Page 83 of The World She Never Knew Existed

“Can we go outside and play ball now?” Zeke asked.

“I think that Dillon has to get to work right now,” Clara said. “But maybe he would like to come by for dinner tonight afterward and we can celebrate.”

“Does that mean we get to have a cake? Chocolate is my favorite,” Zeke said.

“I’m glad to see that he has his priorities straight.” Dillon laughed.

Dillon grabbed his wallet and keys and they all headed outside. Dillon walked Clara to the car and opened the door for her.

“I’m glad that you finally came to your senses,” he said.

She smiled and replied, “Me, too.”

Dillon leaned down to kiss Clara.

“Eww, that’s gross,” Zeke said, as he and his faithful companion climbed into the back seat.

Charlie, Clara, and Dillon laughed at Zeke’s exclamation.

This is what life is all about,Dillon thought.

29

Clara

“You look beautiful,” Charlie insisted. “The dress fits you perfectly.”

“Thank you. I hope that Dillon thinks so.”

“Dillon would think that you are beautiful if you showed up in an old gunny sack,” Charlie said. “That man thinks that you hung the moon and the stars.”

Clara smiled. Dillon certainly wasn’t afraid to show Clara and Zeke just how much he loved them.

Charlie looked at Clara and asked, “Are you wearing something old and something new?”

“The diamond earrings are new. The veil that I’m wearing was my mother’s when she got married, so it is old.”

“Do you have something borrowed?” Charlie asked.

“My mother’s diamond necklace,” Clara said. “I’m wearing a blue garter.”

“Perfect, you want everything to go right here,” Charlie said.

“Thank you,” Clara replied. “You know, you could have brought the baby.”

“A maid of honor with a baby? I’m not sure how that would work. Besides, my grandmother is glad to watch her. She loves spending time with the baby.”

“And you don’t want Ethan to see that you have a baby,” Clara said.

“There is that,” Charlie said. “Please don’t lecture me on your wedding day.”

“No lecture,” Clara said.

There was a knock on the door.

“Clara, are you ready?” her father asked. “It’s time.”

“How do I look?” Clara asked Charlie.

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