The Proposal

Chapter 16

James perspective

Keath, Alexa, Matt, and I are deep in an intense discussion about hockey, debating the latest stats and strategies. The room is buzzing with the energy that only comes from passionate sports talk. Just as I'm about to make my point about the best offensive plays, Lilly suddenly bursts into the room, her little feet pattering on the hardwood floor.

She's holding up a pink star-shaped cookie, absolutely covered in sprinkles. Lilly looks beyond adorable in her baby pink dress, which matches the color of her cookie perfectly. Her eyes are wide with excitement, and she's beaming as she waves the cookie in front of Keath's face.

"Daddy, try my cookie!" she says, her voice full of pride as she practically shoves the cookie at him.

Keath's stern expression softens immediately as he turns his attention from our conversation to his daughter. He reaches out and takes the cookie from her small hands, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles at her. "Well, look at this! Did you make this all by yourself, sweetheart?" he asks, crouching down to be at eye level with her.

Lilly nods enthusiastically, her pigtails bouncing with the motion. "Yep! Emme helped, but I did most of it!" she says proudly, her eyes shining with joy.

I can't help but chuckle at the sight. "That's one fancy-looking cookie, Lilly," I say, giving her a wink. "You did an amazing job."

Keath takes a bite of the cookie, and his face lights up as if he's just tasted the most delicious thing in the world. "Mmm, this is the best cookie I've ever had!" he declares, which makes Lilly giggle with delight.

Matt, who's been watching the whole interaction with a grin, leans over to me and says in a low voice, "Looks like we've got a future baker in the family."

I nod in agreement, watching as Lilly basks in the praise. "I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up running her own bakery one day," I say, feeling a sense of pride for Lilly, even though she's not my own daughter. There's something about seeing kids light up when they're praised that just hits differently.

Lilly climbs into Keath's lap, settling in as he finishes the rest of the cookie. Alexa smiles at the scene, her eyes softening as she watches her husband and daughter. The hockey talk is momentarily forgotten as we all share in this sweet moment.

Keath looks over at me, still with Lilly in his lap, and says, "You know, James, moments like this make all the hard work worth it."

I nod, feeling the weight of his words. "You're right, Keath. It's these little moments that remind us what's really important."

Lilly looks up at her dad, her big eyes full of love and trust. "Daddy, can we make more cookies tomorrow?"

Keath hugs her close, his eyes full of warmth. "Of course, sweetheart. We'll make as many cookies as you want."

The room is filled with a sense of peace and contentment. The conversations about hockey and strategies seem far less important compared to the simple joy of family. As I glance around at everyone, I'm reminded of just how lucky we all are to have each other, especially during the holidays.

While Matt pats Lilly's head affectionately. It's in these moments that I realize how much family means to all of us. The bond we share, whether it's through blood or just deep friendship, is what makes these gatherings so special.

And as Lilly cuddles up with her dad, I can't help but think about my own future with Emme—about the family we'll build together, and the moments like these that we'll create. It's a comforting thought, knowing that no matter what challenges we face, we'll have each other.