“I asked her to marry me.”
There was silence. “Well, my boy, you’ve surprised even me.”
“I think I surprised everyone.”
“And?”
“Are you busy New Year’s Eve?”
“What?” She gasped.
“We’re getting married here. I want you . . . I need you here. Please, Arlene . . . you’re my family. I want you to be a part of the most important day of my life.”
I was sure I heard a quiet sob before she replied, her voice thick with emotion. “There is no other place I’d rather be.”
“Arrange with Roger to fly you and Simon out.”
“I will.”
“I need my blue suit.”
She chuckled. “I already knew that would be the one you’d want. I’ll pick it up and some more of your personal things.”
I leaned my forehead against the window, taking in the vista that surrounded me. “How did you know?” I asked quietly.
“I didn’t,” she confessed. “But talking to George, and the way he spoke of her, I just . . .” She paused before continuing. “ . . . I had a feeling you had to meet her. He was so worried about her future, I was worried about yours. She sounded perfect for you. It seemed . . . like fate.”
“It was—and she is.”
“I’m so pleased, Dylan. This is the best news you’ve ever shared with me.”
“I can’t wait for you to meet my girl.”
“I can’t wait to meet her either.”
“So, I’ll see you in a few days?”
She laughed. “You will.”
“Thank you.” I blew out a long breath. “I love you, Arlene. You’re like a mother to me.”
She didn’t even try to disguise her sobs. “Thank you, dear boy. You’re like my own. I’ll see you soon.”
“I can’t wait,” I replied and ended the call.
“Have you ever told her that?” Alex’s voice startled me.
I turned, held out my hand for her, pulling her close, and placed a kiss on her head.
“No, I don’t think I have. I think she knew how I felt, but I never said it.” I sighed, looking down at Alex’s sweet face. “I’ve only ever said it to two people. You were the first. You’ve opened up a side of me I didn’t know existed, Alex.”
She snuggled into my chest. “I like this side.”
“Well, that’s good to know. She’s coming for the wedding. It wouldn’t surprise me if she showed up tomorrow or the next day.”
“I can hardly wait to meet her. I hope . . . I hope she likes us.”
“Alex, she will love you—all of you. I have no doubt.” I stroked her cheek with my finger. “I love all of you, so much—but especially you, Alex. You’ve become the most important thing in my world. I hope you know that.”