Millie, I would like you to meet my father, William Hayley.

He let go of my hand and extended it for Millie. She hesitated momentarily, the shock of such a sudden change evident in her face. When she took his hand the smile on her face warmed my heart, her eyes began to well up but she pushed the tears away.

Its a pleasure to meet you. she said, her words choked by the mood of the moment.

Millie, so youre the one I should thank for my daughters happiness?

Millie and I laughed, glancing shyly at each other.

I wish I could take all the credit William. she said, letting go of his hand and and taking mine.

I turned to her, wanting to say so much but no words seemed worthy. I pulled her hand behind my back so she would lean forward and captured her lips with mine. Holding her there, the tenderness of the moment took my breath away. I never knew so much could be said from one kiss, unless it was passionate of course. But as we parted we both knew it had been so much more than just a meeting of our lips.

Oh Will, where have you been. We had duck for dinner, your favourite.

Millie and I turned to see Rupert with my dad, I thought it would be uncomfortable to see my father with someone else other than my mum, especially as it was a man. But strangely enough, they looked almost made for each other. Ok Rupert might have been overly camp and a bit extravagant, but the look he gave my dad was genuine and the smile they shared was warm and familiar.

Ru, I would like you to meet someone very special to me.

Rupert had already been introduced to me but he didn’t say, instead he allowed my father this introduction. It was obvious to everyone that this was very important to him.

My daughter, Beatrice.

Rupert nodded a smile to me and shook my hand, kissing it again as he had done earlier. But there was a look of respect in his eyes which had been missing before and I felt almost privileged to be his boyfriends daughter.