Daddy's Best Friend

74

CHAPTER 74

SOPHIA’S POV

The poolside was awash with vibrant hues of twilight as we continued our celebration. Laughter and joy lingered in the air like a sweet melody. Then, unexpectedly, my father and Kayla, who had been exchanging glances filled with unspoken understanding, dropped to one knee simultaneously.

I blinked, my eyes darting between them. "Wait, what's happening here?"

My father, wearing a grin that could rival a Cheshire cat, spoke first. "Well, Sophia, it seems that Kayla and I have been sharing a little secret. What do you think about becoming a part of our little alliance?"

My jaw dropped. "Wait, alliance? Are you guys starting a secret society without me?"

Kayla chuckled. "Not exactly. Your dad and I have been conspiring to make this official for a while now." She held out her hand, and on her finger glittered a ring—a symbol of the partnership they were proposing.

My father, ever the eloquent one, added, "Sophia, would you do us the honor of having Kayla officially join our quirky family?"

I stared at them, then burst into laughter. "Are you two for real? This is the most unconventional proposal ever, and I love it!"

Kylie, who had been watching the scene unfold with wide eyes, chimed in, "Well, you can't say no to that, Sophia. It's a two-for-one deal: a new family member and a stepmom!"

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Alright, alright. Get up, you two. This is too much."

They stood, both grinning from ear to ear. Kayla enveloped me in a hug, and I felt an overwhelming warmth—a blend of familial love and the promise of a new chapter.

I looked at my father, a teasing glint in my eye. "So, when's the wedding?"

My father feigned shock. "What? You want us to rush things? We're thinking maybe in a month or two."

Kayla added, "And we're expecting you to be the maid of honor, Sophia. Start preparing that speech!"

I rolled my eyes, but my heart swelled with happiness. "You two are ridiculous, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

****

The day was draped in the golden glow of the California sun as Henry and I prepared to head back home. We were packing our bags, chatting about everything and nothing when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen to see my father's name flashing, and my heart skipped a beat. With a mix of anticipation and nervousness, I picked up.

"Dad? Everything okay?" I said, trying to sound casual, but my curiosity was piqued.

His voice, usually stern, had a surprisingly soft undertone. "Sophia, I've been doing some thinking, and I've decided it's time for me to step back a bit."

I furrowed my brows, exchanging a puzzled glance with Henry. "What do you mean, step back?"

"I mean, it's time for me to stop being the overprotective father and let you live your life. I've been holding on to my worries for too long, and it's not fair to you or Henry."

I felt a mixture of shock and joy. "Wait, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

There was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Yes, Sophia, I'm giving you my official blessing. You and Henry have my support."

I couldn't believe my ears. "Dad, are you feeling okay? Did someone replace you with a doppelganger who's suddenly all chill?"

He laughed. "I've just come to realize that I can't control everything. And seeing how happy you are with Henry, I don't want to stand in the way anymore."

Henry, who had been eavesdropping on my conversation, mouthed, "What's happening?"

I grinned at him before returning to the call. "Dad, you have no idea how much this means to both of us. Thank you!"

His tone turned serious. "Take care of each other. And if Henry ever hurts you, just let me know. I still have my protective instincts, you know."

I laughed. "Dad, I think Henry's more scared of you than I am!"

He chuckled. "Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that. Now, go on and enjoy the rest of your day. And Sophia, remember, I love you."

"I love you too, Dad." I hung up, my heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

Turning to Henry, I shared the news. "He did it. He actually did it! My dad gave us his blessing."

Henry's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

I nodded, feeling a surge of happiness. "He said it's time for him to stop being the overprotective dad. I never thought I'd live to see this day."

Henry pulled me into a tight hug. "Looks like we're officially approved by the dad council. Who would've thought?"

I laughed. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it? Now, let's finish packing. California awaits, and this time, we're going back with a blessing."

FOUR YEARS LATER

The graduation day was a whirlwind of emotions and cheers. I stood there, clad in my cap and gown, surrounded by my closest friends and family. Kylie was snapping pictures like her life depended on it, and my father had that proud grin on his face that I hadn't seen in years. Kayla, holding little Collins Jr. in her arms, gave me an encouraging nod, a silent acknowledgment of the journey we'd been through together.

As the ceremony ended, we all gathered for a celebratory lunch. The air was filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. Collins Jnr, my step-brother, was chasing butterflies, and my heart swelled seeing how much our family had grown and changed.

Amidst the joyous chaos, Henry appeared, wearing a smile that hinted at a secret. He was holding a small box, and my heart did a little somersault. I excused myself from the group, and he led me to a quieter spot.

"What's with the mysterious smile?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

Henry chuckled. "Well, you see, it's a special day, and I thought I'd make it even more memorable."

He opened the box, revealing a stunning ring that sparkled in the sunlight. My eyes widened, and I felt a lump forming in my throat.

"Are you serious?" I gasped.

He grinned. "Dead serious. Sophia, these four years with you have been the best of my life. And today, as you graduate, I want to ask you a question."

I blinked back tears, my heart pounding. "What question?"

He got down on one knee, and the world seemed to pause. "Sophia, will you marry me?"

I felt a rush of emotions, and my eyes stung with tears of joy. "Yes! A thousand times, yes!"

The entire scene erupted into cheers. Kylie, Janette, my father, Kayla—everyone had gathered around us. Kylie had tears streaming down her face, and Janette was grinning like a Cheshire cat.

My father, with his usual stoic expression, cleared his throat. "Well, it's about time."

Kayla whispered in my ear, "I told you he was going to pop the question today."

As Henry slid the ring onto my finger, I couldn't help but admire its brilliance. It felt like a promise, a symbol of our journey and the adventures that awaited us.

"Collins Jr.," Kayla said, bouncing the toddler in her arms, "meet your soon-to-be brother in-law."

Little Collins Jr. seemed more interested in a passing butterfly, but we all laughed at the thought of our unconventional family.

The celebration continued, and as the day turned into night, Henry and I found a quiet moment to ourselves. We stood under the stars, hand in hand, and he looked into my eyes with a warmth that made my heart flutter.

"Who would've thought we'd end up here?" he said, his voice a soft whisper.

I grinned. "Life's full of surprises, isn't it?"

He nodded. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

As we shared a kiss under the starlit sky, I couldn't help but marvel at the unpredictable, beautiful journey we'd embarked on.