Chapter 2093
Calliope's curiosity sharpened. "Is your sister already married?"
After all, mothers-in-law often dread their daughter having a domineering sister-in- law.
"Yes, she's married and has several children," Magnus replied, a calm truth safe enough to share.
"Wonderful," Calliope said, casting a satisfied glance toward Brycen.
Encouraged, Brycen cleared his throat. "Magnus, to be frank, we liked you the moment you walked in." He hesitated only an instant. "But tell me, how do you really feel about Denise?"
Magnus answered before the silence could grow. "I care for her deeply, and I will spend my life proving it."
Denise lowered her head, cheeks the color of spring peaches, concentrating on her rice.
Although they had practiced these lines, hearing him say them aloud still sent warmth rushing beneath her skin.
Brycen and Calliope noticed the gentle flush and, hearts lightened, felt certain their daughter had given her heart to the young man seated beside her.
With the afternoon sun spilling across the tiny hospital table, Brycen cleared his throat, squared his shoulders, and said, "Since we're already on the subject, Magnus, let me ask you plainly. When do you plan on marrying our Denise?"
Denise had been sipping water. The question struck so hard she almost sprayed the whole mouthful across the table.
She coughed, patted her chest, and managed between breaths. "Dad, Mom, please don't race ahead. Magnus and I have only just started seeing each other. Talking about marriage is way too fast."
Calliope arched a brow. "Too fast? The neighbor's girl was engaged after one month, married the next, and already expecting before her wedding photos dried."
Denise's coughing fit returned, sharp and embarrassing. How do they stay in the ward and still collect hometown gossip like trading cards?
"Magnus and I aren't planning to marry anytime soon," she said, voice hoarse.
Calliope softened. "Sweetheart, you're nearing twenty-six. Wait too long and children become harder."
All parents, it appeared, shared the fondness to urge their children to get married. Denise stared at her hands, utterly lost for an answer.
"Mr. and Mrs Laney, if you're willing to entrust Denise to me, then please let the wedding be arranged however you think, best. My parents are gone, and my sister has her own family, so no one on my side can oversee these things."
Denise's eyes flew open, her shock louder than any cough.
She hacked again, flashing Magnus a desperate, wordless plea.
Magnus kept his gaze fixed on the elders, sincerity shining like wet glass.
Brycen and Calliope exchanged glances, their astonishment melting into unguarded delight.
Brycen thumped his chest.
"Excellent! Since you insist, we'll handle the ceremony. We dont have: much, but we'll find a way to give a proper wedding."
You
For a family of modest means, Magnus' eagerness felt like a miracle. Clearly, he adored their daughter.
"Cough, cough. Dad, really, there's no hurry!" Denise tried again, eyes locked on Magnus.
Under the table, her foot crashed into his.
Yet, Magnus did not even blink.
Denise's exasperation turned to speechless disbelief.
Calliope touched her arm. "Did you swallow wrong? Go drink some water."
Denise had no choice but to draw a steady breath. "Much better."
She kept her head down, sipping water while her mind chased a way to untangle
the whopper Magnus had just told. If my parents dig in, will Magnus and I end up
in a sham wedding? I could accept that, but should I saddle him with an unnecessary ring?
Preoccupied, she pushed her plate away after only a few bites.