Page 89 of More Than a Good Friend

“Sure.” I rub Goldie’s shoulder. “I’ll be right back. Text me if you think of anything else we need to grab.”

I slide into the passenger seat, waiting until we are away from the house to start the conversation I’ve been itching to have.

“Pretty sure we’re far enough away that they can’t hear us.” Mr. Flores laughs. “After hearing you ask if they needed anything a third time, I guessed there was a reason you wanted out of the house.”

“You were right. Months ago, when we were at Missy’s party, you asked me if I wanted to marry your daughter. I’ve been thinking about that question ever since.” It’s been nearly a year since I asked for his blessing the first time. “I know I’ve already asked you once, but I’m asking again because my reasons for asking are very different. I want to marry your daughter because I love her more than anyone else in the world and I can’t imagine life without her.”

He pulls into a parking space and turns to face me. “You have my blessing. And it’s obvious you love my daughter. You make her happy, and as her dad, that makes me happy.”

I roll my shoulders, relieved that his answer is what I hoped.

“Are you planning to propose at your birthday party?” He chuckles. “With another piñata?”

“I thought about that, but I really want to surprise her, and she’d see that coming a mile away. I decided to do it tonight when we open gifts. The present is already under the tree.”

He laughs. “And if my answer had been different?”

“Since you hadn’t run me off, I was really hoping you’d say yes. Again.” I extend my hand. “Thank you for always making me feel welcome even before I wised up.”

He shakes my hand and pulls me in for a hug. “I trust my daughter. And she’s made a great choice in you. I have no doubt what her answer will be.”

“Thank you, sir. And I want to agree about her answer, but she’s surprised me before, so I’m going to stay nervous until I hear that yes.”

He shifts into reverse and starts backing out.

“Aren’t we going to grab ice?”

He shakes his head. “Freezers are full. I wouldn’t have anywhere to put it.”

* * *

Missy squealsand holds up the box of Legos. “Thank you, Uncle Dag! Daddy, we have more to build, now.”

“Awesome.” Ricky grins, just as eager as Missy to get his hands on Legos.

“You’re welcome.” I loved being called Uncle Dag. It’s recent, and I’m not sure if it was her idea or if someone told her to. But it makes me feel even more like part of the family. I hand Goldie a gift bag. “This is one of your gifts. The other one will have to wait until tomorrow morning.”

She peeks inside the bag before yanking out the colorful tissue. Laughing, she lifts the stuffed kangaroo out of the bag. “This is amazing.”

After taking a deep breath, I drop to one knee. “Look in the pouch, sweetheart.”

Blinking, she stares at me, her jaw hanging open. After half a second, she snaps to and reaches into the pouch.

The moment her fingers connect with the ring is obvious. Her face lights up, and tears pool in her eyes.

I’ve never been so nervous in all my life. “I tried to come up with something super romantic to say, but I don’t want to sound like a Hallmark card. Although maybe that can’t be helped. Here goes. When I see you across a room, I smile without even thinking. The sound of your laughter makes my heart happy. You are beautiful inside and out, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, making you happy. I love you. Marigold Flores, will you marry me?”

Ring clasped in her fist, she launches into my arms. “Yes!”

And I hold her, breathing normally for what feels like the first time in weeks. She said yes.

After a kiss, I whisper, “It’s the same ring, but if you want a different one, I’ll get you anything you want. If I can afford it.”

“I love this ring, and honestly, I never even looked at it the first time you asked.” She gives me the ring and holds out her hand. “Put it on my finger.”

I slide the simple solitaire into place.

She cups my cheeks. “I love you, Dag.”

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