The Daddy Box Set
“We just got back from another trip. This time to Greece.”
“Sounds beautiful.”
“It was,” he said. “Amelia sends her love and wants to know if you’re in for a trip with us next year?”
“How about you come down here?” I said. “There’s plenty of space at our house, and I know an excellent tour guide.”
There was a pause. “Yeah, I think that would work.”
“Great.”
“So, how’s retired life?” he asked. “I’m jealous that after going away I have to go to work and make up for all the crap I missed.”
I definitely didn’t miss that. But I didn’t say anything to make Brandon feel bad about him working. I was the strange one in the friendship. Who retired in their thirties? Someone who worked like a dog and nearly missed out on his life because of it, that’s who.
“It’s great,” I said. “You were right, man. I needed to do this.”
“I know,” he said. “But it wasn’t all me. You have a great girl with a good head on her shoulders. I only nudged you toward where you were supposed to go.”
“Yeah,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. My gaze fell to Gina and Jess, laughing and throwing the Frisbee back and forth. Over the summer, they practiced playing a lot and rarely dropped it. “I would have missed out on so much.” I wasn’t just talking about Gina. I almost missed out on the second love of my life. It was something rare and to be treasured, and I intended on holding Jess close to me for as long as I could.
“In any case,” I continued. “If it wasn’t for your nudge, then I wouldn’t be here. So, thanks.”
“No problem,” Brandon said. “Just be sure to make me the best man at your wedding.”
“You were already the best man at my wedding.”
“Your second one,” he said. “When is the proposal anyway?”
“We’re not rushing into things,” I said.
“Says the guy who moved his entire life down there within two weeks.”
“I’m not rushing, anymore,” I amended. “We’re happy the way things are.”
“Wow, a lot has changed with you,” Brandon said.
“Yes,” I said. “Yes, it has.”
Brandon caught me up with his life over the past few weeks. And while he spoke, I kept my gaze on Jess and Gina. My body filled with such pride as I watched the two loves of my life play carefree on the beach of our forever home.
Epilogue
Jess
After doing the final touches on Gina’s braid, I scooped her up into a hug then stood up and walked over to the mirror.
“You look adorable,” I said.
She looked into the mirror. “So beautiful.”
“How about we find a bow to match your dress?”
“Yes! Yes!”
Gina wriggled out of my arms and shot out of the bathroom. I checked my hair, tucking a stray strand back into place. Noah wanted Gina and me to get dressed up for dinner tonight. We continued their tradition of getting all dolled up before heading out to a fancy restaurant. On top of our regular weekly date nights, where Mom graciously took Gina for the evening, this was another night I highlighted in my calendar and couldn’t wait for each month. Since Noah didn’t need to wear a suit every day, the three of us tended to dress on the casual side most days.
It was nice to take our time to get dressed up for a night out. And including Gina made it that much more special.