Page 67 of Dark Memories
“There is nothing more I would love to do than to marry you and your daddy, princess girl.” Delaney held out her left hand. “Do you want to put that beautiful ring on my finger?”
Kali glanced at him, her eyes wide, not sure what to do. He hadn’t thought to rehearse with her what to do at this point, when Delaney accepted their proposal.
“Put it on her finger and tell her how much you love her,” he whispered in her ear.
The shy smile on Kali’s face as she slid the ring on was the sweetest thing he’d ever seen. “I love you, Delaney, and not just because my daddy said I’m supposed to say that.”
The happiness in Delaney’s eyes melted his heart. Her smile was brilliant as she took Kali’s small hands in hers. “And I love you, Kali Jamison. Kind of love your daddy, too.”
“Well, you’re supposed to if you’re going to marry him.”
“She has a point,” he said while wondering if his heart was going to burst with love for his two girls.
“We have champagne,” Kali announced. “And a gagement present.”
“Engagement.”
His daughter rolled her eyes. “That’s what I said. Can we give it to her now?”
“Sure can. Be right back.” He grabbed the ice bucket and slid it into the teepee, then got the champagne glasses and Delaney’s present. Back in the tent, he glanced at his daughter. “Which first, the present or the champagne?”
“The present,” she chirped, clapping her hands. Oliver barked his agreement.
He smiled at Delaney. “I knew she’d say that.” He handed Delaney the gift-wrapped box.
“Would you like to open it for me?” she asked Kali.
How much more could he love this woman?
Kali squealed, grabbing the present. “I open presents fast, don’t I, Daddy?”
“You sure do.”
She tore off the gift wrap, opened the box, and handed Delaney the tiara. “It’s just like mine, Delaney.”
“Yes, it is, and I love it.” She put it on her head. “What do you think?”
“You’re a princess like me now.”
“Yes, you are.” He poured champagne for him and Delaney, and the cider for Kali. “A toast to my two princesses.” He raised the champagne glass, clinking it against theirs. “It took longer than I would have wished to get here, but here’s to a life of love and laughter.”
“Can I have a baby sister?” Kali said, her hopeful gaze on Delaney.
Delaney choked on the champagne she’d just swallowed, and he grinned.
“Well?” he asked.
