Her Dad’s Best Friend

"In other countries, you can. I've also asked for 100% custody of Lucia. I said that Ariana was putting our daughter in danger." "How did you prove that?"

"She was sleeping with a drug dealer who liked to slap Lucia around. She didn't care as long as he kept giving her cocaine." "How on earth could you find that out?"

"I didn't," he says. "Lucia's daycare teacher didn't buy the explanation that she'd fallen down a flight of stairs so many times. She took pictures of the bruises and documented a pattern of abuse. Child Protective Services investigated and they sent a letter informing me about the outcome of their investigation. She's with a foster family for a few days until I can get primary custody. Then she'll live with us.” "I love her," I say. "I'm glad."

"I wish that Ariana..." he trails off. "But there's no use.

"I'm not glad that Ariana is a drug addict who didn't protect your daughter. But I am glad that you'll be able to get primary custody and save her. Just like you've saved me."

He turns my chair so that I'm facing him, not stuffing my face with food.

"Do you want to marry me?"

I get the feeling that right now is the real proposal. It's a lot more real than when he just jammed a ring on my finger.

"Do you love me?" It's the most important question. His answer will be my answer.

"I thought I was going to go insane when you were stolen," he says. "Of course I love you. Of course."

I lean forward and put my mouth on his. He understands my answer, because he's lifting me so that I'm on the dining room table, just a few feet away from our meal.

"I need you," he says.

He fumbles with my clothes quickly, yanking everything off. He doesn't undress. All he does is pull down his pants so that he can thrust inside of me.

I can't speak. I can only feel. This moment, even more than actually getting into the driveway, feels like coming home. Neither of us can last for very long. In a few moments, he's filling me with warmth. Maybe he's giving Lucia a little brother or sister.

When we have our breath back, he touches my face very gently. Then he pulls my hand to his mouth and kisses the ring on my finger.

"I love you," he says.

"I love you," I say back to him.

Lucia's Birthday Party

Kelly

TWO YEARS LATER

"How old are you today, Lucia?”

She holds up two fingers.

"No, Lucia," I laugh. "You're a big girl now. You're three."

I show her three fingers. She mimics my action, but she seems confused. There's not a big difference in her daily life when she turns three, because it's just a difference of one day. But she's officially a toddler

now.

"Do you want to wear a tiara?"

She nods enthusiastically. She's wearing a puffy pink dress that's twice her size. The skirt is huge, but she chose this dress after rejecting every other one.

I pick her up and let her stand on a chair so that she can put on her tiara while looking into the mirror.

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