Out there somewhere on the prairie

 

Phil was expecting the worst when he got to his parents out in west Nebraska with Lexi. However, they welcomed her in as if she were the dessert of the day. It was a relief. He guessed. Naturally, he was full of worry. But they were all smiles and of course, his mother made all his favorites. 

He looked at Lexi as if he was certain he couldn't eat any of it on the menu, but she gave him a nod as if Thanksgiving was an exception. So it was a cheerful time. Phil hadn't smiled this much in ages. There they were in his parents' warm kitchen. Aunts and Uncles came, a few cousins. It was, of course, a holiday. Amish goodies included.

There was a history. His father was full of it for Lexi, getting out photo albums and such. She even got a tour of the pantry. Yes, his folks were waiting for Armageddon. Of course, most of it was boxed and powdered milk. But there were lots of canned soup and veg.

Finally, near the end of the pumpkin pie and pecan feast, Phil announced he was going to marry Lexi.

"Well, then, let me call the pastor. Maybe he can do it right now," his mother said as she looked to his father who gave a nod. Phil's eyes zoomed in on Lexi who shot him a look that this might work after all. He cleared his throat.

After his mother got off the phone she told him the Latter Days Saint minister could be over in forty-five minutes.

"Forty-five minutes?" Phil winced as if that would be impossible. He didn't even have a ring. His mother pulled off her wedding band and gave it to him.

"Your father has open heart surgery the day after tomorrow," she told him.

Phil felt his heart pounding. "Do you think you two could stay for that?"

Phil looked to Lexi and she came through for him. She knew who to call at work about the family matters. 

"I have plenty of white dresses," his mother was certain Lexi could find something to wear.

Phil hoped Lexi didn't feel too rushed. He pulled her aside to ask if this was what she really wanted. Somehow, that was the most important.

"Of course, we can do it," she nodded. 

Phil was delighted in her ingenuity. Of course, he hated the thought of his dad who he had always known to be a wealth of health to undergo open heart surgery. But at least, Phil would be here with Lexi and that was all that mattered.