Page 159 of The One
“Is that so?” I looked at my brother, who was shrugging, and I laughed at him.
“It’s a big-girl job, Uncle ’Ett. I have to sprinkle flowers everywhere. That’ssoooimportant, Daddy says.”
I put my hand over hers as she placed it on my chest. “I’d say that’s one of the biggest roles in the wedding, Daisy.”
“I know.” She nodded, and a pigtail flopped in her face. “And guess what!”
“What?” Lainey said to her.
Daisy grinned at Lainey. “I’m going to sprinkle pink daisies because I know how much you love them.”
Lainey leaned in and rubbed her nose against Daisy’s. “You’re right. I do love them. But, bestie, I think I might have an even bigger role for you than flower girl.”
Daisy’s eyes grew larger. “You do?”
“How would you like to be one of my bridesmaids?”
Daisy gasped.
“Do you know what that is?” Lainey asked her.
“Taylor was a bridesmaid, and Daddy showed me the picture of her in the wedding she was in. Is that what I get to be, Lainey? Just like Taylor? I get to be right by you at the wedding?”
“Yes,” Lainey said, laughing. “You get to be right by me.”
I looked at Lainey, knowing there was a smile on my face. I couldn’t fucking hide it even if I wanted to. “You look pretty good with that baby in your arms, Mrs. Cole.”
“Mrs. Cole,” she replied with a wink. “We’re going there already, huh?”
“I’d marry you tomorrow. You know that.”
Lainey let out a long, deep breath, her face turning the slightest shade of red. I didn’t know if anyone else could see it, but I could. “Are you just saying that because you want me to have your baby?”
“Well, there’s that, yes,” I told her. “But I’m saying it because you’re my why and I’m ready for you to give up Taylor and become a Cole.”
Daisy shouted, “But I want her to always be a Taylor!”
“I know, baby, but that’s not going to happen,” I whispered to my little one.
“No, it’s definitely not,” Lainey agreed.
Lainey gave me the smile—the one I had been after.
The one I would always try to keep on her face.
Forever.
