The next morning.
"Daddy?"
"Yes baby?"
"You have to come back with us."
"Isla." Jessica starts.
"No!" She whines. "Look! I brought this from school!" Isla hops off the bed and runs to her backpack she packed. She pulls out a crumpled pink sheet of paper and runs back to Danny.
"Look!"
"What is this? Oh Isla..."
"What is it?" Jessica asks.
"The father daughter dance." Danny says with tears in his eyes.
"I have a Dad now!" Isla smiles so beautifully.
Danny takes her hand and looks into her eyes. The dance is September 3rd. I'll be there, baby. I wouldn't miss it for the world.
"YAY!" She screams and jumps up, hugging him around the neck. "Thank you Daddy!"
"Thank you for asking me, princess."
**
September 3rd.
"Poppy, I hope you're not mad we're not going to the dance together this year."
"Don't be sorry, bug. I loved going to the dance with you last year, but I am so so happy you have a Daddy to go with you. You deserve it, love."
Isla smiles proudly. "I do deserve it. Poppy?"
"Yes?"
"My daddy.. he's the best in the whole wide world."
"I know. He's been the best since the beginning. Even at thirteen. That boy stepped up when he didn't have to."
Isla smiles. "He loves me."
"More than you know."
"Well, well, well!" Danny walks in making Doug groan.
"You talkin' about me, uncle Douglas?" Danny smirks.
"Daniel."
"You're proud of me, you old grump."
Doug looks at Danny and pauses. "More than you know."
Danny smiles and lifts his arms. "Bring it in."
"Oh Daniel!"
"Come on! You asked for it!" Danny hugs him tightly.
Doug pats his back and Danny kisses his cheek.
"Oh gosh, enough!"
Danny laughs before turning to Isla.
"Wow. Isla Rose.. you look absolutely beautiful."
"Yes I do. And you look absolutely handsome."
"Aw shucks! Thanks."
"Mommy made me so beautiful." She smiles.
"I think you mean your hair and outfit, but just know your mommy made you beautiful from birth!"
"The most beautiful! Where is mommy?"
"She's coming. I think Holly stopped her in the hall, then she was gonna grab her camera."
"Yes for picture time! Come on, let's go!"
**
"Daddy, you're a great dancer!"
"Thanks! So are you, bug!"
"Yep! Daddy, let's go to the snack table!"
"We do deserve a little sweet, huh?"
