“Okay, everyone! Dinner is served!” my mother called out from the kitchen. Walking into the formal dining room, my stomach dropped as I watched Paxton help Chloe set a bowl of mashed potatoes on the table. Chloe stood on a wooden chair, and Paxton handed her the bowl and showed her where to put it. She then high fived Chloe and pulled her in for a hug. She was going to make an amazing mother. She already was for Chloe, and she had no idea. Chloe was no longer my daughter, but ours.
Tripp took a centerpiece from Corina and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Corina had been placing flower centerpieces along the massive pecan table my father had built years ago. It seated twenty when you put the two sleeves in. Dad had said he needed a large table for when all his kids got married.
Chloe tugged on my shirt. “Daddy, I want to sit between you and Paxton. Is that okay?”
I lifted her up and kissed her cheek, making her giggle. “Of course it is, pumpkin!”
When I put her down, she ran over to Tripp. “Uncle Tripp! Next year I get to shoot the turkey with you!”
Tripp dropped to Chloe’s level and flashed her a wide grin. “I think that sounds amazing! I had to shoot two this year! I could have used your help.”
Chloe snapped her fingers and said, “Dang it.”
Tripp laughed and pulled her ponytail before giving her a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. Corina stood off to the side and observed it all. One glance around and I noticed Mitchell at the opposite end of the table.
My mother cleared her throat as she carried out the turkey. “Okay, all the food is on the table, but we have one announcement.”
Pulling out my phone, I sent a quick text before looking back up at my mother.
“Steed?”
Standing, I reached behind Chloe and motioned for Paxton to stand. We held hands, and I felt her engagement ring. She’d taken it off before Chloe got home last night and slipped it back on just now.
“Paxton and I would like to announce we’re getting married.”
Chloe jumped up in her chair and focused on me. Tears filled her eyes. She turned and looked at Paxton. Holding up the ring, Paxton showed it to Chloe. My heart was in my throat as my daughter wrapped her arms tightly around Paxton. I wasn’t surprised she had fallen in love with her so fast. Especially with as much time as we had all been spending together. When Chloe pulled back, she was sobbing.
That surprised me. Full. On. Sobbing.
“Does this mean…you’re my mommy… now? Oh, please say yes! Please, Paxton.”
It didn’t take long for Paxton’s eyes to water, but somehow she held it together. She nodded, until she could find the words. “Yes, Chloe Cat. I’m going to be your mommy.”
Chloe cried even harder and turned to me, throwing herself into a hug. I wasn’t sure how to handle her reaction. I knew she would be happy, but I didn’t think she would have a meltdown. It made me realize how much my daughter had been longing for a mother figure. She finally let go of me. I used my thumbs to wipe her tears away, my heart aching at the sight of my daughter’s tears. Happy or not, they killed me.
“Pumpkin, I don’t want you to cry.”
She nodded. “I’m just so happy, Daddy. This is the happiest day of my life.”
A few chuckles echoed in the room. One quick glance showed my sister Amelia crying. Corina was also dabbing at the corners of her eyes, trying her best not to let her tears fall. Across the table my mother was smiling, but a few tears trickled down her face. My father leaned over and wiped them away before taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it. April was also crying, while David held her to his side.
My heart felt like it had seized in my chest. We were home, and my daughter was surrounded by the most amazing people on the planet. I was blessed to have such a family in my life.
The doorbell rang. Clearing the frog from my throat, I stated, “That would be my second surprise.”
Peeking at Paxton, she winked.
“Who…who is it, Daddy?” Chloe asked, wiping the snot from her nose on her shirt.
I held up my finger and said, “Hold on. Everyone hold that thought!”
Rushing out of the formal dining room, I opened the front door. I put my finger to my mouth, but my sister Waylynn tackle-hugged me.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she said against my neck.
Squeezing her tight, I picked her up and spun her before putting her back down. “I’ve missed you. Come on. Mom is going to freak the fuck out.”
With her hand in mine, I led her to the dining room. “Look who I found at the door.”
Everyone turned and shocked expressions spread over their faces, except for Paxton’s. She’d been in on the plan to get Waylynn here.