Securing her father's permission had never been something he considered a challenge.  By the man's own words, he was like a son to their family and the prospect of marrying his only daughter had always been something he had envisioned as part of the establishment of his familial legacy and the carrying of the torch for the next generations of Cartwrights.  The two families were already joined together in friendship and making it a true, unbreakable bond of kinship through marriage seemed the logical step.  William gave her a soft chuckle, brushing one hand against her pale cheek as she jested with him.<br/><br/>"I'm sure your father will be nothing but thrilled to hear that we have finally stopped being shy and timid and finally proclaimed our love for each other.  I think the old man has known all these years and just has been waiting forever for us to get on with it."<br/><br/>He chuckled but her serious tone and words made that laughter die out quickly.  He furrowed his brow and sighed heavily, his dark eyes falling downward as melancholy threatened to overcome his joy.  The thought of his deceased parents never getting to see their families join was a bittersweet one.<br/><br/>"I wish that as well... but there is nothing we can do about that now.  I have grieved for them for many long nights.  Now, it is time to make a future for myself... for us..."