Page 83 of WASP

Max’s dad listened to her without interruption, nodding slightly as she spoke. He glanced at the small square box sitting on the table between them. Calloused thumbs from years of working with his hands twitched as if he wanted to reach for the box, but years of handling top-secret and classified information had given him one hell of a poker face that Annie couldn’t decipher, so she waited.

“My daughter isn’t someone who lets others in easily, but then again, neither was her mother.” He laughed, low and melodic, a sound that surprised Annie. “I see so much of my late wife in Max. Their looks, the way she approaches people, her view of the world, her desire to do things for herself is all so very Diane.” He sighed, his laugh fading into a small smile. “But Max, she’s also like me. She’s hardworking and determined, and when she commits to something, boy, does she really commit to it.” He glanced out the window, lost in thought, while Annie waited patiently. “I know we haven’t been able to spend time together since you and Max moved to Michigan. But I hope that changes. I can tell you are exactly the type of partner my daughter needs, and I’m glad she found someone like you. While she hasn’t officially said yes or anything, I personally want to say, welcome to the family, Annie.”

She couldn’t help her broad smile or the way it tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I’m very excited to be a part of it and also to get to know you better. We’re a little tight on space right now with the tiny apartment and whatnot, but once we’ve got parts of the house renovated and fixed up, I know it would mean the world to Max to have you come out and see the vineyard. She’s put so much hard work into the place, and I’d love for you to get to see what she’s accomplished. Plus, we’ve got some pretty cool birds I bet you haven’t seen yet.”

Excitement flashed for a moment behind the achingly familiar pale blue eyes. “I’d like that.”

Another silence filled the small dining nook as Annie’s eyes drifted to the window and the river below, the surface of which reflected distorted refractions of sunbeams.

“How long are you in town for?” the admiral asked.

“A few more hours. I flew in last night for a quick trip, probably my first of many with this new client I’m working with.”

“Next time give me a heads up when you’re in town. I can move around my schedule to accommodate dinner with my favorite future daughter-in-law.”

Annie beamed, the feeling of pride at officially winning over Max’s dad coursing through her—not that it was about that, but it kind of was, and Annie always loved the feeling of winning.

“I’m your only future daughter-in-law,” she stated.

The admiral grinned. “Semantics.”

The pair finished their drinks, Annie taking full advantage of the opportunity to learn more about what Max had been like as a child, taking note of the way the admiral’s face lit up recounting story after story of Max and her shenanigans. She particularly enjoyed the one about the series of elaborate care packages Max had mailed her dad during one particularly long deployment, each containing a clue to a puzzle he could only solve once home. “She’s always had a very active imagination.” The admiral laughed with fondness.

Annie glanced at her watch. “I should get going. I’ve got to drive all the way to Dulles.”

They rose, the admiral taking her glass as Annie collected her purse, tucking away the tiny box holding the engagement ring. Together they moved towards the front door.

“Before you go, I want you to have something. Give me a moment, please.” He stepped into a room off the foyer. Annie waited, settling the strap of her purse snugly over her shoulder. He returned a moment later, a small item clutched in his hands. “I want you to take this.” He pressed a deep, reddish-brown wooden box into her hands, one that looked to be handmade.

Annie took the box, the pad of her thumb running over the intricate branching floral pattern carved into the lid. She flicked it open to reveal a pale pink velvet pillow and a slot for a ring.

“I made that for Diane when I proposed to her.” A restrained fondness flashed across the admiral’s face as he recalled the sentiment behind the item. “We were kids when we got pregnant with Max. Second-year Naval Academy midshipmen flying by the seat of our pants, figuring out how to exist in the world together, but we were so in love. Diane was my best friend and the love of my life, and that’s exactly the type of love I want you to give my daughter.”

Stillness pressed around them as Annie listened, touched by the significance of the admiral’s words. “That’s my plan,” she said softly, closing the lid of the box. “Thank you for sharing this with me. I know Max will be really touched.”

The admiral opened the front door as Annie stepped through it. “Good luck with the proposal. Can’t wait to hear how it goes. Have a safe flight.”

Annie waved over her shoulder as she made her way to her car, the humidity clinging to her like plastic wrap once again as her mind worked through the final details of the plan she intended to execute the following day.

MAX

Max blindly reached across the bed, hoping her hand would find her girlfriend, but no luck. She had a vague memory of Annie sneaking into their bedroom last night after getting home late, her flight from DC delayed by thunderstorms. However, where she was presently was a mystery to Max.

The fox-like screech of the apartment’s front door reached her where she lay, the hinges whining in protest. A moment later, a sliver of artificial light cut through the dim room.

“Good morning,” she said, letting Annie know she was awake.

“Oh shoot. I was hoping to be back before you woke up.” She held up the matching ceramic travel tea mugs in her hands, the ones Annie had gotten for them, each monogrammed with their initials. Max grinned as she sat up, propping herself up against the headboard. The mattress sank slightly under the addition of Annie’s weight as she leaned in, placing a chaste kiss to her lips.

“I woke up like a few seconds ago. My Annie senses must have been tingling.” She wiggled her eyebrows, reaching out to take the cup with the initials MDM in big loopy letters on it, inhaling deeply, trying to pick up any specific flavor notes.

Annie shook her head. “You’re never going to guess it.”

“You want to put money on that?”

“No, but I will wager one deep, passionate kiss.” A hint of a smirk crossed Annie’s features.

Max inhaled deeply, really letting the scent of the steam fill her. It was definitely sweet and florally, maybe a little bit of pear? Almond milk for sure.