“Sophia you need to come here” My father hollers up the stairs. I smile at the door knowing that if I don't go down there he will come up here to get me. He can't stay mad at me. It's like I'm the apple of his eye. Some say that he spoils me rotten. Others just roll their eyes and walk away. I get up off the floor and head downstairs running into someone on the stairs.
“Watch where you're going.” A deep voice says holding me close to their chest as they had caught me before I fell. “A lady shouldn't be running around.” I sigh and pull myself out of their arms.
“Well, maybe you should watch where you're going. I can do whatever I want to do as I live here.” I say as sweetly as I can. I look him up and down. I've never seen him around this part of town. “Well, my father called for me, So I should be going. Thank you for making sure I didn't fall” I curtsy and try to step around him.
“Oh, your Sophia.” He says as he stops me from going down the stairs. “I was sent to come and bring you downstairs.” He says, lacing his arm through mine with a smile on his face. “Ready?” He asks all business like. I look down at the ground and roll my eyes.
“Yes, sir.” Two can play at this game. The smile disappears from his face as we head downstairs. As we get close to the bottom of the stairs I hear my father.
“Well, there isn't any screaming coming from upstairs. So, things must be going well.” He sounds so hopeful and that takes all the wind from my sails. There have been a lot of gentlemen coming and going here. They are trying to ask my father for my hand but I keep scaring them off. I'm not ready to get married and leave my father but I guess, I'm not going to like what is about to happen. I stop and look up at this man as I take a deep breath.
“Are you ready for this?” I ask quietly. He stares at me before taking a deep breath.
“I can handle anything you want to throw at me. So, I'm not the one you should be asking that question to. Are you ready?” he asks, keeping his arm throw my arm. I stare at him as a tear falls down my face.
“I'm not ready for any of this. But it's something I have to do.” I say as I lead him into the parlor. “Hello Father,” I say as sweetly as I can. I hold myself up and remove my arm from this young man's arm. I extend my hand to the older gentleman sitting in the chair next to the couch. “Hello, Sir.” The man takes my hand and kisses the back of my hand.
“It's a pleasure to meet you.” He says. “My name is Justin McCain; this is my son Alec McCain.” He gestures to the young man that came up to get me.
I curtsy “Welcome to our home.” As I take my seat next to my dad. “How can we help you today?” I ask.
Mr. McCain takes a deep breath but before he can say anything his son speaks up “Do you want honesty or sugar and spice?” His father looks at him shocked.
“Honesty is preferred, but if sugar and spice is better for you, then sugar and spice,” I say making both his father and mine look at me.
“Well, My father wants me to marry you but after meeting you. I don't know if I truly want someone like you as my wife.” He says making his dad's face turn red most likely with anger.
“Well, after meeting you, I don't think you would be able to handle me and honestly I would be the best thing for you,” I say hiding my smile behind my fan. My father looks at me with his sad eyes making me feel like shit.
“You are right about one thing. I would never be able to handle you, but I don't want to handle you. I want you to be by my side.” He says making everyone look at him. “You are a spitfire. You know what you want out of life and you are not willing to settle for anything less. That's what I want in a wife.” I stare at him.
“Wait, you want me to marry you?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” I state making my father's head wipe towards me.
“Just like that?” My father says.
“Yes, father. Just like that.” I say.
