I showered and dressed in a suit and tie before slipping the box into my pocket. After one last glance in the mirror, I headed across the hall to Sophia’s room and knocked on the door.
It swung open, and she grinned up at me. “You look very handsome.”
“Thank you. I love the glitter,” I said, smiling as she twisted from side to side, making her skirt sparkle as she twirled. “Do you have your stuff packed for Brooklyn’s?” That was phase two.
“Yep!” She tried to lift her duffel bag, but she couldn’t.
I hefted it onto my shoulder. “What on earth do you have in here?”
“Just…stuff. Okay?” she huffed.
“Okay.” Far be it for me to understand the needs of a seven-year-old girls’ slumber party. “Let’s go say goodbye to Lauren and your mom.”
She skipped down the stairs and into the living room. I could hear Lauren and Alexis gushing over her outfit and her hair. When I stepped into the room, all eyes shot to me. Lauren gave me two thumbs up, and Alexis stared at me as if she couldn’t quite believe her eyes.
While Sophia was saying goodbye to Lauren, Alexis crossed the room to me. “You look hot,” she said, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I can’t wait for you to get home.”
She pressed her lips to mine, and I loved that she no longer shied away from showing affection. I loved the fact that we no longer had to hide our relationship—from anyone. Sophia, my parents, Cal. I didn’t get the impression he was my biggest fan, but he was no longer hostile toward me. Not that we saw him much—he was still on tour, and it was going so well, it had been extended.
“Me either.” I grinned, swatting her on the butt. “All right, princess,” I said to Sophia. “Your carriage awaits.”
“Goodnight, Preston.” Lauren waved.
“Night.”
I drove across town, hoping Sophia would like the place I’d chosen for dinner. She talked about her plans with Brooklyn and her hopes for the baby. She told me about her latest history assignment, and we brainstormed ideas for it.
I was no longer her nanny, but Alexis and I had decided not to fill the position. Instead, I’d structured my classes so I could take Sophia to school and pick her up. And we’d settled easily into a new routine. We did our homework together in the afternoons before cooking dinner. We had it ready by the time Alexis arrived home, and then we’d eat together as a family. And I loved it. I loved the new life we’d made for ourselves, our family.
Alexis had transitioned to working fewer hours and actually enjoying her days off—and not just because she was pregnant. She’d really made an effort to find more balance in her life, to prioritize days at the aquarium and family movie nights.
As the host led us through the restaurant, I hoped Sophia felt as special as she was. Dinner passed by quickly, and after dessert, it was time to pop the big question. I tugged at my collar, hoping I was doing the right thing.
“Sophia,” I said.
“Yes, Preston.” She folded her little hands on the table, meeting my gaze. She was so serious. So mature.
“You know that I love you, right?” She nodded. “And I’d never want to replace your dad. But I have to ask—how would you like to be my daughter too?”
She scrunched up her face. “Would I call you Daddy?”
I lifted a shoulder. “Only if you want to. But Preston’s good too.”
“Okay. Cool.” She seemed to relax. “I love you too, Preston.”
I smiled. “Which brings me to my next question. I want to marry your mom. Would you be okay with that?”
“Okay?” She nearly leaped out of her chair, drawing curious looks from nearby diners. “This is so awesome. Do you have a ring? When are you getting married? Can I be the flower girl? What about my baby sister?”
“Whoa. Whoa.” I chuckled, thrilled by her reaction. “Slow down.
“I do have a ring. And, of course, you can be the flower girl. As to the rest, it’s up to your mom.”
“Yes. Yes. Yes,” she hissed.
“I also have a present for you,” I said, wanting something to commemorate this moment. I pulled out the velvet box and slid it across the table.
Her eyes were wide, and when she opened it, she squealed. “Thank you, Preston.” She pulled out the delicate chain with a heart locket engraved with the letter “S.” “I love it.”
