Page 89 of Fourteen of a Kind

Graham

When I walked into Lily’s hospital room, I smiled when I saw Ella and her family celebrating the arrival of their new family member, Violet Alexandra.

“Graham, come here.” Ella smiled, grabbing my hand. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

“She is.” I grinned as Lily held her daughter in her arms. “Congratulations, Lily.” I leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

“Thank you, Graham.”

“Congrats, Dad.” I patted Adrien’s back.

“You have no idea how happy I am that she’s finally here.”

“How does it feel being a grandfather?” I asked Stefan.

“Words can’t even describe how I’m feeling right now.” A smile crossed his lips.

I stared at Ella as she took Violet from Lily and sat in the chair. The love I felt for her was beyond measure. I never thought I would be happy and my life would feel so complete.

Two Weeks Later

Ella was working late at the hospital. I grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and walked to Nathan’s house. Stepping through the sliding door, he and Sofia were in the kitchen.

“Hey, Graham.” Sofia smiled.

“Hi. Can I talk to both of you? In fact. If Conner, Jackson, and Christian are around, can you call them over?”

“What’s going on, Graham?” Nathan’s brows furrowed.

“I need to talk to all of you about something.”

“I’ll send them a text. I think they’re all home,” Nathan said.

A few minutes later, Jackson walked in with Conner and Christian behind.

“What’s up?” Conner said.

“Graham needs to talk to all of us,” Nathan said. “Let’s sit down at the table.”

We all took our seats, and I inhaled a sharp breath.

“Nathan. Sofia. I love your daughter very much.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small ring box. Flipping open the lid, I held it in front of them. “I would like your blessing to propose to Ella.”

Sofia placed her hand over her mouth. “Graham, it’s beautiful.”

Nathan stared at me momentarily, as did Ella’s uncles.

“I wanted to ask your permission because I know how close you all are to her and how much you love her. I highly respect each of you and thought it was only right.”

Nathan reached over and placed his hand on my shoulder. “You’re an amazing man, Graham, and I wouldn’t choose anyone else in this world to marry my daughter. You have our blessing.”

“Now, wait a second,” Conner said. “Just kidding. You have my blessing.” A grin crossed his face.

“And mine.” Jackson smiled.

“Definitely.” Christian grinned.

“Oh, my gosh.” Sofia stood up, walked over, and wrapped her arms around my neck from behind, kissing my cheek. “I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law.”

---