It Started With a Kiss (Insta-Spark)

Avery did still think that way. I thought she was pretty hot too, and I showed her as often as possible, but I didn’t tell my daughter. She’d probably cover her ears and leave the table, gagging.

“Regardless of how sexy your mother thinks I am, I’m tired of losing to you young people.”

“But maybe every so often? For old time’s sake?”

I relented. I could never say no to her. “Every so often.”

She talked duri

ng dinner about some wedding details. Over coffee, I sighed. “Next time we do this, you’ll be a married woman.”

“I’ll still be your little girl, Daddy. I always will be.”

“My Princess.” I reached into my jacket and took out a small box, sliding it across the table. “For you.”

“Daddy?” Her voice was thick with emotion.

“It’s from your mother and me. She told me to give it to you tonight. Open it.”

Tears filled her eyes as she looked down at the necklace. A single teardrop sapphire glinted and caught the light, hanging on a white gold chain. A set of earrings went with it. Simple. Elegant. Just like the beautiful woman who would wear them. My daughter.

“Mom thought they could be your something blue,” I offered, fighting the emotion welling in my chest.

“And new. Oh, Daddy, they’re perfect.” More tears formed in her eyes. “Just perfect.” She looked up at me. “Thank you.” Leaning over, she clasped my hand. “I love you.”

All I could do was nod.

Avery was sitting on the front steps, waiting for me, when I climbed out of the car, feeling every year of my age hitting me. She handed me a glass of wine as I sat next to her, resting my head on her shoulder.

“Did she like her gift?”

“She cried.” I sighed and rubbed a hand over my face. “I did, too.”

“Hard night then, Daddy?”

“Where’d the time go, Sprite? How can our baby girl be getting married? We’re going to be grandparents.” I shook my head. “My God, Avery, I’m over fifty. How the hell did that happen?”

She laughed. “Time flies.” She ran her fingers through my hair, pressing a kiss to my temple. “It’s been a great life. You’re as sexy now as you were the day I met you . . . and kissed you for the first time.”

“My hair has more gray—and there’s less of it.”

“Not really.”

“I have to wear glasses all the time now.”

“Your glasses only make you sexier, Daniel.”

I chuckled at her words. She only ever saw the good in things. Including me.

I looked at her beautiful face. “You haven’t changed a bit. Except, you’ve gotten lovelier over the years, which I didn’t think was possible.”

“Look closer, my darling husband. You’re missing the wrinkles and bifocals. You see me with love.”

“Back at you.”

She bumped my shoulder. “Then we’re still okay.”

Lifting her hand, I pressed it to my lips. “Yes, we are.” I was quiet for a minute, sipping my wine, when I noticed the thick book sitting beside Avery.