Family Ties — читать онлайн бесплатно полностью

It would mean giving up something I love. Very much. Do you really want me to trade my dreams for your daughter?”

He regarded me just as calmly. And when I still hadn’t said anything after nearly a minute, he chuckled and said, “I’d like to meet your father.”

“He’s a lot like you. But you really want to meet my mother. I’m more like her than him.”

His eyebrows rose. “She must be an interesting woman.”

He sat back and studied me for another long moment. “Your father didn’t make a career of the military, did he?”

“He doesn’t talk about it much.

“He flew in combat?”

“No, he wouldn’t talk about that.” He sat in silence, deep in his own memories of Vietnam. Then he smiled at something and returned his

attention to me. “You seem to like quotations. Well, here’s one for you. ‘I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.’”

I searched my memory but drew a blank.

“John Adams,” he said.

“Ah. Not exactly what I normally read…”

His expression sharpened.

“Right. Sorry. Note to self: don’t question the Admiral’s decisions.”

He did his best scowl.

“Sorry. I have a really dumb sense of humor sometimes. I get the puns from my mom, but the smart aleck is from my dad. The stupid ‘note to self’

thing is my own, though. Along with a couple of other things I—”

He laughed and shook his head.

“I should probably shut up now,” I said.

“You and Birdy… Lord! That girl can talk when she’s nervous.”

Anne stuck her head through the open doors. “A few more minutes,” she said politely.

“We’re wrapping up,” Harold said with a nod.

She smiled and disappeared toward the kitchen.

He returned his attention to me and assumed his I’m-her-father expression.

I did my best not to fidget.

“I enjoyed meeting you,” he said.

My head came up in surprise.

“I didn’t think I would, but I did. I’m still not sure I approve of you dating Birdy, but my wife is fond of pointing out that she can make her own decisions.

“I hope I’m a good one.”

“I’m willing to give you the chance.” He gestured at the note in my hand.

“I still wish you’d consider the Navy, but I understand that maybe your father wanted you to study mathematics and philosophy.”

“I think he did— does.”

“As long as you take care of Birdy and make her happy…”

“See that you do.” He smiled and we stood.