Pops comes in...

I sit there marveling at the family as the door to the study opens and Dad Sanders comes in, two snifters of amber liquid in his hands. He sets one down on the table by me, then walks to another chair across from me with his own. He settles in and takes a sip, which I join him in. The liquid burns so good as it slides down my throat, "Wow, that's good!"

Dad Sanders smiles, nodding. "Before Robert gets here, I must tell you, I think you'll be good for her. From everything I've seen she is happier than Ive seen her in a while. Before you I've only approved of one guy, I'm sure she's told you that. But...he...he couldn't handle her swings."

I look at him confusedly, "Swings? What do you mean?"

"You've only seen her smiling?" He asks.

"Yes, ninety nine percent of the time yes."

Dad nods, almost to himself. "I...I almost hesitate to say this. It was after I said this that Craig started..." Dad sighs. "She's Bi-polar, John. Not ****, her lows are pretty good compared to some I've read about. I think in many ways it's because she feels she has to compete, and doesn't see herself as worthy of the family. She chose a career over her own family."

"You don't sound disappointed..."

"I'm not. It takes a strong girl to stand up to a strong women. I love her and that's why I really hope that if you wind up leaving her...

"Why would I do that?" I ask, genuinely wanting to know.

"They all do, and it pains my heart. It really does. She's just never had luck with guys. Maybe it's something I did. But...she seems really happy, nervous, but happy around you." Dad Sanders takes another sip as Robert comes in with his own snifter.

Robert sits in another chair, the three of us forming an equilateral triangle. We all take a sip as I wonder what's next?