Mommy, Where Is Daddy? The Forsaken Daughter's Return novel Chapter 85

~"I have often dreamed of a far off place

Where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me

Where the crowds would cheer, when they see my face

And a voice keeps saying this is where I'm meant to be"~

Beneath the spotlight, a man in his military uniform held his daughter's hand and waist.

The proud general Winfield danced with Samantha, slowly moving to another Disney tune of 'I Can Go The Distance.'

As Samantha looked at her father with a smile, resting her hand on his shoulder, she heard Winfield say, "You look so happy, Sam. I've never seen you happier in your life."

Samantha's eyes twinkled. Her smile widened before she admitted, "I am, Dad, but while I am happy, I'd wish you and Mom were okay."

"We are okay," answered Winfield with confidence. He turned to where Sarah was sitting and smiled at her. "She is... at least not avoiding me."

Seconds passed and as the song progressed, Samantha tightened her hold against her father, relaxing her head on his chest. She revealed, "Back in Monroe, I always wondered when we will embrace each other this way."

"I'm so glad we are back to the way it was, Dad," Samantha added, smiling at the crowd, looking in their direction. "It was just a few months ago that I thought this would never happen."

Like Samantha, Winfield held his daughter closer. He shut his eyes while pecking on her forehead. He caressed her golden hair and said, "Sam, I really am sorry for all my mistakes - "

"Dad, we are over this conversation and I accept your shortcomings, the same way you have accepted mine," Samantha interrupted her father's thoughts. "It's not yet too late, Dad, and you have been trying your best - you got Mom back."

Samantha glanced in her mother's direction and saw how Sarah was smiling back at them. She could tell how happy Sarah was about the development of her relationship with her father.

Looking up to Winfield, she said, "After our dance, Dad... you should ask to dance with Mom. Tell her about your plans."

"I plan to," Winfield answered. "Your mother looks so beautiful today."

"And you! You are so handsome in your uniform," encouraged Samantha. "Win her heart again, Dad."

Soon enough, the emcee announced how the dance floor was open for everyone to join in.

Ethan walked back in, seeing how the father and daughter danced had concluded. He took Samantha's hand and sailed along with the crowd.

The song from the Pocahontas movie played; 'If I Never New You.'

While a few of Ethan's relatives, join in the dance, Winfield walked straight to Sarah, offering his hand. He asked, "Can I have this dance with my wife?"

Sarah wound up looking at her daughter, who only had eyes on her. She saw the encouraging nod coming from Samantha and she smiled.

She understood how Samantha had longed for her and Winfield to get along. Turning to Winfield, she said, "Sure."

Slowly and carefully, Winfield and Sarah danced alongside the couple. They swayed until the end of the song, occasionally looking at each other.

"Nice to see you both dancing," remarked Amanda, dancing with her husband Daniel.

"Mom, Dad. You both look so good together," remarked Samantha, winking at her mother.

Sarah imposed a smile at the suggestion of her daughter, shifting her gaze back to Winfield.

"Remember how we met?" Winfield asked Sarah.

"How could I not," responded Sarah. Their school was invited to a military dance festival, and that was how she met Winfield. Like that time, he asked her for a dance and she fell madly in love with him since.

"Sarah, I - I applied for an early retirement," told Winfield. "I wanted to spend more time with you and Sam, considering all the time that we have lost."

Winfield unwittingly pulled Sarah closer to his torso and said, "If you allow me, I wanted to make up for everything and hope you'll come back to our home."

His eyes were glued to Sarah's blue eyes as he resumed his thoughts, "I am still your husband and you are my wife. To have and to hold, till death do us part."

The reminder of their vows made Sarah scoff. She asked, "Are you pressuring me?"