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“Did you stay up past your bedtime, Daddy?”
“Uh,” I said with a chuckle, “yes, I did.”
“That’s not good,” Laila reprimanded.
“You’re right. I won’t ever do it again.”
“I will!” Cora called as she squirmed her way out of my arms.
I set Laila down next to her and looked up at Beth. She had an exasperated look on her face, but I knew she was still full of love for these silly girls. Despite their occasionally rebellious attitudes, they were the most adorable kids on the planet, and I thanked the universe every day I got to be their dad.
That evening,I knew what was in store for me and Skye, but I promised Annie I would play dumb. When we arrived at the resort’s restaurant for dinner, Skye thought it was just going to be a romantic evening between the two of us. She had no idea what her mom had planned, and I honestly wasn’t sure how she would take it.
“This is such a nice place,” she said as we stepped inside. “Why haven’t we been here yet?”
“I guess I was saving it for a special occasion.”
She smiled at me as I took her coat from her and handed it to the host.
“My mom would love this place. It’s totally her style. Well, it’s her style when she decides to be classy for an evening instead of drinking Bud Light.”
“It’s funny you should mention her,” I said, glancing around for any sign of where I was supposed to be headed.
“What? Why?”
I stalled for a moment by kissing Skye and staring deep into her eyes. I listened for the sounds of her family, and finally heard something from the back corner of the restaurant. I pulled away and grabbed Skye’s hand, leading her towards the noise.
When we came around the corner, her entire family, as well as Laila, Cora, and Beth, were gathered around a sign reading “Congratulations!” and a huge number of gold balloons. Skye looked at me, her eyes wide as she turned and scanned the room. I had absolutely no idea how she was feeling. Her face was inscrutable.
I squeezed her hand, hoping to illicit some kind of response from her, but she remained stone-faced until Annie approached her and pulled her in for a tight hug.
“Congratulations, dear. We are all so happy for the two of you.”
I looked at Skye and her face was red. Whether from embarrassment or not, I could’t tell for sure. But then the tears started to fall, and I knew whatever she was feeling was nothing negative.
Annie leaned away from her and wiped the tears off her cheeks before pulling her in for another hug. Slowly, the rest of her family came to join the pile-up and it didn’t take long for it to become a big mess of Harrises.
Eventually, they all started to part, but then the attention was turned to me. Annie started the pile-up once again, and everyone else followed suit. It was a welcome feeling to be embraced into a family with such ease. Even though I had known them for years, the way they made me feel like one of their own was unbelievable. I was so pleased knowing that my girls would grow up with such a wonderful family who cared for them and loved them deeply.
When everyonefinally settled into their seats for dinner, Brent stood and raised his glass to make a toast. I looked around and found I was not the only person surprised by this action.
“Tonight, I stand before you with a heart full of joy as I raise my glass to celebrate a momentous occasion—the engagement of my beloved daughter, Skye, to Owen, the love of her life.”
I expected the toast to end there, but he continued on.
“From the moment Skye was born, she brought immeasurable happiness into our lives. As a father, I have cherished every laugh, and marveled at every accomplishment. Watching her grow into the incredible woman she is today has been a privilege.”
I started to raise my glass, but once again, I was surprised when Brent continued to speak.
“But tonight is not just about the past; it's about the beautiful future that lies ahead. When Skye and Owen rekindled their friendship and discovered a love that had been there all along, it was like watching a fairy tale unfold before our eyes. Their connection is a testament to the enduring power of friendship. It fills my heart with gratitude to know that my daughter has found a partner who truly understands and cherishes her.”
“Hear, hear!” Luke called, raising his glass into the air.
No one else raised their glasses, and everyone turned their attention back to Brent as he cleared his throat and began welling up with tears.
“Owen, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you for loving my daughter and waiting for her all these years. As we raise our glasses high, let us toast to a future filled with love, laughter, and endless happiness for Skye and Owen. Cheers!”
We all glanced around at each other, making sure he was actually done this time. When he took a sip of his champagne, we all relaxed and joined in, raising our glasses and celebrating the future that laid ahead for me and Skye.
