Maybe in his own fucked up way, he had finally apologized to me and was trying to make things better through Lily.
The babysitter arrived right on schedule. We thought he’d leave before we did, but he seemed settled in the living room with Lily, showing her more magic tricks while she shrieked with laughter.
“He’ll be fine,” Paige whispered, adjusting my tie. “She’ll be fine. We’ll only be gone a few hours.”
“I know. I just?—”
“You just worry, it’s what you do,” she said, pressing up onto her toes to kiss me. “But Sarah’s here as backup. And your dad seems like he’s actually trying.”
She was right. He seemed like he was trying. Maybe for the first time in years.
After saying our goodbyes, we left for our firm’s party.
It was already in full swing when we arrived. Associates and partners were mingling while champagne flowed between the laughter. I rarely enjoyed parties, but with Paige on my arm in a stunning navy dress that somehow still hid her small baby bump, I enjoyed it.
She was glowing, radiating so much happiness that I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The way she laughed at Sean's terrible jokes or the way she charmed the senior partners’ wives.
She was perfect and I wished I could marry her and start calling her my wife.
My wife.
“You’re staring,” she whispered when we found a quiet corner.
“I can’t help it. You’re beautiful.”
“You’re biased.”
“Completely,” I said, pulling her closer. “But also correct.”
Sean and Chelsea found us, Chelsea immediately pulling Paige into a conversation about wedding plans while Sean gave me a knowing look.
“You look happy,” he said.
“Because I am happy.”
“Good. You deserve it.” He paused. “Chelsea is getting an idea about marriage now.”
“You?” I raised my brow. “Marriage?”
He sighed since the last engagement he had didn’t last a year.
“But I’ve been thinking about it…” he said, his eyes fixed on his partner. I smiled, knowing he would do whatever Chelsea asked him to.
He was as whipped as I was.
The music shifted to something slower, and I took Paige’s hand. “Dance with me?”
She smiled brightly as we swayed together. I let myself relax for the first time all evening and be present in the perfect moment with Paige in my arms, our friends around us, our future full of promise.
“Your dad is being good with Lily,” she said softly. “You should relax and have fun.”
“I am having fun. I’m dancing with my fiancée,” I said, kissing her knuckles before entwining our hands together. “I can’t wait to call you my wife.”
Paige blushed, and I leaned down to rest my forehead against hers. “I love you,” I whispered, gazing at her dark hazel eyes.
“I love you too,” she said, kissing me.
I couldn’t wait to get her home.
