I fiddled with the tiny box in my hand before I flipped it open to gaze at the ring nestled inside. It was an oval-cut diamond flanked by two sapphires because Ava loved the color. It was bold without being too flashy, just like her. The stone caught the afternoon light pouring through Michael’s living room window. The ring was beautiful—worthy of gracing the finger of a gorgeous woman. At least, I hoped so.
I was ready to marry Ava. Was she ready to marry me? I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, and studied the ring as if it held the answer. The sound of tiny feet thudding against hardwood made me smile. A little ball of energy was announcing her arrival. I set the ring box on the couch beside me—gently, like it was made of glass.
“Uncle Linc!” Poppy burst into the room like a whirlwind of blonde curls and pink. She launched herself at me, and I caught her midair with practiced ease.
“Hey, Popstar.”
She giggled at my nickname for her as she settled on my knee.
“You’re getting heavier. What are they feeding you?”
She grinned, revealing a missing tooth. “Mac and cheese all day today… the one from the box because that’s all Daddy can cook. I’m glad Mia is coming home tomorrow,” she sighed.
I laughed. “Take it easy on your dad. At least you’re not starving, right?”
“True,” she said. “He said to give him a few minutes. He’s on a boring call with a man who talks too much.”
I roared. “Was that really the message he sent?”
An impish grin lit up her face. “No, but I know that’s what he wanted to say because he didn’t look happy when the phone rang.”
My laughter filled the living room. My seven-year-old goddaughter had been a hoot since she learned how to talk.
When she spotted the open box beside us, she gasped.“Wow.”
I chuckled. “What do you think?”
“It’ssobig,” she whispered, leaning closer. “And sparkly. Is it for Ava?”
My eyebrows elevated. “How do you know it’s for her?”
She gave mean are-you-for-reallook. “Because guys give girls diamonds when they want to get married. Daddy gave one to Mia.”
I grinned. “That’s what we do, alright. You think I should marry Ava?”
She nodded emphatically. “Uh-huh. She’s pretty and funny and really nice. And I know she’ll let me be a flower girl.”
I rubbed my jaw to hide my smile. “Ah, so that’s what you’re really after. Being a flower girl.”
Poppy grinned sheepishly. “But everything I said about Ava is true.”
“Very true.” She was indeed pretty and funny and really nice. “I’m sure Ava will let you be a flower girl, Popstar. I mean, you’rea professional. You’ve been a flower girl three times already—in Jamie’s, Alex’s, and your dad’s weddings. Impressive resume.”
“Yup. I’mreallygood at it.”
I laughed. That’s what happened when a little girl had so many godfathers. I glanced back at the ring. My nerves hadn’t vanished, but somehow, Poppy’s excitement made everything a little clearer.
“Thanks, Popstar.”
“For what?” Her bewildered expression made me smile.
“For making me feel better.”
Her smile of accomplishment lit up the room. She gave me a quick hug and hopped to the floor. “Ava is gonna be happy,” she reassured. “Later, Uncle Linc.”
I watched her skip away with a small smile. That girl couldn’t stay still for five minutes.
A moment later, Michael stepped into the living room. “Hey, Linc. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
