Page 37 of Sheltering Lily

How could I not love this man? He knew how to make his daughter happy. He was so full of love and generosity that I almost blurted out how I felt about him. He shifted me to his left side and focused on me. His eyes coasted down my figure, and I felt warmth suffuse my skin. I did a little twirl so he could get the full effect of my gown, which was nearly backless. Oh, Mandy and Carolyn had chosen wisely when it came to the apparel.

“You must be the queen,” he said, leaning closer to kiss my cheek.

“The queen of what?” I asked.

“Your own personal prom.”

“My prom?” I gasped.

“You said you didn’t get to go to yours in high school. I didn’t attend mine either, so I created a prom night for us.” He gestured around. “I considered inviting a few friends, but I wanted this to be our night.”

“Wise choice.” I added thoughtful to his list of qualities. When I’d told him about missing the prom, I’d never expected him to remember the story—much less create such a special night for us.

With Sofia in one arm, he offered the other to me to escort me to the table. As soon as we were settled, a waiter appeared with a silver tray containing two flutes of champagne and a fancy sippy cup for Sofia.

“Sparkling white grape juice,” he explained to me.

“You thought of everything,” I commented, knowing that was who he was. His analytical mind sorted through details, expertly arranging them into a plan. My brain worked differently, more chaotically than his, but I could appreciate his abilities. I relaxed and let the evening unfold, confident it would end in some fabulous way.

The waiter served our meal. Colin and I had beef medallions in a rich sauce, while Sofia had macaroni and cheese, a personal favorite of hers. We all ate a dessert of chocolate cake and ice cream. Sofia acted like a little lady the whole time and didn’t spill one drop on her fancy dress.

“Time to dance,” Colin said, rising and holding out his hand for me.

I was glad to go into his arms, to feel his warm hand on my bare back as we swayed together to the music. Just as I closed my eyes and would have rested my head against his shoulder, Sofia called to us.

“Me, too,” she said, holding up her arms.

“She wants to join us,” I said.

“If that’s okay with you?” Colin’s gaze shifted between me and Sofia.

“Of course it is,” I responded. Colin came as a package deal. I’d known that from the beginning and had come to love Sofia as much as a mother could love her own child.

Leaving me on the dance floor for a moment, Colin teased Sofia as he lifted her from the high chair. “You were supposed to stay in your seat for this part.”

“Was she in on your plan?” I asked, wondering again at the elaborate arrangements.

“Some parts of it,” he answered, returning to me.

The three of us danced together, holding hands and turning in slow circles, until the song ended. Colin held on to my hand and dropped to one knee. Sofia, not to be outdone, knelt beside him. They both looked up at me. My heart skipped a beat and nearly overflowed. The two people I loved most in the world were with me, and I guessed what was coming.

“Lily, I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Together, we can have a perfect family.” He paused to look at Sofia, who was barely containing her excitement. She nodded, and his focus came back to me. “Will you marry me? Us?”

“I love you both so much,” I said without hesitation. “So, yes, I’ll marry you.”

Colin rose to his feet and pulled me to him, giving me a kiss that promised limitless happiness in our future. When the kiss ended, I felt a tug at my dress. Sofia was next to me with outstretched arms. Colin lifted her so the three of us were together.

At the same time, Colin and I kissed Sofia’s cheeks, making her squeal in excitement. I wanted to make the same sound. My eyes met Colin’s, and I knew I’d found my dream life.

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