Page 43 of Kiss Me, Mr. Bridge

“Dad’s big moment,” Amelia says.

Olivia’s face lights up. “About time. You know, she changed you. Made you better. Not that you weren’t great before, but now...” She gestures vaguely. “You smile more. You are so much nicer.”

“It means a lot.” My voice cracks. I love that these beautiful, strong women—my daughters—support me like this when I wasnot the perfect father for them growing up. I clear my throat. “Really.”

“Get prepared,” Amelia says, shooing me back to the party. “We’ll handle everything else.”

When Amelia gives me the thumbs up sign, I position myself under the arch of white balloons Amelia and Olivia arranged.

Amelia’s voice booms over the portable speaker system. “Would everyone please make their way to my dad? He’d like to say a few words.”

I wave Lucia over, my heart thundering against my ribs. She strolls across the grass, her sundress floating around her legs. The moment she reaches me, she wraps her arms around my waist, pressing against my side.

I clear my throat. “Thank you all for coming today to celebrate Flora’s and Freddie’s first birthday. Having friends and family here means—” Movement catches my eye. My words falter as a figure appears behind the crowd. Sweat breaks across my forehead, but I force myself to continue. “Means everything to us.”

Turning to face Lucia, I capture her hands in mine. She tilts her head, her brow furrowing.

“Two years ago, I thought I had everything figured out. My businesses were thriving, but I was empty inside. Then you walked into my life and turned everything upside down. You showed me what real happiness feels like. You gave me these beautiful children. Your love transformed me into someone worthy of you, of them, of this family we’ve built.”

I lower myself to one knee.

“Hope he can get back up!” Zander calls from the crowd. “At least we have a couple of doctors here.”

I laugh, the tension in my shoulders easing. Once, that comment would have sent me spiraling into self-doubt. Not anymore.

“I love you, Lucia Simmons. And I thought it was about time I bought you a diamond.”

She laughs. The sound is pure joy. “About time too. I’ll have a tennis bracelet, please.”

A deep laugh escapes me. God, I love this woman. “I’ll get you one for our first wedding anniversary.” I pop open the black velvet box, showing her a five-carat diamond sitting atop a thin platinum band. She gasps. “Because today, I’d really love for you to take this diamond and agree to become my wife. To be Mrs. Bridge. Will you marry me?”

Tears make her eyes hazy as she nods. “I’d love to. Yes.”

Everyone cheers.

I stand and press my forehead to hers, so overwhelmed as I breathe in the scent of her skin. “Thank you.” I brush my thumb across her cheek, catching a fat tear. “I love you.”

She leans into my touch, her eyes glistening with more unshed tears. “When do you want to marry me?”

“Now.” I nod to the lady who comes and stands beside us.“I’m Christine George. I’m your celebrant today.”

Lucia gasps. “Today?”

I brush away another tear with my thumb and press a kiss on my lips. “I can’t wait a moment longer.”

The End.