It’ll be a long time before a day comes along that can top this one.
I’m finishing my cupcake when Seda darts over to us. “Dance with me, Daddy?”
I smile at my girl. “Always.” I wipe my hands, then stand and follow her onto the dance floor, looking back at my wife, who’s watching us with a smile.
This kind of pure happiness should be illegal.
“I love this song,” Seda says, smiling up at me.
“I know you do.” It’s from one of her favorite boy bands, a song I’ve had to listen to over and over again. Which is probably why Salem added it to the playlist.
“When I get married, I want to wear a big white princess dress.”
The idea of Seda getting married one day momentarily crushes me. It’s inevitable, but I want her to stay my little girl forever.
“You can wear whatever dress you want.” I pull her closer.
“Will youandDad walk me down the aisle like Casen and Quinn did with Halle?”
I give her hand a soft squeeze, my heart thumping in my chest. “I’m sure we could do that.”
Her responding smile is blinding. “You’re both my dads, so it only makes sense.”
“That’s right.”
“And I want lots of flowers,” she goes on. “And pizza for the reception. You can’t go wrong with pizza.”
I have to bite back a grin as she prattles on.
“I’m not wearing heels. Mommy always says heels suck.”
With a chuckle, I kiss the top of her head. “You don’t have to wear heels, sweetheart.”
She continues on like I haven’t said anything. “I think I’d like to get married outside too. Not in the summer. Too hot. But maybe in the spring or fall.”
“Whenever you want.”
“And”—she looks up at me, lashes fanning her cheeks—“I want to dance with you just like this.”
Fuck, talk about a stab to my heart. I can picture it. “I’ll always dance with you.”
“I know you will, Daddy, because you love me.”
When the song comes to an end, I scoop her up and hold her tight. I didn’t know until this little girl came into my life just how much love a person can be capable of.
I hug her until she’s wiggling in my arms.
“Daddy,” she giggles. “You have to let me go.”
The deeper truth in those words guts me.
I release her, and she runs toward Casen and Quinn, who are raiding the cupcakes. Though I’m still apprehensive about her crush on the boys, I turn and head to the table, where Halle is still sitting, elbow propped on the table, chin in her hand, smiling at me.
“Caleb.” A small but firm hand grips my elbow, then Thelma is at my side. “Cynthia and I will take the boys tonight. And Lou at the inn said she’s got a room set aside for the two of you. Free of charge.”
Warmth blooms in my chest. “That’s very kind of her, but I have a feeling Halle will want to go home.”
Thelma shrugs, releasing my arm. “Once you talk to Halle, let me know your decision, and I’ll pass it along to Lou.”
