EPILOGUE
Candy
She looks just as wild and free as I remember, even though she also looks a hell of a lot happier. “Lyric!” I call and she turns on the platform and sees me. She smiles and jumps up and down and then, in typical Lyric fashion, runs at full speed toward me. A moment later her arms are around me and we’re both giggling and laughing like we did back when we first met. God, it’s been more than twelve years now. “Candy is dandy,” she giggles.
“And Lyrica’s a miracle,” I reply.
It feels so good to hear those words after almost six months in Europe.
We finally stop hugging and she says, “We have a guest room, so you aren’t staying in a hotel and Daddy and I already discussed it. You can stay there for as long as you want so you don’t have to bother looking for a place or anything like that. You get yourself settled and you’ve got a place to stay until that happens.”
Daddy.
While I was in Europe, Lyric and I talked, video-conferenced and emailed. It’ still seems impossible that she should be willing to let a man make decisions for her. It makes no sense at all. I can’t deny that she’s very happy but it still seems strange.
“Phillip’s older brother is staying with us right now, too,” she said. “He’s the reason Phillip always wanted to be a Daddy.” She smiles sadly and said, “His relationship ended a few months ago, though. He’s having a hard time and decided on a change. So he moved to town. He’s setting up shop and… well, anyway, I just didn’t want you to be surprised. He’s taking the bedroom Phillip and I still haven’t turned into the office. Don’t worry. It’s a big house and there’s plenty of room.”
I smile and say, “No problem at all. Give me your hand.”
She frowns and then giggles and holds her hand out. The diamond engagement ring glitters in the light and she giggles again. I shriek and throw my arms around her. “You’re going to be my maid of honor, right?” she asks. “Promise? Promise?”
“Of course I will, Lyrica Miracle.”
“I love you, Dandy Candy.”
We hug for a moment and head to the car. A man gets out of the front seat and Lyric rushes forward. “Daddy! This is my best friend in the whole world! Isn’t she perfect?”
He smiles and extends his hand. “Phillip,” he says. “Great to meet you.”
He nods to the car. “That’s my brother Thad in there.” I smile and turn to the car. I intend to say something, anything, but I don’t.
Thad is stunningly good looking. He is at least nine or ten years older than Phillip but that doesn’t change that he radiates everything that makes a man attractive. I could stare forever.
He’s a Daddy? Maybe there’s something to this Daddy thing after all.