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Gage is quiet.
Worry settles in the pit of my stomach as I see his face.
Gage
A baby.
She’s given me a son already.
She’s given me purpose in my life.
Now, she’s giving me a baby.
Swimming past Tommy, I wink as I see he’s concerned by my silence, and he grins back. The look of a big brother excited for a new sibling.
I climb the ladder onto the dock and see no better time than the present to make our family official. The day Tommy started calling me dad, I should have done this. I’ve been ready for six months, I just needed them to be.
Wrapping my arms around Paisley’s waist, I whisper into her stomach, “You’re a dream come true, peanut.” Holding her hips, I push her back a step but continue kneeling. “Paisley Anderson, will you marry me?”
My girl has to be tough on me, for sure. “It’s about damn time, Lieutenant.” Her grin takes over her face. “Yes! I will most definitely marry you!”
Standing, she’s in my arms before I can steady myself. Tommy is cheering from the water behind us, and in my arms, is my entire world.
Who knew a kid playing matchmaker would give me everything I wanted in life?
Epilogue
Seven months later.
As I watch our newest bundle of joy sleep after feeding her, I can’t help but wonder if I’m still in a dream. Life with Gage is everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s the perfect husband, a loving father to Tommy, and now to our precious girl he insisted we name Daisy.
With her golden hair and honey-colored eyes, I couldn’t argue with him. She came screaming into the world exactly seven months after the day at the docks. That experience is ingrained in my memory as one of the best days of our lives.
Gage is attentive and sweet, and he treats every day like new. Like if he doesn’t savor it, it’ll be gone. Tommy is thriving at school and happier than ever. I’ve never seen my son so content. He doesn’t argue and fight anymore, and there are no more outbursts at school. In fact, he’s joined a local archery team, and Gage volunteers there as well. It’s become a real family affair.
A knock on the door has me turning around. “Mrs. Drapper?” A woman with an envelope enters the room.
“That’s me,” I say quietly so as not to wake my little bundle.
“This is for you.” She smiles down at Daisy as she hands it to me.
“What is it?” I’m confused until I see the familiar scrawl on the front.
Without a word, the woman is gone as I tear open the large envelope.
Paisley,
In your arms is our world. In your heart is my everything.
I never thought I’d get the girl of my dreams because of some class assignment. I couldn’t be happier.
Eighteen months ago, I made you a promise to be there for you, to come for you. To make you mine. My life was grey when I showed up on your doorstep. I had no idea what I’d do if you rejected me.
You and Tommy? You’ve made everything bright as a Daisy. Perfect as our Daisy.
Paisley, sweet as a fucking Daisy.
Thank you for taking a chance and giving this old guy the world.
