4 Years later:
Jared's P.O.V.:
Laiken had just turned 4 about two weeks ago every day she didn't cease to keep Dawson and I on our feet. She was very rambunctious and adventurous, like me, yet inquisitive, smart, and nonetheless beautiful like her mother.
Dawson had given Laiken her deep hazel eyes, soft pink lips, and little button nose. Besides that, Laiken had gotten everything else from me. She was the most beautiful girl in the entire world next to her mother.
From the moment we brought Laiken home, I knew that this is how I wanted my life to be. I wanted to have Dawson here by my side every moment. I wanted to protect her and cherish her, making sure she wasn't ever in harm's way. I wanted to be here for my child; I wanted to kick my dad's shadow out of my way. I wanted to watch my little girl grow up as I grew old. I wanted this for as long as I breathed.
For months I had contemplated the day I would actually say "I do." It played over and over in my head since I bought the ring. I had rehearsed kneeling down and prying open the little velvet box, seeing Dawson's eyes widen and her hands cage her mouth. Everytime, something went wrong though. I would kneel and fall over, or I would open the box then drop it, or forget what I wanted to say. I practiced and practiced, but every time I just couldn't get it right, until I realized the answer was right here with me the entire time. Now, today was the day I was going to solidify my future with Dawson and Laiken.
"Laiken! C'mere!" Dawson shouted out down the hall, and seconds later the little gallop was heard drawing near. Laiken was carrying her clothes for the day. We had planned a family picnic today with just Dawson, Laiken, Shannon, and his girlfriend Blaire.
Dawson walked out of the bathroom and zipped Laiken's lavender jumper up before taking her into her arms and throwing her up into the air. Laiken screamed and laughed, reaching her hands out like an airplane. Her feet kicked up and smile grew as Dawson threw her up again.
"Are you ready for today, honey?" Dawson asked, setting Laiken down.
She smiled and nodded, "Whenre Ucle Shannon 'nd Auntie Blaire gonna be here? "
"Soon." I smile, winking at Dawson and then picking up Laiken. I kiss her forehead before walking out of the room with her. "We'll be in the kitchen getting everything together."
Dawson nods and blows a kiss to Laiken and I as we leave the room. As we walk to down the hall to the kitchen, I set Laiken down on the counter. "You remember what I told you, right sweetheart?"
Laiken nods and kicks her feet. As she opens her mouth to answer me, the doorbell rings. Her face lights up with excitement and her eyes grow 10 sizes, "Uncle Shannon!"
I lift her off the counter and let her run to get the door. Her bare feet take her as fast as they can to the door and unlock it.
Shannon jumps inside and picks up Laiken, resting her on his shoulders. He smiles and greets her, then reaches for Blaire's hand beside him.
As they follow me deeper into the house, Shannon puts Laiken down and sits at the island in the middle of the kitchen.
"So today's the day, little brother. " Shannon says with a smirk.
I nod, raising my eyebrows, as I pack the food for the picnic. Keeping that thought out of my head was my main priority right now because I knew if I let it start nibbling at my nerves, I'd go insane.
"How do you feel?" Blaire asks, tilting her head a bit.
I nod, not breaking my attention from packing the cooler, "Cool as a cucumber."
I can see Shannon smile out of the corner of my eye, "Just remember, you'll-"
Dawson's footsteps head down the stairs and cuts off Shannon. She stops halfway and looks up then smiles, "Hi Shannon, Blaire."
Shannon and Blaire get up and greet Dawson with open arms, taking her in like family.
I slide the last sandwich into the cooler and snap it shut, "Everything's packed."
"Awesome! Let's head out!" Dawson shouts, throwing her hands out. As everyone trickles out, Dawson looks at me, still behind the island. "Coming?"
"Yeah, Sweetheart, I just have to grab one more thing."
She smiles and starts to walk out, "Okay. Meet you in the car."
I nod, and half smile. My hand dives into my pocket where it fishes out the blue velvet box. Instantly, I feel my stomach tie in knots and my heart beat faster. I knew this would be the most nerve racking thing I would ever do, it was my biggest thrill ride yet, proposing to Dawson.
I purse my lips and release the box back into my pocket. Grabbing the cooler, I rush out the door.
