - December 9, 2018 5:52 pm
Good vibes by the ton headed out to this good man. May your happiness last as long as mine did when I found the right lady
Billy Bob from.Alabama (REALLY)
Suzanne B - December 9, 2018 5:54 pm
Wishing this family all the happiness they deserve !
ocasey - December 9, 2018 8:18 pm
This one did it! It brought tears to my eyes!
Steve Welch - December 9, 2018 8:19 pm
Thanks Sean- puts the holiday in perspective.
Pat - December 9, 2018 8:43 pm
And maybe the doctor will have been wrong (it has happened before), and there will be a little one, or two, or three………………
Phyllis Anders - December 9, 2018 9:21 pm
We HAVE to know her answer….
Judy O'Bar - December 9, 2018 9:49 pm
What a sweet story! I hope they have a long and happy marriage.
Mildred - December 9, 2018 9:52 pm
Praying for this soon to be beautiful family!!
Rita - December 9, 2018 11:54 pm
Like everyone else, I’m so happy and excited for him and his kids. And I too, want to know what she says!
throughmyeyesusa - December 10, 2018 3:02 am
Good vibes and prayers by special delivery and the merriest Christmas and Happiest New Year wishes for this new family!
And…..thank You, Sean, for being an agent of all the good things that make us human – and reminding us they still exist in today’s America despite those who would deny it.
theholtgirls - December 10, 2018 3:46 am
I love how his children are in on it! Please do let us know when and where we can send congratulatory gift cards and cash to this family! Merry Christmas, Scott!
Maribeth Howard - December 10, 2018 3:08 pm
I believe she said yes. This is so much like my story, including the involvement of the children.
Helen - December 10, 2018 3:54 pm
More tears just fell….
Rosalyn Wo - December 11, 2018 12:05 am
What a beautiful story!
RKW - December 11, 2018 12:07 am
What a beautiful story! So moving! You must tell us what transpires!
Scottie Jennings - December 11, 2018 2:41 pm
Wow warms my heart.
Whitney Reinhart - December 11, 2018 7:14 pm
OH MAN! YOU HAVE TO LET US KNOW!!! Did she say yes?? When are they officially tying the knot??? PLEASE!!
Teenie Methvin - December 14, 2018 12:10 am
Goodness this going to be hard to top. Wishing them Blessings around every corner. Oh and Merry Christmas ?❤️
rantsandravescom - December 20, 2018 10:59 pm
May they have a wonderful Christmas as a “new”family.
And may you and your wife and fur babies have a great one too.