Her Dad's Best Friend

A Newer Beginning

It had been a couple of years since Aiden was born, and life had been everything I could have hoped for. Watching him grow from a tiny infant to a curious, playful toddler filled our days with joy and laughter. Jordan had officially asked me to be his girlfriend months ago, and ever since, we'd been building a life together—one filled with late-night conversations, family outings, and quiet moments that felt like everything.

But something had been off lately. Jordan had been acting strange—nervous almost. He was usually calm and collected, but I could sense something was brewing just beneath the surface. I didn't press him, though. I trusted him, and I knew if it was important, he'd tell me when the time was right.

Today was the big family reunion, and it was bustling with energy. My family and Jordan's had grown close over the past few years, and today was no exception. Everyone gathered in the large backyard, setting up tables and chairs, filling the air with laughter and the smell of grilled food. Aiden was running around with his cousins, his infectious giggles making my heart swell with happiness. Life was good—really good.

I was standing by the grill, helping my mom prepare the food, when Jordan came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"You doing okay?" he asked softly, his lips brushing my ear.

I smiled, leaning back into him. "Yeah, just enjoying the day. You?"

He kissed the side of my neck, lingering a little longer than usual. "I'm great. Got something planned, actually."

I turned in his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? What are you up to?"

He grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "You'll see."

I narrowed my eyes at him, suspicious but intrigued. Jordan always had a way of keeping me on my toes, and I loved it.

As the day went on, the mood was light, and everyone was enjoying themselves. It wasn't until after dinner, when the sun was beginning to set and the golden light bathed the backyard, that Jordan suddenly called everyone's attention.

"Hey, guys!" he shouted, standing up on one of the picnic tables. "I need your help with something."

I glanced up, confused. What was he doing?

"I've been thinking," Jordan continued, looking around at everyone, "and I think Hailey and I need a little advice. You see... we've been having this disagreement."

My eyes widened. *What is he talking about?* I thought, feeling a pit form in my stomach. Was he really going to air our private life in front of everyone?

"What's going on?" I whispered, standing there with my arms crossed.

Jordan gave me a playful grin but didn't answer. He turned back to the crowd and continued, "So, we've been debating for a while now about... whose fault it is that Aiden's so messy. Is it Hailey's bad habits rubbing off on him, or is it me?"

The crowd chuckled, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. *He's messing with me.*

"I think we need to settle this once and for all," Jordan said, jumping down from the table. He walked over to me, holding out his hand. "Come on, Hailey. Let's ask the experts—our families."

I laughed, shaking my head but taking his hand anyway. "You're ridiculous," I muttered under my breath.

We stood in front of everyone, and I noticed Jordan's hand was slightly trembling. Something was definitely up.

"Alright," Jordan said, his tone more serious now. "Before we settle this debate, there's something I've been meaning to say to you, Hailey."

My heart skipped a beat. His eyes locked with mine, and everything around us seemed to fade. His playful demeanor melted away, replaced with something far more intense.

He dropped to one knee.

My breath caught in my throat, and my hands flew to my mouth in shock. Was this really happening?

"Hailey," he began, his voice strong but full of emotion, "I've loved you since the moment we met. You've given me the most beautiful son, and every day with you has made me a better man. I can't imagine my life without you, and I don't want to."

I felt tears welling up, and the world around me seemed to blur. Jordan reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a stunning engagement ring.

"Will you marry me?"

The world stopped. I could barely hear the cheers and gasps from our families as I stared down at the man who had become my whole world. He was the father of my child, my best friend, my partner in every way—and now, he wanted to be my husband.

"Yes!" I finally breathed, my voice shaky with emotion. "Yes, Jordan!"

The crowd erupted in applause as Jordan stood up, slipping the ring onto my finger before pulling me into a deep, passionate kiss. My heart raced as he held me close, and for a moment, it felt like it was just the two of us in the world.

When we finally pulled apart, our families rushed forward, congratulating us, hugging us, and sharing in the joy. Aiden toddled over, wrapping his arms around my leg, completely unaware of what had just happened but sensing the excitement.

Jordan knelt down, picking him up and holding him between us. "We're a real family now, little man," he whispered, kissing Aiden's head.

I looked down at my hand, the ring sparkling in the fading light, and I couldn't stop the tears of happiness from falling. This was the life I had always dreamed of, and it was all coming true.

Later that evening, when the celebration had quieted down and the stars were twinkling above, Jordan pulled me aside, away from the crowd.

"I had to throw in the prank," he said with a grin. "But I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, Hailey."

I smiled, my heart full. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As we stood there, hand in hand, with our families celebrating just behind us and our future laid out before us, I knew that no matter what challenges came our way, we would face them together. This was just the beginning of our forever.