The warm hum of conversation floated across the dining table. The smell of roasted chicken and herb rice mingled with the laughter that filled the room. It had been days of joy, stability, and a bond no one had expected would grow so fast.
Jane, radiant in a simple navy-blue dress, served Alden another helping of vegetables. Kara leaned back in her chair, twirling her fork between her fingers, looking thoughtfully around the table. Then, out of nowhere, she spoke:
"So… I've been thinking."
All eyes turned to her, especially Ethan who raised a brow, knowing her "thinking" often led to unexpected twists.
"I know this might sound weird," she continued, eyes flicking nervously toward Alden, "but… I've been feeling strange lately calling you 'uncle.' I mean, you raised us. Loved us. Protected us. You're the only father we've known…"
She paused, uncertain. "Would it be wrong if I called you… Dad?"
Alden froze for a moment, stunned into silence. Then a slow, emotional smile crept across his face.
"Kara," he said gently, voice thick with emotion, "you've always been like a daughter to me. You and Ethan are my family. If calling me 'Dad' feels right to you… then do it. With all my heart, I'd be honored."
Kara's eyes misted over. Ethan reached over and squeezed her shoulder, his own lips curled into a small, proud smile.
Then Kara tilted her head, her mischievous side returning.
"Okay then, Dad…" she said, emphasizing the word with playful pride. "I have a very important question for you."
Everyone chuckled. Alden took a sip of his wine, raising an eyebrow.
"Go on then, what's this important question?"
Kara looked at him straight in the eye, her tone surprisingly sincere beneath the teasing surface.
"Why aren't you married?"
The room went completely silent.
Jane coughed awkwardly. Ethan raised both brows and tried hiding a grin. Alden blinked, clearly caught off guard. He set his glass down and leaned back.
"Well… that came out of nowhere," he muttered, chuckling lightly. Then after a breath, his smile faded into something gentler—more vulnerable.
"Truth is… I wasn't sure I deserved happiness. My brother died, heartbroken and alone. I failed him. I failed you both. I thought—until I found you—that my life's greatest mission had already failed. How could I seek love or joy when the family I promised to protect was gone?"
The table went quiet again.
Then Ethan, ever reserved, spoke up with surprising clarity and strength:
"But we're here now. We're safe. We're happy. You've done more than anyone could. Nothing should stop you now from going after what makes you happy, too."
Jane looked at Alden with a softness that had grown over the past few weeks, admiration twinkling in her eyes. Kara leaned her head on Jane's shoulder with a smirk.
"See? Even Ethan thinks you should shoot your shot."
Everyone laughed warmly.
Alden ran a hand through his hair with mock exaggeration. "Well… I don't know. I'm not exactly a young stallion anymore. Who'd want an old man like me?"
Jane scoffed teasingly. "Oh please. You'd be surprised who still finds you charming."
The laughter returned, louder and more heartfelt this time.
That night, for the first time in years, Alden didn't just feel like a guardian or a brother upholding a duty. He felt like a father. A man surrounded by family. And maybe… just maybe, a man with a future beyond guilt and loss.
The next morning, Kara sat cross-legged on her bed, eyes glued to her phone screen with fierce determination. She scrolled through dozens of polished pictures she had taken of Alden the day before — classic, dashing, and effortlessly handsome in a navy blazer and soft smile.
Ethan peeked into her room and narrowed his eyes."You're not still on this mission, are you?"
Kara didn't even look up."Leave that to me, Ethan. Dad deserves happiness, and I'm going to make sure he gets it."
She tapped "upload" with a satisfied grin."There. His profile is live. I gave him the title: 'Elite Bachelor CEO with a Golden Heart'. Just wait. They'll be lining up."
Later That Day…
In the living room, Jane was flipping through a magazine when Kara burst in dramatically, waving her phone.
"Mom! My phone is burning!" she exclaimed. "I just posted Dad's profile an hour ago and I've already got over 300 messages—calls too! It's insane!"
Jane blinked."What did you write on there?"
Kara held up her phone proudly."Just the truth. 'Alden, 50s, widowed single guardian, extremely handsome, respected CEO, kind-hearted and loyal. Looking for genuine connection.' Boom!"
Ethan, who had just walked in with a cup of coffee, almost choked."You made him sound like the male version of a fairytale prince."
"Because he is," Kara shot back with mock seriousness. "He's hot, smart, rich, and honorable. He's a total catch!"
They all laughed, but the sincerity in her voice was unmistakable.
Alden soon entered, loosening his tie from a meeting. He paused, sensing something was off.
"What are you all laughing about?"
Kara turned to him, deadpan."Dad, don't freak out… but you're now the most eligible bachelor on The Right One dating app."
Alden froze mid-step."The what?"
Kara grinned and held up her phone like a trophy."And might I add—you already have over 500 women who want to marry you. And that's before I even start replying."
Alden stared at her in disbelief, rubbing his forehead.
"Kara…" he said warningly, but couldn't suppress the amused smile forming on his lips.
"Nope! Too late now," she said triumphantly. "Operation Love Dad is officially underway. We're picking the top five candidates for dinner dates starting this weekend."
Jane chuckled softly, amused by the whole scene."She's determined," she told Alden with a teasing smile."She inherited it from you," Alden muttered.
Kara threw her arm around Alden."Don't worry, Dad. You're a hot cake. By next month, women will be fighting to give you their hearts—and probably their family businesses too."
The room erupted in laughter again, the kind that came from healing hearts and hopeful futures.
And deep down, even Alden couldn't help but wonder…What if she's right? What if, after all the years of silence and sacrifice… love was finally knocking at his door?