Chapter 17: The First Dance
The reception was a lively, joyous affair. The marble floors, once a backdrop for Lily’s anxiety, were now a vibrant dance floor.
After sharing a deeply romantic dance with Clara, Arthur knelt down and extended his hand to Lily. "May I have this dance, little one?"
Lily beamed, taking her father's hand as he twirled her gently to a slow, acoustic melody. As they swayed, Arthur pulled the vintage compass from his pocket, holding it flat so Lily could see the needle spinning before settling in one direction.
"Do you know how this works?" Arthur asked.
Lily shook her head, her big eyes fascinated by the quivering arrow.
"No matter where you turn it, it always points North," Arthur explained softly, guiding her small hands to hold it with him. "When sailors are lost at sea, the compass tells them how to get home. But I don't need a compass anymore, Lily."
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"Why not?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Because my home isn't a place," Arthur smiled, looking over Lily’s head to where Clara was watching them with tears of pure happiness in her eyes. "My home is wherever you and your mom are."
