And through it all, Colby keeps finding me. Across the room. Across the lawn. Across every conversation.
It’s as if even married, even surrounded by witnesses, he still cannot quite believe I am his.
***
At one point during the reception, I notice Colby kneeling beside Jillie near the edge of the dance floor. She's still wearing her flower crown, though it's slightly crooked now, and she's busy stealing extra strawberries from the dessert table. At Colby’s nod, I wander closer without interrupting.
"Hey, Bug," Colby says.
She looks up immediately. "Hi."
He smiles. "Can I ask you something important?"
Her eyes widen. "Important, important?"
"The most important."
She nods solemnly. Colby glances briefly toward me before looking back at her.
"You know how you're already my favorite six-year-old in the entire world?"
Jillie beams. "Obviously."
"Obviously."
I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing.
He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a small velvet box.
Jillie's mouth drops open. "Is that jewelry?"
"It's something even better."
Carefully, he opens the box. Inside is a delicate silver charm bracelet. Hanging from it are three tiny charms: a hockey skate, a cupcake, and a heart.
Jillie gasps so loudly several guests turn to look. "Those are us!"
"They are, yes."
She gently touches the charms with one finger.
Then Colby's voice softens. "Jillie, I know I'm not the dad who was supposed to be there when you were little."
The smile slips from her face.
"But if it's okay with you..." He pauses. "I'd really like to be your dad from now on."
For one heartbeat, she just stares at him.
Then: "What?"
Colby laughs softly. "I'd like to adopt you."
Silence. Then Jillie's eyes fill with tears.
"Really?"
"Really."
