“I know what you’re going to ask.”
“You do?” I glance over my shoulder and then back to him.
“Anyone that sees the two of you together knows it’s more than just puppy love. I know what I feel for Evy, and I see the way my baby girl looks at you. It’s the same no matter what age you are.”
“Gracie is old enough to make her own decisions, so I’m not asking for permission to marry her. I’m asking you to give us your blessing if she says yes.”
“If?” He chuckles. “She’ll say yes, and yes, you’ll have my blessing.” He nods. “Gracie is a good judge of character, and if she loves you like I think she does, then you’re a good man.”
“I promise to always be that for her.” I place my hand on my heart and make the vow I will keep for the rest of my life.
“Then I hope the two of you are as happy as me and Evy.”
“We are,” I agree, hiding my smile. Because I have a feeling we might be the happiest couple on this earth.
Chapter Fifteen
Gracie
“Are you sure you guys don’t need any help?” I ask my dad.
They have moved most of Evy’s stuff in, but there are a bunch of boxes left to unpack. Evy comes to stand beside my dad, and he wraps his arm around her and pulls her closer. I love that he’s not hiding this from me because it was beyond silly trying to. He thought it might hurt my feelings that I wasn’t his number one anymore.
He didn’t word it that way, but I got it. We’d both become a bit codependent with worrying too much about the other. Joseph is a great dad, and he raised me on his own. I never felt like I missed out on not having a mom because he was always there for me. Now it’s time for him to start living for himself. I know he’ll still be here for me if I need him, and I’ll never question that.
Donovan and Tidas loaded up the last of my stuff into the back of the truck before Tidas took off. I didn’t have a ton left after slowly moving my things over the last few weeks to Donovan’s place. I don’t need the small bed that I’ve had since middle school because Donovan couldn’t fit on that little thing even by himself. He did manage to pin me to it once for a small makeout session that was almost busted by my dad.
When Donovan asked me to move in, I’d said yes without a thought. We’d been at the fall festival and Tidas surprised Val with a wedding. I might have helped a little in making that happen, and it was one of the sweetest things in the whole world. It made me want to jump all over the next step in my relationship with Donovan.
I love going to bed with him every night and waking up the same way. Donovan is adorable in the morning when I get ready. It’s hard to hate my alarm clock when it’s a mouth that brings me to orgasm.
Every morning Donovan drags me out of the bed to take a shower with him. While I get dressed and ready for work, he makes me coffee and something to eat. He even picks out the ribbon I should put in my braid. It’s so cheesy, but I love it so much.
Never in a million years would I have guessed this is how things would turn out that day I made my first delivery to his grumpy ass. I’ve even changed my route at work so I hit home around lunch, and we can eat together.
“We’re fine, but know that you can come back anytime, honey,” Dad says, giving Donovan a hard stare. Donovan’s fingers flex against my hip, not loving my father’s words.
“I know that, Dad, but even if it doesn't work out with Donovan I’m—”
“Enough,” Donovan growls, lifting me off my feet and tossing me over his shoulder. I burst into laughter.
“I was joking!” His hand comes down on my ass. “Donovan! You can’t smack my butt in front of my dad!” I hiss at him.
“You started it, and I ended it.”
“They’re adorable together,” I hear Evy giggle as Donovan drops me down into the passenger seat of the truck.
“Love you guys!” I shout as Donovan shuts the door.
“You okay?” Donovan asks when he gets into the driver seat and takes off. I glance over my shoulder, looking out the back window as we pull away from my childhood home.
“Yeah, I’m more than okay,” I admit, taking his hand. “I’ve been ready for the next chapter in my life.” Donovan laces our fingers together.
When we pull up to the house, I glance around at all the cars.