Page 98 of Lachlan
Paloma's head popped up from beneath the surface, water streaming from her dark curls. She swam to the edge of the pool with quick, confident strokes, hoisting herself up with a grace that belied her five years.
"What is it, Daddy?" she asked, water puddling around her feet as she padded over to them, wrapped in a towel emblazoned with cartoon mermaids.
Britt knelt to her level, the diamond on her finger catching the sunlight. Paloma's eyes widened as she spotted it, her mouth forming a perfect 'O' of surprise.
"Your Daddy asked me to marry him," Britt explained, her heart overflowing with love for this perfect little person they'd created. "And I said yes."
For a moment, Paloma just stared, processing the information. Then her face split into a brilliant smile, eyes lighting up with pure joy.
"Really?" she squealed, bouncing on her toes. "You're going to be my mommy forever and ever?"
"I've always been your mommy," Britt said, stroking her damp cheek. "But now it's going to be official."
Paloma launched herself at them both, her small arms attempting to encircle them in a group hug. "This is the best day ever!"
Her excitement caught the attention of the other children, who gathered around, curious about the commotion.
"What's happening?" one little girl asked, adjusting her flamingo-print swimsuit.
"My mommy and daddy are getting married!" Paloma announced, practically vibrating with excitement.
The announcement was met with a chorus of whoops and cheers from the children, who immediately began peppering them with questions about the wedding.
"Will there be cake?"
"Can I be a flower girl?"
"Are you going to wear a princess dress?"
Britt laughed, overwhelmed by their enthusiasm. Lachlan wrapped an arm around her waist as they fielded the barrage of inquiries.
"Alright, alright," the camp coordinator finally intervened, clapping her hands to regain the children's attention. "Let's give Mr. Ritchie and Ms. Freeman some space. Back to the pool, everyone!"
The children reluctantly dispersed, but Paloma lingered, her eyes fixed on Britt's ring.
"It's so pretty," she sighed, her fingers gently touching it. "Like the stars in the sky."
"Just like you," Lachlan said, kneeling beside them. He pulled Paloma into his arms, kissing the top of her head. "My two stars, finally where they belong."
Britt joined in the embrace, her heart so full it felt like it might burst. The three of them stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms.
Over Paloma's head, Britt's eyes met Lachlan's. The love she saw reflected there was everything she'd ever wanted, everything she'd fought so hard to remember.
"I love you," she mouthed silently.
"I love you more," he mouthed back, the devotion in his gaze leaving no room for doubt.
As the Caribbean breeze caressed her face, carrying the sound of their daughter's laughter, Britt knew that, after all the darkness, after all the loss, pain, and struggle, she had finally found her way back to the light.
