“First off, Gabrielle is not little. Secondly, you and I both know that her hardest sell when she brought someone home was going to be me, not you.” If he can act like I’m not his son, then I can pretend he’s my woman’s dad and not my own.

“Watch it, James.”

“I taught her to drive. I taught her to drink.” I chuckle. “I taught her how to use the Subway here. I went to her college orientation with you and mom. I tutored her in math because quite frankly, she sucks.” I recall even more of her firsts that I’ve been a part of. “I was her second word after Mama. And I know that’s weird to think about but…she’s always been the love of my life. Even before it blossomed into this. When it was innocent. When I’d sit by her bed every night in case she woke up and needed someone. When I held her in my arms through the worst day of her life. And it took me a really long time to realize that nothing ever worked with other women because there was no room in my heart for anyone but her. I know our relationship is complicated and I’ve been her brother and protector and guided her through so many things and now I’m taking on a new role in her life, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop taking care of her, Dad. It just means…I’ll take care of her like a husband.”

“Son… if you were talking about anyone else in the world, I’d be so goddamn happy for you. I’ve never heard you talk about anyone that way. You’ve never even been remotely close to proposing. But this is Gabrielle; your baby sister that you’ve known for over half of your life.” He cocks his head to the side and shakes his head. “I can’t believe this is happening. I believe that this is real between you two but I can’t say I support this.”

“And that’s…well, it’s not fine and Gabrielle is going to be hurt. But I value and respect you as my father and her father. I just ask that you take some time to think about it and give me a chance to tell Gabrielle that you know. And don’t tell Mom yet?”

“Are you kidding? I’m not telling your mother this. This is your news and quite frankly I do not want to be the bearer of it.” He shakes his head. “I won’t say anything to Gab yet.”

“You and Gabrielle.” He crosses his arms and lets out a breath before looking down at the box. “Is this you asking for her hand in marriage or something?”

“Do I need it?”