Chapter 47
Ben woke up feeling good, but disappointed in himself. He had stuffed it up once again. At least he got on a knee, told her he loved her, and gave her a ring, but he had a whole plan that he didn't get to carry out. A whole experience that Jaz missed out on. He was happy she had said yes and was wearing the sapphire ring he had picked out. He was also happy it fit her well. He was still determined to find the championship ring, but he was going to make it his hobby instead of being crazy and trying to search in the middle of the night.
He looked over at Jasmine. She was asleep next to him. She stirred a bit and rolled over, cuddling up to his chest. Ben breathed in deep and wished he never had to move. There was a beautiful woman, the mother of his child, wearing his ring, cuddled up on his chest. But, as the baby monitor rattled and Ben heard Kelly start to cry in the other room, he knew all good things must come to an end. He carefully eased Jaz off his chest and got out of bed and headed to Kelly's room.
She was standing up in her crib and was crying hard. Ben picked up his daughter and began to bounce her in his arms.
"It's okay, Kelly. Your daddy is here now. Are you wet, my little one?" Ben checked her nappy and it was very wet. "Okay, Kelly. I would cry too if I was in a wet nappy. Let's get you all changed up here. We will get you all changed up and then I'll give you some goldfish crackers. Doesn't that sound good? Let's stop your crying so your poor mum can sleep in a little bit. She is a wonderful lady and deserves a little extra sleep sometimes," Ben said to his daughter.
"I love Momma." said Kelly through the sobs. "And Maui says, You're Welcome!"
Ben changed Kelly into a fresh diaper and soothed her until she was calm and smiling. He put her in a purple dress and tied a purple ribbon in her short blond hair.
"You look just like your momma, don't you? You are going to grow up to be the most beautiful woman. I hope you are strong and hardworking like your momma. You can grow up and be anything you want, Kelly. Your mom and I will support your dreams. And, guess what little one, I get to live my dream by marrying your mom. She said yes, Kelly!" said Ben to his daughter.
Kelly looked at her dad and smiled.
"Daddy, I'm hungry. Goldfish please?" Kelly requested.
"Me too, babe. Let's get some breakfast cooking. Maybe we can surprise your mom with breakfast in bed."
Jaz smiled in the other room. She had woken up to Kelly's cries and heard everything on the baby monitor. She looked down at her hand and the ring on her finger. The ring was perfect. Her family was perfect.