Written for Sadjeβs What Do You See #305.
Hereβs where the photo prompt took me.
Tag: Surprises
HAND IN HAND

Abigail had been waiting for this night for a long time. She was excited to be going to the gala with Charlie and she had a feeling something special was going to happen.
Charlie came into Abigailβs life six years ago and theyβd been inseparable ever since. She loved him very much and knew he loved her, too. Charlie was wonderful to Abigailβs mother Evelyn and that meant everything to her.
Abigail knew as soon as she met Charlie that he was βthe oneβ. On the other hand, her mother was not easily swayed. Evelyn was an excellent judge of character, possessing the uncanny ability of sizing someone up rather quickly. It took a few times being with Charlie before she felt the same way Abigail did. He was truly a wonderful man.
Together Abigail and her mother chose the ideal dress and Evelyn surprised Abigail with her great-grandmotherβs delicate seed pearl necklace. Evelyn knew in her heart this was a special night for Charlie and Abigail; she didnβt want to leave anything to chance.
As Abigail finished dressing for the dance, she heard Charlie and her mother talking downstairs. βHeβs here!β she thought happily, concerned that work would delay him as it frequently did. Abigail gracefully descended the stairs, her feet barely touching the carpeted steps. She was a vision of perfection in her pale pink floor-length dress and Charlie looked more handsome than ever in his three-piece charcoal grey suit, matching tie and pale pink shirt β a hint from Evelyn, no doubt.
With a dramatic flourish Charlie produced a wrist corsage from behind his back and slipped in onto Abigailβs arm. βYour favorite, sweetheart β Lilies of the Valleyβ Charlie said with a smile. Abigailβs fingers lightly touched the delicate flowers. βOh, Charlie! Theyβre beautiful and they smell heavenly.β
Watching the duo, Evelynβs eyes sparkled with joy; she was so happy for her daughter. βYou two look fabulous. You know, Charlie, this may be the perfect night to finally pop the questionβ she teased.
βWhy, you must have read my mindβ Charlie declared.
Abigailβs eyes widened as Charlie got down on one knee. He held her hand and said βAbby, I love you very much. Fate brought us together six years ago and I want to make it official. Please say βyesβ and make me the happiest man on earth. Will you allow me to adopt you?β
βDoes that mean youβll be my daddy now?β ten-year-old Abigail asked excitedly.
βYes, it does, Abbyβ Charlie replied with a grin.
βDaddy and Mommyβ Evelyn added and hugged her husbandβs arm as tears of joy tricked down her face.
βYES!β squealed Abigail, her fists pumping the air wildly. βThis is the best night ever! Iβve been wanting a real daddy forever! I canβt wait to tell my friends at the father-daughter dance tonight!β
Abigail ran to Charlie, threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. βI love you so much, Daddy! Can we go to the dance now?β
And off they went, hand in hand.
NAR Β© 2022
