Page 50 of Being Julia

“No, you’re not, Julia. You’re a beautiful person, and I love you so much.”

As I kissed him, I wrapped my arms around him and never wanted to let go. I turned to my parents, who were watching us from the couch. My mom had tears in her eyes.

“You two knew and didn’t tell me? You let me spend the last hour thinking he cheated on me and let me cry like that?”

“Sorry, Princess, but I wasn’t about to ruin it for you, even though it was killing me not to say something,” my dad said.

I looked back at Jake. “So, tell me who Clarisse is again?”

Jake smiled and kissed my lips. “She’s the manager at the jewelry store where I had your ring designed and made. Your dad is the one who recommended her to me. She’s one of the best around.”

I looked at my dad, and he winked at me. My mom walked over and hugged me.

“Congratulations, sweetheart. I’m so happy for you. We have to call Mason right now and tell him the news. We have to plan a party. Wait, don’t tell anyone in the family yet. I’m going to have a dinner party, and then you can announce it. Connor, this is so exciting. I have so much to do. Where do I start?” she said excitedly.

My dad got up from the couch and wrapped his arms around my mom. “The first thing you need to do is take a breath and calm down. She’s only been engaged for ten minutes.” He smiled.

He walked over to me and kissed my cheek. “I’m so happy for you. Congratulations, Princess.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I smiled.

He turned to Jake and shook his hand. “Nothing pleases me more than to have my daughter marry you.”

“Thanks, Connor. You know I’ll take good care of her,” Jake responded.

“I know you will, and if you get out of line, she’ll kick your ass. Just like her mother does to me.”

“That’s right. I taught my daughter well.” My mom smiled.

“This calls for a celebration. We’re taking the two of you to dinner,” my dad said.

We went out that night and celebrated. After leaving the restaurant, my dad took us to a club where we drank, danced, and had a good time. Collin and Hailey met up with us, and we celebrated into the wee hours of the morning.

And that’s how Jake Jensen, the man of my dreams, proposed to me. It wasn’t how he had planned it, and I screwed it up for him, but we were engaged, and that was all that mattered.

As the months passed, my mom and I were busy planning the wedding, and I was getting ready to graduate from college. I was sitting on my bed when my dad walked into the room.

“Good morning, Dad.” I smiled at him.

“Good morning, princess. Do you have a minute to talk?”

“Sure. Come sit down.”

He sat down next to me and smiled. “I was wondering if you wanted to spend the day with your dad. I haven’t seen much of you lately between all the wedding planning and school.”

I could tell he desperately wanted to spend some time together, and I felt terrible that we hadn’t lately. I had plans with Jake, but I thought he would understand if I canceled them. My dad needed me, and I didn’t want to let him down.

“I would love to spend the day with you, Dad.” I smiled.

“Really? You don’t have any other plans?” he asked excitedly.

“No. Not today,” I answered.

He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him as he kissed my head. “That’s great, sweetheart. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too.”

He got up from the bed and walked out of my room. I picked up my phone and called Jake.

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