A/N: While Layla and Ryan are on their honeymoon, this chapter will focus on Austin and Braelyn's relationship. As well as Nolan's issues that he will soon face.

Father/daughter dance song for Braelyn and Austin - Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle

Austin's POV

I noticed Braelyn started getting sleepy and she may be a little sore after what happened. I am still angry about that. Julia is going to pay for hurting my baby girl. "Braelyn is getting sleepy, so I am going to say goodnight to everyone. And, thanks again Bliss and Shane for taking care of my baby girl."

"You're welcome, Austin. I would do anything for Braelyn." Bliss came over and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "Good night, sweetie. Shane and I will walk with you to your truck."

"Thanks." I carried Braelyn in my arms and she laid her head on my shoulder. Then, we all walked to my Suburban. I wasn't parked too far, so it was a short walk.

Once we reached the truck, I put Braelyn in her car seat in the back. Then, I made my way to the driver's side. "Thanks again and you both have a good night."

"Good night, Austin."

They waited until I pulled out of the parking space to go back to the reception. I am looking forward to the next three weeks that I get to spend with Braelyn. 

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Once I finally reached my house in Brooklyn, it was after one o'clock in the morning. I peaked in the back and Braelyn was knocked out. So, I got out of the driver's side to get Braelyn from the passenger side back seat. After slowly getting her out into my arms, I closed the door, and pressed the alarm button to lock the doors.

Then, I made my way inside. Braelyn has clothes here already, so I carried her upstairs and put her pajamas on. Afterwards, I made my way to my bedroom and crashed on the bed.

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Sunday, April 7th, 2019

I turned to see what time it was. The alarm clock said 9:00 am. I got up to check on my baby girl. She was up, but I saw a sad look on her face.

"Good morning, baby girl. What's wrong, princess?" I also noticed she was holding her arm.

"My arm hurts, daddy."

I am still pissed that Julia shoved Braelyn for accidentally bumping in to her! I wish I knew how she was before dating her. She always put on an act when around Braelyn. I want her behind bars forever.

"Come to daddy, princess. What would you like for breakfast?"

She wrapped her arms around my neck and I carried Braelyn downstairs.

"Cereal, daddy."

"Okay. One bowl of cereal coming up. After you finish eating, I'll give you some medicine for your arm." I am going to call Braelyn's doctor tomorrow morning to see when I can bring her in. As a parent, it hurts seeing your child hurt. I grabbed a bowl of cereal for myself.

"How about we watch movies today, just you and me?"

"Okay, daddy." After eating our cereal, I gave Braelyn a dose of children's Tylenol. Then, we made our way to watch movies in the living room.

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Nolan's POV

Hmm, this chick maybe a keeper. Keyword is 'maybe.' But, I always tell theses chicks up front what the deal is.

"Well, it was nice knowing you. Thank you for last night, but don't count on it happening again."

"Don't be so sure, Mr. Grant."

I walked her to the door, so she would not try to stay in my house. When I opened the door, boy was I surprised.

"Uh hello, can I help you with something?" She looks like the girl I had 'fun' with in Jamaica. 

She says, "Does this sound familiar - September 2018 in Jamaica at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Spa, suite 3005? And, it was one, long, steamy night of me screaming your name out loud. Also, before the words come out of your mouth, you are the only one I had 'fun' with. I was a virgin before that."

"I am toast." This can't be happening. I am always careful. This is one costly slip up. I pushed the one chick out and pulled the, uh, pregnant chick in. 

"Hey!" I shut the door in the other chick's face.

I remember that day exactly because she was the one that I actually liked and considered her for more than one time. 

The responsible thing is to man up and take care of the baby. Ugh, I can't believe it. I need a drink. "You know my name, but I don't know yours. And, is the baby a boy or girl?" My mother is going to wring my neck.

"My name is Jewel. And, I am pregnant with a girl. I named her Lily Diamond. If you don't like it, I can change it."

"It is a beautiful name. You don't have to change it."

"Look Mr. Grant. I am just as shocked as you. And, if you think I did this on purpose, I pity you. You are a very attractive man no doubt. Most of the time I don't listen to my friends' advice. But, this time I did, and now, I am 2 months away from giving birth to a baby girl. Lily will be born on June 9th. My business is actually in Yonkers, and I live there as well. I own my own bakery - Cake-A-Licious. I am not here to ask you for anything. I am more than capable of taking care of Lily. As her father, I felt that you needed to know. Here is my address if you ever want to visit Lily."

She handed me a business card of not only her business, but home address. I was lost in my own thoughts. "Lily Diamond Grant. Lily Diamond Grant." I still can't believe it - I am going to be a father. "I need a drink." I was so deep in my thoughts that I did not hear Jewel get up and leave the living room.

"Wait!!" I ran after her. She stopped before opening the door. "I would like to be in Lily's life. It takes two to create, so it will take both of us to raise her. We could at least get to know each other. Please, have a seat in the living room."

With the news that I am a father, it is time to take my mother's advice. I can't be doing those types of things with a child in the house. I started off first.

"I have a reputation as being a player."

"Oh, I already know. I did my research on you, well after I found out I was pregnant. You are currently the head man in charge at Grant's Men's Warehouse. Please don't do that type of behavior around Lily. I'm guessing that girl leaving was your 'fun.'"

"Yes, she was. I know I need to change my ways, especially now that I have a daughter on the way. My mother even told me. It's going to be hard, but I am willing to change. I am an only child."

"I have two older brothers and a younger sister. I am 26 years old. I am quite stubborn and will do whatever it takes to defend myself. Please don't take what I am about to say offensive. My mother cautioned me before my friends and I left for vacation about exactly what I did. But, dummy me, I listened to my friends. They told me, "Find someone to release the tension and stress you are feeling, girl." My ex cheated on me a few months before September. I really did think you were attractive. So, when we saw each other on the elevator, I chose you to be the one to release my tension and stress. Like I said earlier, you were the first guy."

"Trust me, I am not offended. All I was looking for on that trip was someone to have 'fun' with. So, basically we used each other for 'fun.' While we are being honest, you was really the first girl that I found myself actually attracted to, not just for 'fun.' I really would like to be involved in Lily's life. I mean it. Here is my phone number. Call for whenever you need me to be there for you and Lily. I would love to be at the hospital when she is born."

"Thank you, Nolan. That is all that I was hoping for."

"I'm sure you are hungry. How about we order lunch?"

"Sure."

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Narrator's POV

Over lunch, Jewel and Nolan learned more about each other. They even set up a dinner with both families to get to know each other.

Speaking of, Nolan had a face to face meeting with his parents. He told his parents about the fact that he was going to become a father in June. Like he predicted, his mother was furious! His father was speechless. Because of both families' busy schedules, the dinner would be held in two Saturdays.

Meanwhile, Austin was able to schedule an appointment for after school for Braelyn. 

The doctor reassured Austin. She took several x-rays of Braelyn's arm. The doctor confirmed with Austin that Braelyn does not have any broken bones, it was a bruise. The doctor also asked Braelyn if her arm was hurting. Braelyn said it didn't hurt anymore.

Austin learned from Braelyn's teacher that there is going to be a father/daughter dance at the school. So, he said he would definitely come. 

They did so many fun things over the past two weeks. He took Braelyn to the zoo, the park, and even Chuck E. Cheese. Austin also took Braelyn dress shopping and to the salon to get her hair done for the dance.

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Saturday, April 20, 2019

Austin's POV

After I finished putting on my suit, I went to check on Braelyn.

"Daddy, can you help me?"

"Of course, baby girl. I have a surprise for you."

From behind my back, I pulled out a box with a tiara in it. Then,  I took it out of the box and placed it in her hair. "There, now you truly look like a princess."

"Thank you, daddy."

"You're welcome, princess." After helping Braelyn put on her dress, "Let's take a picture and send it to mommy."

"Okay, daddy." She hopped in my lap as we sat on the bed. I put the camera on selfie mode, then we said, "Cheese!!!" Then, I attached it in a text with the caption, "A night on the town with my favorite girl." I told Layla that Braelyn and I had a date at the school for a father/daughter dance.

5 minutes later, she replied, "Awww." She used the crying emoji in her response, "Braelyn is growing up before our eyes. 😭😭😭. She looks beautiful. Thank you, Austin. Enjoy the dance and give Braelyn a kiss from mommy and tell her I said hello."

I gave Braelyn a kiss. "That was a kiss from mommy and she said to tell you hello. Our chariot awaits us, Princess Braelyn." She started giggling as we walked downstairs and left the house for the dance.

Nolan's POV

I was a nervous wreck, not just about this dinner, but also about being a father. It is not going to be easy, but she is my flesh and blood. 

Over the past two weeks, Jewel and I continue to work on becoming closer. But, we are not close enough for me to ask her on a date. She wants to see more changes in me and for me to drop the 'player' label. I agreed. A couple of times I was tempted, but I saw images of Lily and Jewel in my mind.

Everyone is coming to my house for dinner. Both families are bringing the food. I can't cook at all. I did buy plenty of drinks, including water because that is what Jewel will be drinking. I bought dessert as well.

I heard a knock on the door. I took a deep breath, then opened it. It was Jewel and her family.

"Hi. Come in." Everyone came inside, and I closed the door. I showed them to the dining room.

"Nolan, these are my parents, Beverly and David Nash. This is my sister, Mara. And, my two brothers, Neal and Joseph. Mom and dad, this is Nolan, Lily's father."

"It's nice to meet everyone." Nobody said anything as they sat down, which is what I expected. 

Then, I heard another knock on the door. I peeped through the door hole and saw my parents.

"Jewel's family is in the dining room." Even my parents were silent as they entered the house. This is going to be one long night. 

I already had the table set with plates, glasses and silverware. So, everyone dug into the food and placed it on their plates. It was quite for a while until Mrs. Nash spoke.

"Nolan, is it? First I want to say that my husband and I don't care that you are white. We raised our children to treat all races with respect at all times. The problem we have with you is how you treat women as sex objects. And, we are disappointed with you Jewel because we cautioned you about putting yourself in this situation, but you ignored us."

Then, my mother interjected, "I told Nolan the same thing. Women absolutely are not sex objects. But, what's done is done. You both are adults. I understand you both expressed liking each other."

Jewel says, "Yes, we have Mrs. Grant. But, I also told Nolan because of the player ways, that as far as us dating, he would need to make drastic changes. Lily is his daughter and I will never take her away from him. I also want to apologize for just now contacting you two months before Lily is born, Nolan. I knew how you were and was scared of how you would take it."

"That is understandable. I surprised myself. My focus at the moment is to be there for Lily as her father and be there for you in the delivery room."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Grant these are my parents, Beverly and David. And, my brothers and sister, Neal, Joseph and Mara."

My father then says, "It is nice to meet you. My name is Richard, and this is my wife, Patricia."

"Jewel honey, Nolan may be my child, but that boy is absolutely stubborn. Let me know how he treats you. Nolan told me you own your own business."

"Yes, ma'am. I own a bakery in Yonkers - Cake-A-Licious. It has been open since I graduated from college four years ago. I just recently turned 26 in March. Business has been great to the point I am looking to expand to Manhattan. But, that will wait until after Lily is born."

My dad tells Jewel, "Nolan told me the baby's name will be Lily Diamond Grant. That is a beautiful name."

"Thank you, Mr. Grant. Lilies are my favorite flower and I chose Diamond because they are sparkly and beautiful."

Well, this is going better than I expected. Now, it is up to me to stop my player ways.

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Austin POV

This was a special night, so I rented a limo for Braelyn and me to ride in. She is my princess and I am going to treat her like one. The dance starts at 5:00 pm and ends at 8:00 pm. The school Braelyn goes to actually has a reception hall and it was beautifully decorated.

We saw many fathers with their daughters. Before we went to our seats, Braelyn and I went over to take a picture for the school's memory book for the kindergartners that will be given to the families. The school was going to pay for two copies per child, but if the parents wanted extra copies, they could buy them. I got extra copies for everyone. I spare no expense when it comes to my baby girl. 

"Let's go find our seat, princess." We walked over to the desk in the lobby. We saw Braelyn's teacher. "Hi, Braelyn. You look very pretty tonight, just like a princess."

"Thank you, Mrs. Davis. This is my daddy."

"Hi, Mr. Mitchell. Braelyn is a joy to have in my class. She is very friendly with her classmates, and might I add polite."

"Thank you, Mrs. Davis. That's my girl."

"Here is your table number and enjoy the evening that is planned for the kids."

"Thank you." We made our way to our table. One of Braelyn's friends was sitting with us. Once we sat down, she waved her hand to her friend, then said, "Daddy, this is my friend, Stephanie."

"It is nice to meet you, Stephanie. I am Braelyn's daddy."

"I'm Stephanie's dad, Matt. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Mitchell." We shook hands. "It is nice to meet you too."

The principal of the school is about to make an announcement.

"Welcome to The Willow Elementary School first annual Father/Daughter dance for the kindergartners. Shortly, dinner will be served. But first we have a surprise. Staff from the school will be passing out bouquet of flowers to all the students in attendance."

The bouquet of flowers were very pretty. Braelyn could not stop smiling.

"And, we also have an additional surprise from each kindergarten teacher to present to one special student. First, we have Mrs. Davis."

Mrs. Davis walked over to the podium and gave a little speech. "Thank you to all of the dads who were able to attend this inaugural event with their daughters. All of my students in my class are special to me. It is a joy and treasure to teach them. It was hard choosing, but the student I did choose did something that I was not able to do. The shyest kid in my class is no longer shy because of this special student. She is a joy to teach and I am going to miss her as she moves on to first grade next year. So, my choice for this year is Braelyn Mitchell."

Everyone applauded Braelyn as we made our way to her teacher. A few tears came down my eyes. This truly is a special night.

Braelyn received a purple gift box, as well as an award for being an outstanding student. She smiled and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Davis."

"Thank you, Mrs. Davis. I am absolutely proud of Braelyn for winning this honor. It means a lot to me and her mom." The cameraman came over to take a picture of us. This really has turned out to be a special night. We made our way back to our seats. The other kindergarten teachers presented their awards.

After the awards were presented, then dinner was served.

Dinner was delicious. They made fried chicken, green beans, mac & cheese, and a dinner roll. Braelyn surprised me when she ate all of the mac & cheese because she likes homemade mac & cheese only. 

After dinner, the principal strode up to the podium again. "Dads, get your dancing shoes on. The time has come for the reason we are all here."

So, I stood up, I bowed and asked, "Braelyn Alexis Mitchell, will you dance with me?"

She giggled and said, "Yes, daddy." 

We made our way to the dance floor. "Put your feet on mine, baby girl."

https://youtu.be/vmC3rJR7E98

Once again, I had tears in my eyes. To look around and see all of the fathers spending time tonight with their daughters is beautiful. 

Once the song that was chosen finished, then fast music was played, and we all danced.

We had a great time together and it is one that we will not forget. The principal made her closing remarks.

"Thank you dads for spending this special day with your daughters. The final surprise for the evening is along with the memory books, the school will pay for two copies of tonight's events for everyone. Thank you all and have a good night."

Everyone applauded and made their way back to their tables. Stephanie's dad said, "Thanks to Braelyn, Stephanie is no longer that shy, little girl anymore. I met Braelyn's mom before and I wanted to say the same thing to you - thank you for raising a sweet, little girl. I have seen it for myself. Braelyn is very friendly with everyone in the class."

"Thank you very much. We are very proud of Braelyn." Braelyn gave Stephanie a hug and then they left.

"Ready to go home, baby girl?"

"Yes, daddy." Braelyn grabbed her flowers and I grabbed her award and gift box. Then, we headed to the doors and made our way home in the limo.

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Narrator's POV

Austin actually had Braelyn stay with him for another week while Layla and Ryan regrouped from their honeymoon. 

The following week, Braelyn showed Layla and Ryan the pictures from the dance and her award. They were both proud of her. Braelyn also received a Visa gift card for $100, which was in the gift box.

May approached quickly. Ryan and Austin were quite busy with the personal training business. Layla finalized a date for her grand opening in Milan for the last week of August - 26th through the 31st because Braelyn will be starting the 1st grade the following week. 

May was also the month that Bliss was being sued by Alexander Mahoney. So, Layla, Austin, Braelyn, and Ryan went to support her. 

Sadly as the trial was coming to an end, Mr. Mahoney lost his mind and choked Bliss. CPR was performed, and she was rushed to the hospital.

She was visibly upset and scared for her life after that incident. So,  Shane is taking her to London for one month.

Layla and family will travel to London the following week to help surprise Bliss.

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Saturday, June 1st, 2019

Layla's POV

"It really is sweet of Shane to send his plane back for us. Lollipop, are you ready to surprise your Aunt Bliss?"

"Yes, mommy."

"Bliss deserves to shine in the spotlight. That Mahoney character is pathetic - choking her like he lost his mind."

"I agree, Austin. I can't wait to see how Shane is going to propose."

Shane's pilot came off the plane. "Hi everyone. My name is Jimmy and I will be your pilot for your flight. We have several flight attendants aboard should you need anything to eat or drink. Come on aboard and take your seats. We have been given clearance to takeoff."

"Hi, Jimmy. Thank you so much for coming back for us. This is my daughter, Braelyn, Austin, and my husband, Ryan. And, I am Layla."

"You're welcome." We followed Jimmy on the plane and took our seats. The male flight attendant then closed the door and took his seat.

"Good morning, Layla and family. Welcome aboard. Sit back and relax. We will now be on our way to London."

The plane's engine roared. Then, Jimmy taxied the plane to the runway and we took off for London.

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Thank you for reading chapter 27.

1. Braelyn's dance dress courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Gouyer Stephanie

2. Braelyn's tiara is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Wth Apparel

3. Reception hall for the father/daughter dance is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / costin79

 Thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘