"Hey, Dad."My throat tightens when our eyes meet."Thank you for being the most amazing father you are.You showed up in L.A.after Mom died, and you didn't care that you didn't know me.The moment you realized I was your daughter, you took me under your wing."
She brushes back her blonde hair, scratching her jaw just like I do."Our relationship was rocky at first.I gave you a hard time, and we encountered multiple communication issues."
I chuckle, remembering the flying package of tampons.
"But everything changed when Alisha came into our lives."Her eyes move to my bride, who squeezes my hand harder."Thank you, Alisha.The way you helped me feel at home and bond with Dad was exactly what I needed.You didn't give up on us.I love your straightforwardness and colorful personality.But most of all, I love how you two give me a family, and I can't imagine the rest of my life without both of you in it."
Alex wipes at her eyes, and I notice her other hand resting protectively on her stomach.Before I can process that, Samantha's eyes travel sideways."Okay, I'm ready."
The curtains slide open, revealing a black piano.My mom walks onto the stage, stopping beside Samantha, and hands her what looks like sheet music, whispering something in her ear.Sam smiles and kisses her grandmother's cheek before turning back to address the room.
"I'm proud to say that I'm the third generation in the Walker family who can play the piano."She pauses, a mysterious smile touching her lips."Though maybe not the last."
My heart pounds as she continues."Finding out I inherited the gift of playing and composing from my father and grandfather changed my life.I love every single moment Dad and I spend together behind this instrument, and I hope we have many more.Because learning from a gifted musician who's also your dad is the best.I'm going to play something as a thank you to you, Dad, and in honor of my grandfather.I hope you like it."
As she takes her place at the piano, my heart drums against my ribs.The lights dim, and the moment her fingers touch the keys, I recognize the piece - the one my father conducted for me that night at the symphony hall.
Alisha moves in front of me when she sees my tears, pressing her back against my chest.I wrap my arms around her, one hand settling over hers where it rests on her stomach.The way Sam plays is breathtaking, her fingers dancing over the keys like a hummingbird's wings.When she finishes, thunderous applause erupts.I release my wife to rush onto stage and pull my daughter into a tight hug.
"I love you so much, Sam.And I know without doubt your grandfather heard it.It was magnificent."
"Thanks for loving me, Dad."
I kiss her forehead."You make it easy.Are you ready for me to return the favor?"
"Are you for real?"
I nod, grabbing the microphone from the piano."Could my wife please come on stage?"
Alisha approaches, brow furrowed.When she reaches us, Sam moves to stand beside her, and I turn to face them both.
"I thank the universe every day for bringing you two girls into my path.Your arrival brought this bachelor mindless nights of headaches, trying to figure out how to communicate without causing you to slam doors in my face or walk away upset."
Our guests laugh, and I notice Alisha's hand drift to her stomach again.
"Thanks for not giving up on me.I promise you both that I'll try to be the best father and husband I can be."Something in Alisha's eyes makes my heart skip."You two helped me heal a part of me I thought would never return, and to show you this, I'm going to play."
Alisha's eyes widen as I take my seat at the piano."This is a cover fromThe Greatest Showmancalled 'Never Enough,' a song both my daughter and my wife adore."I catch my mother's eye as she holds Jeremy's hand, wiping tears away."This one is also for you, Mom."
When I look back at Alex, her green eyes overflow with love and something else - something that makes her seem to glow from within.It strengthens my resolve to perform in front of this crowd.The moment I begin, everything else fades away.I become one with the music, lost in that secret space I create whenever I play.
Applause breaks through my musical trance.Nick and Brian whistle loudly as my wife and daughter throw their arms around me.A satisfying sense of completeness fills me.
"Dad!That was amazing!"
"Thank you.Not bad for a rusty old piano player, is it?"
When Sam steps back, Alex grabs my hands, her eyes shining."I'm so goddamn proud of you."
She gives me such a searingly passionate kiss that I'm tempted to scoop her up and abandon this party.But Brian's voice interrupts.
"Okay, lovebirds, hold the dirtiness in for a few more hours because it's time to open the dancefloor and have fun."
With my arm around Alex, we turn to face our guests as Brian continues."The bar is open, and drinks are free.Let's celebrate that this piano boy is off the market!"Cheers and applause fill the air as people move toward the bar or find seats at the scattered tables.
"Piano boy?"I mutter to Brian, who grins.
"Yep, it's my new nickname for you."Darius calls him from the bar."Okay, I'm needed.See you later, piano boy."
