𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐘

𝐗𝐕 ━ 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔭𝔯𝔬𝔭𝔬𝔰𝔞𝔩 𝔭𝔯𝔢𝔭𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰

chapter fifteen
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Devon ran a hand through his dark hair, grumbling to himself as he allowed his eyes to scan over the information presented before him. Planning a proposal and wedding wasn't easy, nor was it manageable regarding time. The months leading up to this plan were flying by far too quickly, much quicker than he would have liked, but then again, he didn't mind that badly.

Soon enough, Katherine would be his wife.

Soon enough, (Y/N) would be his daughter—well, stepdaughter, in technicality.

Yet, still his.

The corners of his mouth curved upward at the tantalizing, relishing thought. It had been three months since (Y/N)'s eighteenth birthday, and already he could feel that after gifting her that car, they were becoming closer again. No, he didn't think (Y/N) was materialistic, as she hardly asked him for anything, but giving her something she had been wanting for so long made her flip a new page in her book in regard to him—a positive page, as he could see it in the way she seemed far more comfortable with him than before.

Now, he received hugs on a daily basis, just as Katherine did.

It was a bit disconcerting how much he enjoyed the feeling of her body so close to his, how his arms were able to feel every curve and edge of her underneath her clothes when doing so, but he tried to stave off those thoughts for as long as he could.

He wasn't in denial.

There was nothing to be in denial for.

He was fine.

Everything was fine.

In fact, it seemed as if his world was shifting in the perfect, right direction.

All he's ever wanted was a family—someone, or multiple people, to call his very own, to love him just as strongly as he knew he'd love them until their dying breath. Katherine and (Y/N) were those people, he knew it, regardless of whatever twisting thoughts tried to worm into his immediate consciousness. Picking up his mug of coffee off of the surface of the dining table, he took a slow sip as his eyes scanned over the affirmative email for a caterer. He had no qualms about planning months ahead even if he hadn't even proposed yet.

Katherine loved him, he knew.

Therefore, he had no doubt that she would say yes, as his line of thought always was.

To firmly cement himself into the lives of Katherine and (Y/N), he needed to be more than a boyfriend. He needed to have a binding tie that could not be severed unless through the most excruciating, time-consuming, and money devouring means of divorce that he knew would never happen. Katherine loved him far too much to even consider breaking up with him now, so in the future, she would also neither consider divorce.

His future was set.

So was Katherine's, and so was (Y/N)'s.

Leaning back in his chair, he smiled, the look consumed with arrogance and pride.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Devon set his plan in to action, making sure to schedule a night with Katherine at a favorite restaurant of hers whilst also picking up the diamond engagement ring he had ordered. He dressed in a fine suit for the evening whilst Katherine dressed in a beautiful, dark blue formal gown that paired well with her eyes. He checked in on (Y/N) to make sure she was okay with being alone for a few hours, and obviously, as a now-adult, she just gave him a small smile and a thumbs up to show her status.

Again, strangely, his heart beat faster.

Again, he ignored it.

He drove himself and Katherine to the restaurant, showering her in romantic compliments and touches whilst giving her his upmost attention despite the lingering thought of (Y/N) on his mind. She looked adorable propped up in her bed in those oversized pajamas of hers, casually typing away on her phone. Immediately, he snapped those thoughts away.

Focus, Devon...

Focus...

What was wrong with him?

No, he knew what was wrong, he just hardly chose to admit it since, again, he wasn't in denial.

He wasn't.

"Katherine..." Devon murmured softly as he grabbed her hand after they both had finished their dinner and their wine, his thumb softly rubbing over the contour of her knuckles whilst staring deeply into her eyes, watching as she breathed in softly, sharply, at the action. "We've been dating for about a year now, haven't we?"

"Yes..." she breathed out, her pulse quickening as her anticipation built.

She knew what was coming.

Of course she knew.

Yet all the more, she still felt surprised and giddy, waiting for the words to tumble from Devon's mouth, ready to say 'yes.'

"And, you know I love you deeply, and care for you more than I can put into words," Devon continued, his other hand that wasn't holding hers slowly pulling back to reach into his suit's inner pocket. "You are more than I need, and more than I ever will deserve, but I hope you can still answer me..." He pulled out a small, suede box, opening it to reveal a shining ring before uttering, "...so... will you please marry me, Katherine (L/N)? Will you give me the greatest honor and happiness in choosing to be my beloved wife?"

"Yes..." Katherine breathed out, tears of joy pricking at her eyes as her heart swelled with love and emotion. "Yes, yes!"

Devon smiled.

The perfect words for me.

He plucked the ring from the box, and as he gently cradled her hand, slipping the ring onto her finger. It was a perfect fit, as he knew it would be, since he only planned for utter perfection. It was why he knew this evening would turn out in his favor, and why he knew he would be returning home with an engagement brightening his future.

As he currently drove himself and Katherine home, the woman excitedly talking about future wedding preparations, he almost laughed as she tried to prepare a list of things to do, not realizing that he himself had already organized almost everything for them. He had the date, he had the venue, he had the food, he had the guests, and he had the cake. He knew everything and anyone he had chosen would be more than suitable for her. Now, all she needed to do was pick her dress, as any bride should do for her wedding day.

"I can't wait to tell (Y/N)," Katherine smiled at him, her expression full of joy.

"Of course," Devon chuckled. "Me neither..."

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To be continued...