PRINCESS | c.evans [2]

forty.

real life.

FOR THE LONGEST time, Chris couldn't imagine himself being a father anymore, no matter how bad he wanted that joy. It wasn't until he was told that they were expecting a baby that he believed his dream would be fulfilled. Carmen made sure to tell him how he was such an amazing father and how their baby was blessed to have Chris has their dad.

Chris woke to family breakfast in bed on Father's day, which surprised him to say the least. He grinned at his fiancée, pulling her on the bed and in for a sweet kiss.

"I'm certainly spoiled, aren't I?" He asked, pressing another kiss to her lips as she settled back in bed.

Carmen laughed, "I wouldn't say so. Just showing my appreciation for my beloved baby daddy."

Chris hummed softly, ready to pull her in for yet another kiss when they were interrupted by Bridget bursting into the room with the two dogs following behind her. Carmen laughed and pressed a kiss to his cheek as her daughter climbed onto the bed with an envelope in her hand. She smiled at the man she recognized as her father, staying silent as she handed him the envelope.

"What's this, Bee?" Chris asked, eyeing the envelope.

Bridget giggled, "Open it."

Chris was still skeptical, but opened the envelope anyway and pulled out the letter that was tucked neatly inside. He unfolded the paper and began reading what was enclosed. Chris could easily feel the eyes of his daughter and fiancée watching, waiting for his reaction.

As he read, he could understand why. By the time  he was finished reading, he could feel the tears streaking his cheek. Chris looked up, seeing the grins on his girls' faces.

"You actually want me too?" He questioned, wiping at his tears unashamedly.

She nodded, "Yeah. You're my dad and though it doesn't mean much, but I want it legal too."

Chris sat the letter down and moved his breakfast off to the side before motioning the girl over. She smiled and crawled into the embrace, feeling him hug her tight and press a kiss to her forehead.

"Of course, I'll adopt you, mija." He whispered, feeling the tears sting his eyes again. "I would want nothing more than call to you my daughter and make sure you know that you're loved."

• • • •

LATER THAT AFTERNOON, the small family of three awaited a certain arrival in the busy airport. Luckily, no one recognized the small family since they were dressed for comfort rather than for the press. Plus, they wore sunglasses since their morning was spent in the dark bedroom watching movies while they relaxed.

While he waited for his mother to show, Chris kept Carmen at his side and kept a protective hand on her small belly that was finally beginning to show. She rolled her eyes and often teased him with playful words and a kiss to his bearded cheek.

"There's my favorite people!"

They all looked up, seeing Lisa approach them quickly with open arms and a large grin. Chris feigned a look of hurt after his mother hugged the girls first, holding conversation with them.

"Wow, mom." Chris muttered, "And I'm your son."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, "Oh honey. I admire Carmen and Bridget for putting up with your shenanigans all the time."

"Actually," Carmen laughed, "He's definitely grown up a bit since he found out about the baby."

Lisa grinned and her eyes began to water as she looked to her eldest son. "My baby's growing up and he's having his own baby."

"Mom," he whined, earning giggles from his three favorite girls as he rolled his eyes.

Sure, it was his first father's day and it felt a little odd, but he loved it and he wouldn't trade his family for the world. This is where he wanted to be.