"And what did you say?" I told him that love doesn't look like stalking, doesn't look like threatening children, doesn't look like embezzling $50 million while systematically destroying the woman you claim to care about." Thomas looked at his daughter. I told him he'd lost any right to speak your name, and that if he ever contacted you again after getting out, I would make sure he regretted it. Dad, I know I failed you for years.
I failed you. I chose Marcus over your judgment. I questioned your competence when I should have been protecting you. His voice cracked. But I'm trying to do better.
I don't know if it's enough. I don't know if anything I do now can make up for what I didn't do then, but I'm trying. Victoria hugged her father. First time in years she'd initiated physical contact with him. Thomas held on like he was afraid she might disappear if he let go.
I forgive you, Victoria said. Not because you deserve it, but because holding on to anger hurts me more than it hurts you. I love you, Victoria. I should have said it more. Should have shown it better.
You're showing it now. That counts for something. One year after the gala, Victoria proposed. Not in dramatic fashion. not in expensive restaurant or private jet or any of the ways billionaires were supposed to propose. She did it on a Sunday afternoon in the park where Lily had been insisting they take her to feed ducks.
They weren't actually ducks. They were geese who were aggressive about bread distribution. But Lily called them ducks. So ducks they were. They were walking back toward Ethan's apartment.
Lily holding both their hands in configuration, she called building a bridge. Victoria stopped suddenly. I need to ask you something. You can say no. Most people would probably say no, but I have to ask.
Lily looked up with curious expression, suggesting she sensed something important happening. Ethan raised an eyebrow. Waiting. Victoria knelt down to Lily's level first. Lilybug, I need to ask your dad something important, but I wanted to ask you first if it would be okay with you.
Lily's eyes went wide. Are you going to ask if you can be my real mom? Victoria's composure cracked. Sort of. I'm going to ask your dad if he wants to marry me for real this time. not pretend like we were doing before, actually married, which would mean I'd be in your family permanently, but only if that's okay with you."
Lily didn't hesitate. She threw her arms around Victoria with force that nearly knocked her over. "Yes, yes, yes, yes. I want you to be my mom forever." Victoria caught Ethan's eye over Lily's shoulder.