“Daddy, he’s so nice! Jake even shared his cookies with me at lunch, and he said I’m the best at drawing in the whole class!”
Her dad couldn’t help but smile at Lily’s animated storytelling. “Sounds like Jake is a special friend. What else do you like about him?”
Blushing slightly, Lily continued, “Well, he’s really funny, and we both love collecting stickers. Oh, and he said he wants to be an inventor when he grows up!”
Her dad chuckled, enjoying the innocence of Lily’s excitement. “That’s wonderful, sweetheart. I’d love to meet this Jake. When can I do that?”
Lily’s eyes widened with anticipation. “Can he come over for dinner, Daddy? Please? I want you to meet him, and I know you’ll really, really like him!”
Her dad tousled her hair affectionately. “Of course, sweetheart. I’d be honored to meet Jake. Let’s plan a special dinner and make him feel welcome.”
And so, in the cozy warmth of their home, Lily and her dad prepared for an evening that would mark the start of a new chapter—an introduction to the young boy who had captured Lily’s heart and, in turn, found his way into her father’s affections.