Golden Bird

Once seated in the restaurant, Sara was able to observe the easy exchange between father and daughter. Katie seemed, on the surface at least, to have adjusted well to her parent's divorce. It was plain to see she maintained a loving relationship with her father and some of Sara's fears were quelled during the meal until they came rushing back as David approached the subject of their relationship.

"Katie ... "started David, "there is something we ... that is ... Sara and I ... well ..." He looked to Sara for help.

Katie looked from one to the other, then stared down at her plate, seemingly intent upon the cold, limp French Fry that she dangled in a blob of ketchup.

"I'm not a child, Dad." she said, in that tone of impatience teenagers reserve only for adults. "I can tell Sara means a lot to you ... " She looked up, "... and you're sleeping together, right?"

Somewhat taken aback by her bluntness, David was speechless, but after an awkward silence, he glanced at Sara, and the two of them burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" asked Katie.

Sara calmed down enough to reach over and take Katie's hand. "It's just that we were both so nervous about telling you that we've been living together."

"Hey, it doesn't bother me. I figured it was something like that. Dad has sounded so happy when I've talked to him on the phone lately, and now I know why."

"Whew!" exclaimed David. "I'm glad we've got that over with. Now, if you ladies have finished your lunch, what do you say we pile into the truck and head out to the farm?"

They agreed, so David paid the bill and walked proudly out onto Main Street with a pretty girl on each arm.

The night before Katie was to leave, she was helping David in the kitchen. They were going to surprise Sara, who had to stay late with her father at the hardware store, by making dinner.

"So what do you think of Sara?" he asked casually as he sliced carrots for the salad.

Katie stole a slice and popped it in her mouth. "She's great! I really like her." She patted her father on the back. "You did a good job, Dad. I was afraid you were gonna meet up with some hick, but Sara's cool."

David slapped at her hand as she reached for another piece of carrot. "There won't be any for the salad."

"Just one more." She grinned coyly and popped another slice in her mouth. "So, ... are you going to get married?"