There was humor in her tone, but I heard the fear beneath it. She grew up with selfish parents who hadn’t made her feel safe or secure. I planned to change that. I placed my thumb and pointer finger beneath her chin, waiting for her gaze to lock with mine.
“There are very few things in this world that I’m sure of. But the day Harper was born and they placed her in my arms, I knew I’d walk through fire for my baby girl. I knew I’d spend the rest of my life being the best father I could be to her.” I cleared my throat. “And when I look at you, I see forever. I’ve never felt that before. And you can rant and rave and throw things at my head when you’re angry, and I’ll still be there every damn day. You can redecorate the house and change your mind five million times, and piss me off to no end, and I’ll still be there every damn day, Violet. There are two things in my life that I’m sure about, and that’s my two girls. So yes, I’m fucking sure I’m ready for forever with you. You sure you’re ready for forever with me? Because I’m a package deal, you know?”
She chuckled as the tears continued to fall down her cheeks. “I think seeing you with Harper has made me fall harder for you. Seeing the way you love that little angel is one of my favorite things about you. And I love Harper in a way I never knew I could. Hell, I didn’t even like kids before I met her.” She chuckled and sniffed a few times. “And being with you, Charlie Huxley—being with you is the first time I’ve ever felt like I fit somewhere. You make me feel like I’m home.”
“You are, Firefly.”
I pulled her onto my lap and wrapped my arms around her as she sniffed a few more times.
Loving someone was a vulnerable thing.
And Violet and I had both spent a lifetime trying not to be vulnerable.
So it was scary to love this deeply.
But it was also the best feeling in the world.
“Is it too soon to say I want to put a baby in you someday?” I whispered in her ear.
She laughed, tipping her head back so she could look at me.
“Too soon, Charles. I’ve got all I want with you and Harper. That’s a conversation for a way later date.”
“No hurry. Just thought I’d shoot my shot while you were saying yes to everything,” I said.
“Let’s go tell our little girl the big news,” Violet said.
Our little girl.
“Nothing would make me happier.”
And I meant it.
Epilogue
Violet
“This is so you,” Montana said as she slipped a few flowers in my long French braid before turning and doing the same to Harper’s hair.
“Yep. Not many people get married three days after they get engaged.” Blakely chuckled. “But it’s very on brand for you.”
“What’s ‘on brand’ mean?” Harper asked.
I bent down to get eye level with her. “It just sort of means your style and your personality.”
“Oh. Then I love your brand, Vi. I want my brand to be just like your brand,” Harper said, and my chest nearly exploded.
“I love your style and your personality too, Harps. Are you ready to go get married?”
“I’m ready!” she shouted.
We were wearing matching floral maxi dresses with our boots. We’d decided to get married on the patio at the Moose Brew, overlooking the water. Benji had closed the place down. It was just supposed to be Charlie, Harper, and me, but of course Montana insisted on being a witness, and Myles said he’d officiate, and Blakely and Benji both said they’d be the token guests.
It was small and intimate. No frills or stress.
No invitations or worrying about family squabbles and who would show up.
Harper and I picked wildflowers earlier that day, which we’d hold as Charlie and I said our vows.
