Dakota turned her head. “A little; I’m about to meet three sisters I never knew I had. What if they don’t like me?”
Tristan put his arm around her waist to comfort her. “Who couldn’t possibly like you?”
She smiled and Marion opened the door.
Her nerves eased instantly with warm greetings from her family. Hugs followed the hellos and introductions. Dakota felt as though she’d known her sisters her entire life. She couldn’t believe how much they had in common as they rambled over gift openings and drinks. Her step-mom was completely different than her mom. She was like the fifties mom that baked and cooked and got everyone sensible gifts—things they needed and would definitely use. Some gifts brought about laughter while others brought tears to Dakota’s eyes. It’s like they knew the type of person she was and what she’d like. The house was filled with more family and love than she’d ever felt. In one day, she had a father she’d never known and a step-mom that welcomed her into her family. Plus, three younger sisters— two with husbands and children, and another who’d astonished her with stories of her determination to have a film career in L.A. The afternoon had been amazing and she’d never tasted food that good.
“Let me help clear the table,” she announced and stood. Dakota gathered her plate and Tristan’s. The look on his face made her wonder if somehow her excitement with her family had excluded him. He seemed distracted or lonely. She couldn’t put her finger on it. She leaned in as she took his plate. “Is everything okay?” She whispered.
He smiled and nodded. “Things couldn’t be more perfect.”
Relief settled in somewhat, but she still worried as she retreated to the kitchen with her sisters. Upon re-entering the dining room, she overheard her father tell Tristan he had his blessing.
“Blessing for what?” Dakota prompted as she picked up a dish. She almost dropped the plate from her hand when Tristan got down on one knee. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black box. His hand shook slightly as he opened it.
“Your father has given me his blessing to ask for your hand in marriage. Will you marry me, Dakota?”
Dakota gasped. She brought her hands to her mouth. She felt her eyes water and she squealed a word that didn’t quite sound like yes. She laughed and took her hands away. She reiterated a more correctly formed yes, followed by another yes.
Tristan slipped the ring on her finger. “You’ve just made me the happiest man.”
He stood and leaned in to seal her answer with his kiss.
Dakota smiled.
“You’ve just made my last wish come true.”