Page 141 of David's Love

“Why would I be?” he says, opening the box and retrieving a diamond ring.

He takes my hand.

“You just gave me a daughter. A grown-up daughter to that,” he adds humorously.

Luckily, he opens his arms, and I get to hide in his warm hug, kissing his lips with all my love.

ELIZABETH

My engagement ringsparkles under the light streaming from the ceiling.

The reception desk area is tidy, with only a couple other people waiting outside beside me.

My eyes often go to the window.

Our town has never looked so beautiful.

Why did it have to be today?

Well, it’s not like we planned for this.

My phone pings with messages from my mother.

From Chloe.

She’ll finish work, run home, change her clothes, and join us later.

My mother doesn’t know what to wear.

We exchange messages about her options while my heart jumps every time a door opens, the phone rings at the receptionist’s desk, or I hear a voice.

They’ve been inside for a while.

He wanted to get the paternity test results and settle the legal issues fast, and here we are.

Chloe is on her way, and my mother is now all set.

I’m already dressed for the party. I wear a long sweater dress and a short coat.

The door opens, and David’s voice drifts through the air.

He holds an envelope while Julie walks by his side.

She’s dressed for the party too. Long, wide pants and a fluffy winter jacket. Her long pink hair frames her face.

A timid smile sits on her lips.

The adjustment is considerable for all of us.

David is by far the most adjusted.

He’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him.

He drapes his arm around Julie’s shoulders and places a kiss on top of her head. Many things haven’t changed between them, except for the biggest one of all.

She has a father.

One I wish I had.

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