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Lorelei looped her arm through Daniel’s. “You love him. Your whole family adores Parker. Losing him would have been catastrophic. I’m so happy for all of you, especially for Cadence and Logan. That little boy needs his daddy.”
Daniel nodded. “We’re truly blessed.” He turned toward his family. “I’m going to take Lorelei home, guys. I’ll be back with coffee and donuts.”
On their way out, Lorelei received a lot of hugs and kisses. Cadence clung to both of them for longer than usual and uttered words of gratitude for being by her side throughout the night and early morning. When Daniel dropped Lorelei off at her door he truly didn’t want to say goodnight. More and more he was finding himself out of sorts when they weren’t together.
This was love. A love supreme. The type of love he’d been longing to exp
erience. It was too late to put the reins on. And it was a little bit scary because he wanted Lorelei to fall in love with him. He wanted the happy ending. He wanted it so much it unnerved him, because Daniel knew he wasn’t in control of Lorelei’s feelings.
But he knew one thing for certain. There was nothing he could do to change the course of their destiny. It was already written in the stars and her feelings for him would be revealed in time.
Please, Lord, he prayed. Let her fall in love with me. They say there’s someone for everyone. Lorelei is my other half, the one who I want to grow old with. I want to be like Parker and Cadence. I want our love to be so deep and true that we can’t imagine walking through life without each other.
**
Over the course of the next few weeks, Lorelei continued to work at DD Studios on the Rhiannon video game project. It was pretty thrilling to see the very first images of herself coming to life as a video game character. Everyone involved in the project was incredibly creative. There was a wonderful vibe on set and Lorelei couldn’t believe her good fortune in being hired for this cool job. Most gratifying of all, it had led her to Daniel. Not a day went by when Lorelei didn’t thank God for bringing him into her life.
The entire Donahue family had rallied around Parker during his convalescence. They had cooked and cleaned and babysat Logan. They had prayed and visited him and showered him with gifts at the hospital. Parker had been released from the hospital and was resting comfortably at home. Everyone had pitched in to bring them meals. Daniel and Lorelei had brought over take-out from the Grotto and eaten with Parker, Cadence and Logan. According to Cadence, Parker was itching to get back to work, which wasn’t going to be possible for a while, much to Parker’s chagrin.
When she wasn’t out of town on modeling assignments, Lorelei was getting together with Daniel most nights of the week. Their relationship was deepening and becoming richer and more intense. Lorelei had the sense that Daniel was in love with her, even though he hadn’t said those three little words as of yet. That knowledge made Lorelei happy, yet apprehensive at the same time. The only dark cloud on the horizon was the parole hearing and several letters she’d received in the mail that she suspected were from James Ellis. None of the letters said anything to reveal his identity, but the threats were clear. He was letting her know he was still out there. And there really wasn’t anything she could do about it. She had no definitive proof it was him.
Tonight Daniel was coming over to her place for dinner and a movie. Although it was a very casual evening, Lorelei felt a little nervous about cooking for Daniel. His parents owned the Silver Spoon diner and he was someone who enjoyed fine cuisine. Her culinary repertoire wasn’t very extensive. To keep things simple, Lorelei had decided on salmon, roasted potatoes and a nice Greek salad.
She’d decided on a simple summer dress—periwinkle blue with daisies imprinted on it. A nice pair of sandals complemented the outfit. She put her hair up in a high bun and left her face devoid of any makeup. All she had on was lip gloss. Daniel showed up in jeans and a polo shirt. In Lorelei’s opinion, he looked just as gorgeous as he did in a three-piece suit.
“Something smells good in here,” Daniel said as he entered her house.
“Why thank you. I’m trying out a new recipe,” Lorelei said, feeling jazzed about making Daniel a home-cooked meal. She had meticulously researched the recipe for salmon and asparagus with a light cream sauce. Knowing Daniel loved seafood gave her a measure of confidence. Lorelei led Daniel to the kitchen where they chatted as the meal cooked.
It felt so relaxing to be in her kitchen cooking for her boyfriend and finding out more about each other. It really was true that the moment you stopped thinking about love, it came into your life. Finding Daniel was proof positive.
**
Daniel watched Lorelei as she sneaked a peek through the glass oven window then came over to sit back in her chair.
“Hey! Faith tells me you haven’t responded yet to their wedding invitation. She’s wondering if you’re available to come.” It felt so natural for Lorelei to attend the wedding as his date, although he hadn’t officially asked her. He had only taken one woman to family functions before Lorelei—his ex, Patsy. Although his family had liked Patsy, their relationship had inevitably crashed and burned. Daniel had perspective on that failed relationship now. It hadn’t been meant to be with Patsy. God had known there was another lady waiting in the wings for him.
There was no doubt in Daniel’s mind that his family adored Lorelei almost as much as he did. And he knew with a deep certainty that God’s handiwork had placed Lorelei in his orbit.
Lorelei’s expression radiated uncertainty. “I would love to come, but are you sure it’s okay? Micah sent me an invitation a few weeks ago, but I think I missed the RSVP date due to traveling.” A sheepish expression crossed her face. “I feel badly about putting them out when they probably already have their numbers for catering.”
Daniel shook his head. “Micah and Faith are two of the most laid back people I’ve ever seen when it comes to getting married. They just want to spend the rest of their lives together and enjoy a fun, faith filled day with family and friends. Can I tell them you’re coming?” he asked, waiting with bated breath for her reply. A family wedding would be so much better if Lorelei were present.
Lorelei clapped her hands together. “Yes! I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“One more question,” Daniel said. “Will you be my date for the wedding?”
Lorelei playfully batted her eyelashes. “Why Mr. Donahue. I thought you’d never ask.”
“Really?” he asked. “I would have asked you before if I’d thought of it.”
Lorelei giggled. The sound of it was light and tinkling. It made his soul sour to the stratosphere. “Daniel, I was joking. You asked at the perfect time. You’re always so thoughtful.”
He shook his head and grinned at her. “Good. I think it will be a beautiful day. We need some joy after Parker’s accident. Micah and Faith are so in love. Being around them almost gives me a cavity.”
They both laughed at his corny joke.
Lorelei nodded, seemingly in full agreement with him. “It’s nice seeing love bloom right before our very eyes. Faith is perfect for Micah. She’s so humble and open. A match made in heaven. They’re quite different personality-wise, but it really works.”
