Redwood Bend

twenty years. I want them to know me. The real me.”
“Twenty years, huh?” Conner asked.
“That’s right. It’s a great little town and it’s a good place for boys to grow up. Maybe a good place for tomboys, too.”
“Does Katie want to go?” Conner asked.
“I haven’t asked her yet. I’m asking you to go along with this before I ask her. Because after I show her my home, I’d like to ask her to marry me. If you give your blessing.”
“Seriously?” Conner said dubiously. “You’re asking my blessing? Why?”
“Because you’re the most important person in her life besides the boys. And because we started a family, which means we’re going to be family, you and I.”
“Are you saying you love her?”
Dylan noticed that the place had gone kind of quiet. Not so much drywall, hardwood or tile was getting done. He was afraid to turn around and find a gallery of workers hanging on his answer. “You know what, Conner? I’ll tell you about anything you want to know, but that thing? I’d really like to tell her before I tell you. All I want is your permission to show her my home and propose. And I want the boys to go, too.”
Conner took a step toward him. “Listen, if you’re not in all the way, you don’t have to do this, marry her. Because I can take care of my family and I will…”
“Let her decide, Conner. I’ve never been married, never been a father. But I have an idea what it takes and I’ll do my best.”
“Do you have any idea how important Katie’s happiness is to me?”
“I can guess,” Dylan said. “Do you have any idea how sorry I am that her father is deceased? Because I can’t imagine he’d be any tougher to please than you.”
Conner gave a huff of laughter. “You might want to take that back—my dad was a pretty grumpy old coot, even when he was young.”
“Big surprise,” Dylan said. “I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Conner thought for a minute. “We should probably go have a beer. Talk about some particulars. Like how you’re going to take care of her with a business that isn’t doing too well. And what you’re going to say if she doesn’t like where and how you live.”
“I don’t hear a lot of pounding or sawing,” Dylan said. “Does most of Haggerty Construction now know I want to marry my pregnant girlfriend?”
“I’d have to say yes, if they don’t know now, they soon will. Let’s go. You’re buying.”
“Fine,” Dylan said. “Jack’s?”
“The only game in town. See you there. I’ll pack up my tools.”
Dylan walked toward the door. He turned back and faced about six men, all very large, all wearing tool belts, all looking like they’d prefer more gossip than a chance to beat him up. “Get back to work,” he said to them. “That’s all I’m giving you.” And then he left and drove back to Virgin River.
Dylan was nursing a cup of coffee when Conner finally showed up. The bar was still empty, the dinner crowd not yet arrived. Conner sat up on the stool beside Dylan and said to Jack, “Give him a beer. And run him a tab.”
“I’m picking up the boys and taking them home.”
“No, you’re not. I checked in with Leslie—she’s going to take the boys home for you.”
Dylan stiffened. “Hey, I haven’t run this plan by Katie yet. I’d rather Leslie not fill her in on our discussion.”
“Relax. Les is going to tell Katie that we’re having a beer together. Hopefully she’ll see that as a good thing.”
“Leslie is a nice lady,” Dylan said. “So here’s a pertinent question—you planning on marrying Leslie?”
“That’s between us. And by the way, she’s not pregnant…”
Jack stepped in front of them, delivering a couple of beers. “I have some experience with this if you’re interested.”
“No,” they said in unison.
“Jeez,” Jack said. “Have it your way.” And he moved away and went into the kitchen.
Conner turned toward Dylan. “I take it you’ve never found yourself in this position before?”
“Nope,” Dylan confirmed. “You?”
“Nope,” Conner said. Then he shrugged and added, “Can’t say why. I’ve never proven myself to be all that smart.”
Dylan laughed in spite of himself. “Katie thinks you walk on water…”
“She’s biased. So, what’s your plan, big shot?”
“Well, it’s simple. I have a meeting in L.A. tomorrow night—should be quick. Then like I said, I have to go back to Montana—I think the kids will like it. It’s a lot like here, but