With his hand on the small of Mia's back, he led the way. They spent the next couple of minutes chatting, and introducing Mia to his partners as well as the other guests.
After what felt like forever, Mia finally sighted her Dad. He was chatting away with Tessie, her elder sister.
"Daddy," She smiled, hugging him.
"I miss you so much, princess," Jack said, returning his daughter's hug.
"I missed you too," Mia mumbled against her father's shoulder.
While father and daughter had their moment, Tessie and Colton exchanged pleasantries.
"You're looking good, my dear," Jack said to his daughter once they pulled away from the hug.
"I agree! You look really elegant and you're glowing wonderfully well. There's no doubt that this man over here is taking great care of you!" Tessie referred to Colton who couldn't help but smile.
Mia blushed. "He is."
"Congratulations to you both on your engagement." He turned to Colton, "I'm glad you're living up to your promise. Thank you for taking great care of my beautiful daughter. I wish you both more happiness and all the good things you could ever ask for."
"Thanks, Dad," the couple responded.
"So, how was your trip?" Mia asked.
"Incredible, extremely comfortable. My first time on a private jet. Thanks to your fiancé."
Mia nodded. "Will you be staying in New York for a while or will you be returning immediately?"
"I'll be staying for a couple of days. My soon-to-be-in-laws offered me a place in the guest house. I will be busy tomorrow because I have an outing with them. Then I'll have to see my grandkids, a few friends, and have a lunch or dinner date with you before I go back."
Mia nodded in understanding. "I'm glad to know that you're getting along with Colton's parents."
"Yeah. At first, I didn't know how to feel when I heard that you were dating someone from a high class. I was really worried for you that things weren't going to go well but I'm glad for how everything turned out to be. The Royals are good and humble people. Derik and Vicky are one of the most respectful people I've ever met."
"You sound like you've known them for a longer time!" Mia arched her brow with a small smile on her face.
"Yeah. I spoke to them on the phone when Colton came to ask for your hand in marriage. It wasn't okay that I gave my blessings. I had to be sure that his parents were fine with you being their daughter-in-law. They assured me that they love you, they want you and Colton to be together, and they already see you as their daughter."
"Brad and I arrived yesterday. While Brad went to meet up with his old pals, Derik took me out for dinner and he gave me a tour around the hotel. I'm glad to be a part of this great family. Your mother will be so proud too."
Mia nodded with smiles all over her face. She couldn't be happier that her family and Colton's family were getting along.
"I'm happy to hear that, Dad."
Before Jack could reply, Derik's voice came through. "Jack, come say Hi to one of my old friends." He approached them. "Oh, Hi Son, Hi Mia, Tess!" He greeted.
They all responded to his greetings.
Derik Royal was looking good in his formal attire. He looked way younger than his age. Mia wondered where the hell the Royal family got their good genes from.
"Mia, you look great. Congratulations on your engagement." He hugged her.
"Thanks, Dad!" She smiled, returning the hug.
Pulling away, he hugged Colton. "Happy birthday Son and Congratulations on taming the best woman in the world. I wish you both a blessed life and home."
He smiled. "Thank you, Dad."
"You both are the celebrants, why aren't you drinking anything?" Derik asked and as if on cue, a waiter holding a tray filled with glasses of sparkling wine was not far away from where they stood. Derik was about to call his attention when his Son intervened.
"It's fine, Dad. Mia and I will have some drinks later." Colt said while Mia smiled sweetly.
Since Colton became aware of Mia's pregnancy, he had been doing all that he could to be as supportive as possible. They were both addicted to coffee but he had to stop taking it so she wouldn't feel left out. He switched to having tea in the morning whenever they have breakfast.
For alcoholic drinks, Colton only took them in Mia's absence. Even at this party, he was being really protective of her. He didn't want her to inhale anything that would make her stomach churn.
"Alright! Sorry I have to take your father with me. I want to introduce him to some of my pals." He said to Mia and Tessie.
"Sure," both sisters said.
"Wait Dad, where's mom?" Colt couldn't help but ask since he hadn't seen her around since they arrived.
"You know how much of a perfectionist your mother is. I'm sure she's somewhere, making sure this party goes smoothly. You can check inside."
Colton nodded.
Derik and Jack excused themselves, leaving Colt, Mia, and Tessie to themselves. They made conversations until the two lovebirds (Mia and Colton) decided to go look for Victoria.
"You're not nervous. Are you?" Colton asked his woman as they walked side by side. They were told Victoria Royal was in the second living room downstairs so they were heading there.
She smiled. "I don't think so. I think talking with other members of your family has boosted my confidence. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk to your mom about it."
Colton smiled. He leaned over and placed a long kiss on her forehead. "Anything for you, baby. Since she's going to be the first person to know, I hope she will be able to keep her excitement."
Mia chuckled. "She would. She wouldn't want to ruin our surprise. Would she?"
Colton laughed. "I hope not."
"Oh, my! Don't I have the most beautiful children in the world?" Victoria smiled the moment she sighted Mia and Colton.