“And all the things that happened after… my father’s wandering, my meeting you at the pharmacy, your getting this job, even your mother’s hospital bill… none of it was an accident.”
Angela’s breath caught.
Jeff smiled gently. “Papa planned it.”
At that moment, Papa James walked slowly out from the hallway with a wide smile.
Angela turned to him in shock.
Papa laughed softly. “My daughter, I saw your heart before my son did. The day you gave your last money to feed a stranger, I knew you were rare. I still had your number. When Jeff found me, I told him about you. When he said he needed someone he could trust, I knew the answer already. And yes… I paid your mother’s hospital bill. How could I watch you suffer after all you did for me?”
Angela burst into tears.
“Papa…”
He opened his arms. “Come here, my daughter.”
She knelt by him, crying into his hands.
Jeff waited until she looked up again, then held both her hands in his.
“Angela, I love you. Not because of pity. Not because of gratitude. I love your heart, your strength, your kindness. Will you marry me?”
Papa James grinned. “Please say yes. I want you in this family.”
Angela looked from father to son, tears shining in her eyes. Then she smiled and whispered, “Yes.”
Papa James clapped with joy.
