Page 24 of Easter Daddy

Dad knows I never half-ass anything, so he knows, down to his very core, I’m not playing around with Lily.

* * *

Two days passand it’s radio silent. I don’t hear from my Dad or Lily, which is fine because she told me they’re calmly talking to her, with emphasis on calmly. On the third day, I can’t take it anymore—not seeing Lily, not holding or touching her, and not coming home to her.

I’m about to head to Dad’s place when my phone rings and I see his name pop up. I realize that even if he says no to our relationship, nothing’s gonna change. Lily will still be mine.

“Hello?”

“Li?” Dad is no longer furious, so I guess that’s a good sign.

“Hey. What’s up?”

“Listen. Mauve and I talked to Lily, asked her about you, and really listened to her. She’s 18 but Mauve says she’s always had a good head on her shoulder.” I hear him sigh, and I know this conversation is difficult for him. “Lily asked if we’re okay if you dated another 18-year-old that’s not her and we actually couldn’t answer her.”

I don’t say anything or interrupt him. I can tell he’s gathering his thoughts. “What I’m saying is, you’re right. You’re not blood-related. If the roles were reversed and you married each other first before I laid my eyes on her mother, that won’t stop me from pursuing her and making her my wife.”

Finally, I release the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.

“So, you’re okay with us? I have your blessing?”

“Yes, Li. You both have it.”

I couldn’t disconnect the call fast enough, rush to my car, and drive to their house. Some pieces just fall into place. And now, I’m ready to take it to the next level.

* * *

When I getto the house, I am let in rather quickly. It’s Lily who opens the door to the house to greet me. She throws her arms around my shoulders, hugging me tightly.

“I’ve missed you,” she tells me, whispering into my ear.

I pull back, looking her in the eye when I speak to her. “I’ve missed you, too, little girl.”

Pausing, I lead her to the living room. I run a thumb across her cheek. “God, you’re beautiful. I swear I could feel the ground fall from under me the first time I saw you. I thought I’d get over my obsession, but no. You made me believe in love at first sight.”

She pins me with a look and tilts her head to the side. “You… You love me?”

“Lily, baby. What the hell do you think this is about?”

Before she can answer, I ask her, “Where are our parents?”

“In their room. I think they wanted to give us some privacy.”

Perfect.

Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the box with the teardrop diamond ring. She gasps, looking at me in disbelief, as though she can’t believe that I’m about to do this. I honestly can’t believe it, either. Even as I get down on one knee, this doesn’t feel real. It feels too good to be true.

“Lily, will you marry me?”

Tears well in her eyes and she nods. “Yes, Liam. Yes!”

EPILOGUE

LILY

One Year Later

Inever imagined I could be this happy.

---