“Not today, but I’m working on it, because when I promise you something, I want you to know that I mean it.” I watched her as I spoke, trying to make sure I was expressing myself in a way she could understand.
“You always keep your promises. It’s the best,” Lou replied softly, and I smiled down at her.
“One last thing, then I’ll get to the fun part. I just want you to know that I love you and I never want to let you down.“ I was surprised at the lump in my throat and the tears burning my eyes as Lou reached out and hugged me, her big green eyes watching me seriously.
“I love you too. What’s the surprise, though? I already know you love us,” she replied softly, and giggled as I pressed a kiss to her head. Holding her close, I took a moment to enjoy the connection between us, marveling at how much love I had for this girl.
“Well, I have a big surprise planned for your mommy, but I wanted to run it by you first. If you like the idea, I was hoping you could help me.
“I love surprises! I can keep a secret, too.” She mimed zipping her lips closed, and I laughed.
“That’s good because this is very important. I want to ask your mom if she will marry me. Would you be alright with that?” I asked, and was only slightly embarrassed at how anxious I was awaiting her response.
“So you’ll be Mommy’s husband?” Lou asked, her brows furrowing as she worked something out.
“Yes, ma’am,” I told her. She looked up, pausing nervously.
“Does that mean you’ll be my dad? Like, officially, for real for real?”
“In my heart, you’re already my daughter. I was built to be your daddy, Lou. I will spend every day protecting you. I’ll be there to hold you when you’re scared, and make you laugh whenyou’re sad. I want to be there for all the days, the good and the bad, as long as we’re together. I love you, Lou. More than the biggest teddy bear at the fair." I smiled down at her, and then her small arms were wrapping around my neck again.
“I can’t wait for you to marry Mommy,” she whispered, and I heard the tremble in her voice. I wasn’t ashamed to admit a tear or three may have escaped.
“I’m going to need your help. You’re the queen of fun, after all. Think you can give me some tips?” I asked. She almost leapt out of her chair.
“Really? Yes! What about balloons! Oh, and cupcakes! And we can have everyone jump out and surprise her!” Lou rambled off, her ideas echoing many of my sentiments.
“That sounds like a good plan.” We discussed more options for the proposal while Lou finished her snack. After cleaning up, I turned to my small sidekick.
“I’ve got an errand to run. Do you mind coming along?” I asked.
“What about my homework?” she asked, even as she rushed to the entryway where her shoes and jacket were.
“We’ll be back in time to work on it. I think your mom is going out with Auntie Quinn tonight, so we can pick up pizza for dinner too.” Yes, I had bribed my sister to take Sophie out so Lou and I could have more than enough time to accomplish all the items on my list.
It was the most important quest of my life. I wasn’t going to start my promise with some half-assed gesture. This was the start of the rest of our lives together as a family, officially.
The drive was quick. Lou filled the trip with endless questions and ideas for the wedding.
“What if at the party you had one of those, um—oh! A disco light that has different colors like pink and purple! And maybe we can have ice cream with a table full of different toppings! Like rainbow AND chocolate sprinkles!” Before I could think of a reply, she was onto another topic.
“What are you gonna get on the cake? I like the Avengers, butMommy will want a princess one,” she added, her focus solely on the menu now.
Pulling into the small parking lot that most people would miss, Lou arched out of her booster seat, trying to figure out where we were.
Before she could ask any questions, I hopped out of the car and rushed over to her side. Already out of her seatbelt, she was waiting for me to open the door and help her down.
“What are we doing here?” she asked, scrunching her nose the same way her mom did whenever she didn’t like something.
“You’ll see. C’mon.” I smiled when she grabbed my hand. Together, we walked through the door that led into the small family-run jewelry store that had existed there for four generations.
“Mr. Carson! We’ve been waiting for you.” Carmella, the owner, greeted me warmly as I walked in.
“Hey, Carm. This is Lou, the one I told you about.” I picked her up, and Lou tucked her face into my neck, shy under Carmella’s attention. Carmella was in her late fifties, or possibly seventies—I couldn’t really tell. My father had been going there for years, and I never considered going elsewhere. In bold blue eyeshadow and with hair that almost reached the ceiling, she smiled warmly at Lou and me.
“Oh, my! I’m so happy to meet you, Lou. Can I call you that? I’ve heard so much about you!” Carmella gushed, and Lou started looking up.
“You can call me Lou. I like your nails,” she said, pointing to Carmella’s long Barbie pink nails.
