Page 70 of Cinematic Destinies
Ella smiled softly. “I remember. I told you that I loved him with all my heart and asked you to promise to always do the same.”
“I had no idea why you were saying that, but the look in your eyes was so intense, so heartfelt. I said of course I’ll always love him and asked what you meant. I’ll never forget your reply.” He paused and shook his head. “You said, ‘Finn, you have to love him the way you love our girls. You can’t treat him any differently because he’s a boy. If he falls down and gets hurt, you need to hold him and be tender. Be gentle with him, always. Never break his heart or his spirit. Promise me, Finn.’ You were so earnest that all I could say was, ‘Yes. I promise.’ I never knew why you said that until today. How did you know?”
“They’re my babies. I know them,” she whispered, tears in her eyes. He gently wiped the wetness and she said, “I didn’t know anything specific, but when I looked into his innocent eyes, in the deepest part of my soul I felt that he might need some extra love and support from us, that’s all.”
He kissed her forehead and said, “The best thing I ever did was to fall in love with you and make our beautiful family.”
“I feel the same way,” she said, pressing her mouth to his.
The moment was broken when Albert hollered, “Guys, stop making out. Betty and Khalil are here!”
Ella and Finn giggled and sauntered over.
“Oh, my angel,” Ella said, wrapping Betty in an embrace.
“My turn,” Finn said, giving his daughter a big hug.
“Hi, Khalil,” Ella said. “It’s so nice to see you.”
“Yes, great to see you,” Finn added, shaking his hand.
“Thank you for having me. I’m honored to be included in such a special occasion,” Khalil replied, slinging his arm around Betty.
Finn and Ella exchanged a curious glance and then looked at Betty’s serene expression.
Ella said, “Uh, if you two would like to unpack, we set up the blue guest room for Khalil, but perhaps . . .”
“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary. Khalil can stay with me in my room.” Betty turned to Khalil, and they smiled at each other. She turned back to her parents and said, “We’re much more than friends. We’re in love.”
“I love your daughter very much,” Khalil gushed, before pecking Betty’s cheek.
Ella and Finn beamed.
“It’s terrific, sweetheart,” Finn said.
“How wonderful! We couldn’t be happier for you,” Ella added, surprise on her face.
“What is it, Mom?” Betty asked.
“To be honest, I didn’t know if you believed in romantic love. I’m so glad that you do.”
“I’m not sure I believe in happy endings, but Khalil and I both believe in happy beginnings. That’s all we need.” They smiled at each other, and Betty turned back to the group. “I never knew you could fall hopelessly in love with your best friend. The only downside is that Georgia turned out to be right.”
“No surprise there!” Georgia screeched as she flitted out back, holding a young man’s hand.
“Little peach!” Finn exclaimed.
“Hi, Dad,” she said as they hugged.
Georgia proceeded to greet the others.
When she hugged Albert, he whispered in her ear, “I told Dad. He was fine with it, and my boyfriend is coming tomorrow.”
“That’s great, snot face,” she whispered affectionately.
“You’re on time,” Ella remarked. “I’m speechless.”
Georgia laughed. “You can thank my better half for that. Everyone, this is Roo.” Before anyone could greet him, Georgia continued, “My fiancé.”
