Friday was his favorite day. Why? Because he got to pick his daughter up from preschool. Before he left the station, he stopped by Lucy's desk, stole a quick kiss, and went to change out of his patrol uniform.
And there she was, waiting for him at the window. Every Friday morning when her mom dropped her off, she'd remind her that her dad would be picking her up that afternoon. By 3 p.m., he was there, just as he'd promised. Her "Dada," her hero. The four-year-old looked at her dad with pride. When he looked at her, he saw a little carbon copy of Lucy—the same smile, the same eyes, always talking. He loved it; he could listen to her endlessly. She was his everything.
Hand in hand, they left the school, and Tim drove them to the mall. Yesterday, he'd promised his little munchkin ice cream, and he was a man of his word. He found them a spot, sat down, and watched her enjoy her sweet treat. When she was done, they walked through the mall, as Tim had a quick stop to make at a shop. As soon as they stepped outside, she looked up at him seriously.
"What's that, Dada?" She pointed to the small bag he held.
"It's a surprise for Mommy."
"Oh? Is it Mama birthday?"
"No, not exactly. Do you remember this summer when we went to a party?"
"Oh, yes! The princess dress! Is it a princess dress for Mama?"
"Not quite, baby. This summer, our friend wore a princess dress because it was her wedding. Do you know what a wedding is?"
"No..."
"It's a special day for two people who love each other very much. They decide to say, 'Our love is forever,' and have a celebration with all the people they cherish most. They dress up like a princess and a prince. I'd love to have a celebration like that too, and I want to see your mama in a beautiful princess dress. But for that, I need to give her a little something and ask her a question. Do you think you could help me with that?"
"Can I have a princess dress too?"
"Anything you want."
"I want to help!"
"Good. We need to practice a little, then pick up Mama from work."
"We're going to your work, Dada?"
"And Mama's work."
"And Auntie's work too!"
"You ready?"
The little girl nodded and took her father's hand. Once they were settled in the car, they practiced the proposal a few more times and then headed to the station.
"Remember, not a word until I call you over and give you the princess gift, okay?"
"Yes! Princess gift first, then the question for Mama!"
"Good. Do you remember the question?"
"Yes! It's stuck in my mouth."
"In your head, baby, not in your mouth"
"But I speak with my mouth, not with my head!"
"Alright, let's go find Mommy."
Lucy wasn't in her office or at the detectives' desks. Eager and on a mission, the little girl asked everyone where her mom was.
"Dada, I found her, I found her! She's in the snack room!"
"Go ahead."
"Mamaaa!"
"What are you doing here, kiddo? Where's Dada?"
"Right behind her!"
"Dada said we come to pick you up from work, and I findd you in the snack room."
"You did, baby, good job. Do you want to eat something?"
"I have something for her," Tim said, nodding at Maddie. He handed her the small box and smiled as she took it, ready for her big moment.
Shyly, Maddie walked up to her mom, the box hidden behind her back.
"Mama?"
"Hm?"
"Marry Dada and wear a princess dress?" She asked as she opened the little box.
Lucy looked over at Tim, who was watching her daughter proudly. No words were needed; it was real. Six years after their first real kiss, he was asking her to marry him. That man was full of surprises.
"Only if Dada wears a prince costume."
"Yes! And Dada say i have a princess dress too, like Mama!"
Tim took the ring from the box and slipped it onto Lucy's finger.
"So...is that a yes?"
"It's a yes."
Tim hadn't planned to propose here at work, in the break room, but in that moment, it was perfect, just the three of them. Forgetting his usual no-PDA rule, he kissed her right there. Lucy didn't mind either.
"Dada kissed Mama! Dada kissed Mama!" Maddie chanted.
They smiled through their kiss and then looked at their little girl. She was the best decision they'd ever made. The best first step they'd taken together.
"Baby, do you want to come with me to the lockers? I need to change before we head home."
"Is Dada coming too?"
"Dada's not allowed in there..."
"Not allowed? Really? You didn't say that four years ago."
"You're an idiot..."
"Go with Mama; I'll wait here."
He kissed his soon-to-be wife, hugged his little girl, and waited for them in the "snack room." Soon, they'd all share the same last name—finally, officially.
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27.10.24 : Hi Guys! Hope you're fine .. Just a little sweet thing for today. Please comment and vote. It helps. Take care of you. xx
