Even though she always thought me to be the favorite, truth is, she has been and always will be his favorite. All the things she’d done in her life had led her to this. She never married, but raised David to be good man. He’d be starting school at Yale in a month, and our father couldn’t be more proud. Even though I am the baby, and he’s never said anything to discourage me, I was still so afraid to reveal my relationship to him. Even after all I’ve done. I say a silent prayer, to help me through today.

"So, Ms. Kennard, what do you do for a living," he asked, after we all ordered.

"Well right now I am a nurse and will be starting school in the fall for my MSN."

"Brilliant. So you and Elizabeth met at the hospital?"

"Yes, she was the attending therapist for the ICU."

"Marvelous. I had so wanted her to go into law as I had and as my father had. But my daughter is very ambitious. She’s always been one to help others. I guess that’s her mother’s doing."

"She’s truly exceptional. Amazing with patients and always willing to do more. Her mother would have been proud," Tina said softly, and my father smiled.

"Yes, yes she would have."

We talked for a bit while we ate. He was most impressed with all of us, ambition was something my father valued. We talked of family, and Kit elaborated on David’s plan and Tina talked about Jackson. I was still a bit nervous telling him that Tina was my girlfriend, but her hand met my knee and I knew that I couldn’t stall any longer. As the waiter set our desserts in front of us, I cleared my throat.

"Yes Elizabeth?"

"Well, um, daddy I wanted to let you know why I have brought Tina."

"Bette I am fairly intuitive, and I can read you like a book. I know what you are going to say, I don’t necessarily agree with it or understand but I approve. Ms. Kennard is sweet, kind and from what I can gather, a positive influence on you."

"What?"

"Really Elizabeth, what were you so afraid of?"

"I honestly don’t know anymore."

"It’s true I wasn’t happy with her decision," he said turning his attention to Tina, "but along my journey in life I’ve met a lot of people and they truly facinate me, I may not understand too well, but I understand enough."

"I’m speechless," I said sitting back.

"Well ladies, I must be going, I have a meeting in an hour," he said getting up and buttoning his suit jacket, "I’m so proud of you girls. So proud. And Ms. Kennard, take care of my baby."

"Of course Mr. Porter," she said, as he kissed her cheek.

"I would love to meet Jackson, sounds like a brilliant young boy."

"He really is."

We got into the car and I just sat there. Kit and Tina were just looking at me. I was in shock, did my father really just say that? Am I dreaming? I looked to Tina who was smiling and I looked at Kit who had the hugest smile on her face.

"Well, I didn’t expect that. But I’ll take it."