I watched her head over my way, adoring the way her eyes were flitting about the place, her expression so nervous but trying so hard to hide it. Once again the realisation of what was looming slammed me in the fucking gut. The terror at how I would ever manage to wave this woman away to her brand new life without me.
Colin saw me first and pointed me out, and that gorgeous smile of hers was my world as the three of them headed on over.
It took everything I had not to sweep her into my arms, making sure to shake Colin’s hand and lean in to kiss Diane’s cheek before guiding Faith on over towards the podium.
People were already quietening down ready to begin, and my princess breathed out so long and deep at my side as we reached the stage.
“I’m so nervous,” she whispered. “Absolutely crapping myself.”
She showed me her trembling fingers, and I took her hand, making sure it was out of view of the people in the crowd when I ran my thumb so gently across her knuckles.
“You’re going to be amazing, Faith. This is your moment. This is your time.”
She nodded, and squeezed my fingers right back. And then she was on her way, up and at it, a big grin on her face as she stepped up to that podium and addressed the crowd.
“Good evening, everyone,” she began, and I headed right back to the rear of the room where Colin and Diane were standing. We were right in the middle, directly facing her and in prime position to watch the show, and my heart was soaring along with theirs, all three of us blooming with so much love and pride for that girl up there.
“Wow,” Faith carried on. “It’s so amazing to see so many of you here tonight. I really am so grateful you could make it.” She sought me out in the room. “We both are.”
So many people looked at me, and Colin nudged my arm in some kind of silent thanks for my effort at helping his little girl with her big event, and I felt so happy.
So happy and so right to be us, even though so many people would call us so fucking wrong.
That girl up there was so special. That woman was my world.
And so she started.
She addressed the crowd in a lively voice and pushed herself forward in her own unique flow all over again. She encouraged them on, giggling and grinning and pushing them to bid higher and higher, and it was such a show to watch. Such a show to enjoy.
“She’s so good,” Colin whispered to me, as we approached halfway through the listings. “I’m so proud of her.”
“She is good,” I agreed. “Truly, she’s so talented. This really is a true vocation for her.”
He nodded, but didn’t say much more, and I hoped he’d realise. I hoped he’d realise just how strong her calling was for so much more than number crunching over at Warwick.
I’d have happily watched her for weeks on end, she was so beautifully captivating on that stage. I’d never have tired of listening to that lively voice of hers, enjoying herself so much.
It was a shame how the time ran away with us so quickly. The listings zoomed by and it felt like a blink until we were finished, Faith thanking everyone once again for being there.
The crowd gave a huge round of applause out of nowhere, congratulating her so much for her effort as she took a deep breath with another thank you. They got to their feet, so many of them, and my heart swelled and thumped, as I applauded like crazy along with her parents as my perfect girl stepped away from the stage.
I mentally clocked up a rough idea of the bid values, and it was impressive. Really damn impressive. She’d made a fucking fortune for those cats and that sanctuary. I told Colin and Diane as much and they nodded, already fully realising it themselves.
Diane was welling up as my glorious girl made it over to us at the back of the room. She grabbed her so tight and squeezed her so hard, and Colin grabbed hold of her straight after.
“We’re so proud of you, sweetie,” he said, and her eyes met mine over his shoulder.
I only wished I could reach out and grab her myself. I only wished I could hold her tight and let the whole room know she was the woman who’d stolen my heart.
“Let’s get on over to that champagne,” I said, and led the way from the sale room.
I guided Colin and Diane across the road with a smile, well aware of how Faith and I were buzzing so tight with the tension. Champagne on entry was welcome, and the room was alive enough to feel the thrill, and it really was a glorious venue promising so many donations on top of such excellent item bids.