Page 63 of The One Who Changed Everything

He chuckled, catching the piece effortlessly and popping it into his mouth. Sophia, grinning, leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

“So, Mom. I was thinking… One of the girls I know from school lived in those apartments that burned down.” She glanced at Evan. “The one you were in, Dad.”

My heart clenched at the memory of his hospitalization.

“Well, I know all those families lost all their stuff, right? So, I thought maybe we could put together a few things for them? You know, food, books, toys for the little kids or whatever?”

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and even before Evan and I exchanged glances, I knew we were on board. This was the heart of our daughter—always eager to help, always looking beyond herself. The girl had just had surgery herself, and here she was, wanting to help others.

“Let’s do it,” I agreed, matching her smile with one of my own.

Over the next few days, our kitchen became a command center, piles of supplies stacking up as we gathered items for the displaced families. Sophia made friendship bracelets for the girl from school, and I gathered toiletries and blankets. Evan reached out to a few firefighter buddies who donated extra clothes and household necessities.

“Mom, would you write the notes?” Sophia’s request pulled me from my thoughts. “You have the neatest handwriting.”

“Of course, sweetheart.” My fingers lingered on the crisp paper, the pen poised as I thought of the words to convey comfort and hope.

We wrapped each package with care, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the sweet nature of my child. She had faced her own fears, her own uncertainty, yet here she was, pouring out love to strangers.

The last of the tape sealed the final care package with a satisfying snap. I stepped back, admiring our handiwork. Evan’s hand wrapped around mine, giving it a squeeze. Less than a year ago, I had assumed I would never see him again. Now, I couldn’t imagine our life without him.

“Here, Soph. Let’s pray over these and then we’ll get them delivered.” Evan reached his other hand out to her, bowing hishead as he said a quick, heartfelt prayer of blessing and comfort over the families who’d lost their homes.

“Okay, let’s get moving,” he said, rolling up his sleeves and revealing those familiar, strong forearms developed from years of firefighting. It was hard not to watch him as he moved, each action deliberate and sure.

Sophia skipped ahead, leading us out to the parking lot where our old sedan waited. The trunk yawned open, hungry for the packages we carried. Evan took charge, arranging each box with Tetris-like precision.

A few hours later, after delivering the last care package to the extended-stay hotel in Greencastle where most of the families had been put up, we headed back to the car, tired but satisfied with a job well done. The evening air had turned crisp as the sun sank low. I pulled my cardigan tighter around me and glanced up at Evan, his silhouette painted against the dusky sky.

“She’s a pretty amazing little girl,” he began, his voice low and tender. “I want to do whatever it takes to make sure she’s taken care of.” He turned to face me, his kind eyes searching mine in the dimming light. “I know you might not be ready to take the next step with me... And that’s fine. I’ll wait as long as it takes. But I want to do whatever it takes to make sure she’s legally my daughter. Her birth certificate or whatever.”

I felt my breath catch, the simple sincerity in his words carving through the layers of defenses I’d built over time.

“Of course,” I whispered, the lump in my throat making it hard to speak. He wanted to be her dad on paper. But he was already her dad in every way that counted.

His calloused hand reached for mine, rough from years of selfless service yet gentle as it enveloped my own. The touch sent a current of warmth spiraling through me, an affirmation of the connection that had weathered so much. “And whenever you’re ready, Sam, I want to marry you.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “What? I–What are you saying?”

"I love you," he said, a warm chuckle accompanying his words. "I’m ready whenever you are. Let's build something beautiful, not just for us, but for our little firecracker waiting in the car."

“Mom! Dad! Are you coming?” Sophia's voice rang out from the open window, filled with impatience and love all mingled into one.

Evan laughed, the sound rich and genuine.

“Coming, sweetheart!” I called back, squeezing Evan's hand tighter.

And just like that, with the night wrapping around us like a promise, we walked forward together, ready for whatever lay ahead.

Slipping into the car, I couldn't help but bask in the lingering warmth of Evan's declaration, as if his words had settled over me like a comforting blanket. The dashboard clock glowed 8:07 PM, its light painting the interior with soft blue hues.

"What were you two talking about?" Her silhouette bobbed slightly as she leaned forward, mischief sparkling in her eyes.

I felt my cheeks redden. “Nothing, Soph.”

“I thought you were going to tell her, Dad!” Sophia scolded. “Come on. You guys just need to get married already.”

Evan laughed, reaching over to squeeze my hand where it rested on my lap. "Patience, kiddo. Some things take time."

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