3D: Please Take Care of My Baby

One odd evening, all five Pruetts enjoyed the refreshing air conditioning under the same roof. Oliver completed homework upstairs while the adults watched a movie. A knock echoed through the living room. Family members walked right in, so they knew the anxious person was not a Pruett.

“I’ll get it,” Aubrey said.

Julio stood tall, shoulders back and chest puffed, donning a tie and a million-dollar smile. Aubrey’s heart skipped a beat at the sight for she knew why he came. She expected him at some point but not so quickly. They had not discussed the engagement situation since the afternoon at Julio’s house.

“Wow! Look at you! I’ve missed you,” she whispered, melting into his arms.

Texts and brief calls were their lifeline in the last weeks as the businesses demanded their attention more than usual. Julio began an expansion project at the Golden Palm Club. Much of his business remained a mystery, and she blamed his quiet nature. Regardless, the lounge was part of her life now. She asked about the project, but he kept the details close to the vest. All she knew was he spent many nights visiting other clubs to see various acts for potential gigs.

Aubrey recently received a large sum of money and began plans for the next restaurant. After recovering from the awkward moment at Julio’s house, they discussed finances. The Corleonesi account held the Pruett fortune hostage; Julio was never comfortable with his father’s arrangement. Jonathan wouldn’t take back the money, so he did the next best thing and gave it to Aubrey. After marriage, their accounts would remain separate. Julio severed ties with that money and took responsibility for the household bills and family related expenses so Aubrey could allocate her funds as she saw fit. Besides, if anything happened, the division guaranteed the money would always stay in Pruett hands as long as she didn’t make him a beneficiary.

“I missed you more,” he purred into her ear.

“You’re wearing a tie.”

When he smiled, the world and everything in it was so beautiful. “I’m wearing a tie.”

“I’m guessing you’re not here to see me.“

“No.”

Aubrey and Julio walked inside eyes locked and fingers interlaced. The boy wore a tie again. Last time was just a drill. Jonathan took a quick breath and braced himself for the pending conversation. Again, the kid came empty-handed. But, getting upset wouldn’t be worth the time and energy. At least he came. Asking a father for permission was an old practice, and Julio didn’t have to extend that courtesy.

“Good evening, Mrs. Pruett.”

Skyla nodded. “Hello, Julio.”

“Look at you, Mr. Fancy Pants,” Maya said.

The boy blushed. “Uhh, thanks.” His fingers slid through Aubrey’s hand as he walked over to Jonathan, stiff legged and nervous. “Hi, Jonathan.”

He put on his fake stern face to toy with the boy’s emotions. “Julio.”

The scared kid kept rubbing his hands. “May I speak with you alone?”

Maya gasped, and Skyla’s eyes got very large.

“Of course.”

He gestured for the boy to follow him outside. Something shiny at the edge of the porch caught his attention. Did his eyes deceive him? The boy wasn’t empty-handed at all.

“I can’t keep things that don’t belong to me,” Julio said, swallowing a lump. “You refused the money, but I hope you will accept this.”

Words escaped Jonathan as he stared at the statue. It used to define him, but now it represented old memories. Some good, some bad. But, it relieved him to possess the long-lost family heirloom again. “Julio … This means so much.”

The situation was perfect for a joke about being bribed, but he couldn’t make it. The moment was too precious. “Ok … Let’s get to it.”

Jonathan sat on the sofa and peered into the boy’s unsteady eyes looking for traces of deception. Julio was a sweet kid, but he was Tony’s kid. For Aubrey’s sake, Jonathan had to get serious and ensure beyond any doubt Julio was as genuine as they thought. No one would hurt her on his watch. “I only have one question.”

Julio nodded.

“Do you love my daughter, or are you just clearing your conscience?”

Julio’s eyes narrowed and peered at him with laser-like focus. “Jonathan, I love Aubrey. Sure, it seems convenient, and yeah, I’m glad she has your money, but that’s not why I want to marry her.”

“Why do you want to marry her?”

“Because she’s amazing,” he yelled like the words had been trapped inside too long.

Damn right she is!

“Aubrey is the best person there is.”

Keep it coming, kid. You can do better than that.

“She makes me want to be a better person,” he said with his hand pressed to his chest.

Cliche, but nice.

“My life is so bland and empty without her. I don’t want anyone else.”

You better not!

“I love everything about Aubrey. Her smile, her laugh, her drive …” He chuckled. “I even love how she takes three hours to order dinner with all her specific instructions for the server.”

Jonathan laughed too. His daughters barely favored him, but they were so much like him in different ways.

“She’s so strong and independent, and I love that. But, sometimes she doubts herself and isn’t so strong. I’ll be strong for her.”

Now you’re talkin’!

Julio straightened his spine and raised his chin. “I’m not a macho guy, but I will protect her, Jonathan.”

“You better. I know where you live.”

“I won’t let anything happen to her if I can help it.”

“Good.” Jonathan stood and offered his hand. “Please take care of my baby.”

He shook the offered hand. “You have my word.”

“Thank you. Congrats, man! Welcome to the family.”

Julio did not waste time and dashed inside to make it official. Aubrey was all smiles as he kneeled and grabbed her hands. They could have used a little privacy, but Jonathan wanted a front-row seat and sat next to her. Also, he needed to be close in case the boy tried anything stupid.

Jonathan glanced at Skyla remembering the afternoon he proposed to her in Granite Falls. She was smiling too. Despite her reservations about their relationship, she couldn’t be upset about her baby’s special moment.

“I love you, Aubrey. I’m not sure if I could love anyone else. This is super corny, but you really complete me.”

It took everything Jonathan had not to laugh. He definitely should have given them the room.

Julio took a black box from his pocket and slid the ring onto her finger. Jonathan had never been around someone else’s proposal before. It was so magical.

“It’s so beautiful, Julio!”

“Will you marry me?”

A tear slipped from the corner of her eye. “Of course!”

And, there it was. Soon, he’d have a son-in-law, and Aubrey would leave the house for a brand new life. It would be sad, but the sadness could wait. Jonathan was a proud papa.

Sky looked proud too, and he was glad. The bad blood still tripped her up, and she needed to get over it. Everyone did.

Maya, of course, was a very proud big sister. Hopefully, she would be next sooner rather than later. Aubrey and Julio dated longer than Maya and Ranveer, but Jonathan thought they would get married first. The love between them was so strong, and Ranveer was so right for her. What were they waiting on? Whether they had issues, or Ranveer was waiting for the right time, it was a positive mark on both their characters. Only fools rushed into serious commitments like marriage, and Jonathan didn’t raise any fools.