Chapter 22 - The Conversation
Before Lucas proposed to Elena, he took Lily out to dinner at their favorite, quiet Italian restaurant. He wanted her absolute, unfiltered opinion before he made any permanent decisions.
"I'm thinking about asking Elena to marry me," Lucas said, cutting straight to the point as the waiter cleared their plates.
Lily, now a sharp, perceptive seventeen-year-old, looked at her father. She set her fork down, offering a warm, knowing smile.
"It's about time, Dad," she laughed softly. "I was starting to think you were too afraid of her rejecting you."
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it," Lucas said, his expression turning serious. "You know what happened the last time I tried this. I never want to put you in a position where you feel compromised in your own home."
Lily reached across the table, covering his hand with hers. "Dad, Vanessa was a long time ago. You protected me then, and you’ve protected me every day since. But you don't need to protect me from Elena. She's wonderful. She loves us both."
"She does," Lucas agreed, feeling a massive weight lift from his shoulders.
May you like
"Mom would be really happy for you," Lily whispered, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy. "She wrote that letter because she wanted you to be happy. Not just safe. Happy."
Lucas squeezed her hand. "I am happy, Lily. I have been happy for a very long time. Because I have you."
