Chapter 13 - THE LITTLE GIRL WHO ASKED FOR A DADDY
Lily's fourth birthday arrived in October.
Elena organized a small party.
Pink balloons.
Chocolate cake.
Paper crowns.
A dozen children from the staff families.
Damian attended wearing a dark sweater instead of a suit.
Lily was delighted.
She ran toward him.
“Mr. Damian!”
He lifted her into his arms.
“Happy birthday, Miss Parker.”
She giggled.
“I'm four!”
“So I've been told.”
She held up four fingers.
“See?”
“Very impressive.”
Elena watched from the kitchen.
Her heart warmed.
Damian had become part of their lives.
Not suddenly.
Not dramatically.
But through ordinary moments.
Bedtime stories.
Trips to the park.
Helping Lily tie her shoes.
Listening to Elena talk about work.
Showing up when he said he would.
After the party, Lily fell asleep on the sofa.
Damian helped Elena clean up.
She watched him wash dishes.
“You know,” she said, “a year ago, I would never have imagined this.”
He looked over his shoulder.
“What?”
“You. Washing dishes.”
Damian smiled.
“I'm a man of hidden talents.”
She laughed.
Then grew quiet.
“Damian.”
He turned.
“Yes?”
“Lily asked me something yesterday.”
His expression softened.
“What?”
“She asked whether you were going to be her daddy.”
Damian went still.
Elena swallowed.
“I told her she already has a daddy. Noah will always be her father.”
Damian nodded.
“Of course.”
“But she said she knows that.”
Elena smiled sadly.
“She said she wanted someone who could come to school plays and teach her to ride a bicycle.”
Damian looked toward the sleeping child.
His eyes filled.
Elena continued.
“I told her families can look different. And that we shouldn't rush things.”
Damian nodded.
“That's right.”
She looked at him.
“Does that frighten you?”
He laughed softly.
“More than anything.”
Elena smiled.
“Good.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Good?”
“Because it frightens me too.”
Damian stepped closer.
“Elena.”
She looked up.
“I love you.”
Her breath caught.
He continued.
“I don't know when it happened.”
His voice broke.
“Maybe when Lily offered me her teddy bear. Maybe when you laughed at my terrible sandwich. Maybe when I realized I was looking forward to coming home because you were there.”
Elena began crying.
Damian touched her cheek.
“I love you.”
She smiled through tears.
“I love you too.”
He kissed her.
Softly.
Gently.
Then Lily stirred on the sofa.
“Mommy?”
They turned.
She blinked sleepily.
“Are you kissing Mr. Damian?”
Elena laughed.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
Lily considered this.
Then smiled.
May you like
“Good.”
Damian burst out laughing.
