Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“I promise to stick by you no matter what life throws at us, because I know in the end—you are worth it. We are worth it.”
He bent and kissed her fiercely, ignoring the fact that it wasn’t time. Katy chuckled beside me as she wiped away a tear.
“Perfect,” she whispered.
I squeezed her hand. “Yes, it was.”
A few moments later, they were pronounced husband and wife. I stood and clapped with everyone else, meeting Heather’s happy gaze.
“I love you, Daddy,” she mouthed.
“I love you, little girl,” I replied silently. “Always.”
I shrugged off my tuxedo jacket, the room feeling warm. I smiled at Katy. “Drink?”
“Champagne.”
Laughing, I kissed her nose. “Coming up.”
I headed to the bar, waiting patiently. The woman in front of me turned, and I met the startled gaze of Ashley. Her gaze dropped to my hands, and I was close enough this time there was no mistaking the frostiness of her glare when she lifted her eyes.
“Hello,” I greeted her.
She stepped away, her eyes flashing, with a brief nod.
“Sorry, am I crowding you?” I asked, mystified, moving back since I seemed to make her upset.
“No,” she snapped, elbowing past me.
I watched her walk away, confused.
I ordered a bottle of champagne, knowing all the ladies would partake, and a scotch, pointing to my favorite brand. I knocked it back and got a refill. Heading back to the table, I saw Ashley again, sitting with Luc. Her posture was ramrod straight, her gaze cold before she turned to Luc, saying something to him. He frowned, glanced my way, and turned fully to talk to her. I felt a glimmer of anger. If I had met her before and somehow upset or snubbed her, she could at least tell me how and when and allow me to apologize.
At the table, I sipped my scotch. Maddox leaned close. “What’s up with you? You look like a thundercloud.”
I turned his direction. “Luc’s girl seems to dislike me.”
He glanced over my shoulder in her direction. “Did you do something?”
I shook my head. “Not that I know of. I have no memory of ever meeting her until now.”
“Maybe you remind her of someone.”
“Maybe,” I said doubtfully. “It feels pretty personal.”
“Ignore her. If it keeps up, you can ask her later. Maybe she’s having an off day.”
I glanced over, once again meeting her unfriendly gaze. As soon as our eyes met, she looked away, turning her back. I saw the flash in her eye.
It frustrated me. I was left with an uncomfortable feeling, which I didn’t like.
“Put it out of your mind for now,” Maddox advised. “It’s Heather’s day. Don’t start anything that might ruin it.”
He was right. I clapped him on the shoulder with a smile. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
I stood and offered my hand to Katy, taking her to the dance floor. Luckily they were playing a mixture of music—both slow and fast. I did love dancing with Katy. We moved well together, and I liked having her in my arms.
“You doing okay?” I asked her.
“I’m good. You holding up?”
I chuckled. “The hard part is over. Now we can dance, eat, and enjoy. Celebrate.” I kissed her head. “Four of the five done, Katy. Only Matthew left.”
“Not sure he’ll ever marry. He seems to prefer his job.”
I laughed as I twirled her around. “I did at his age too. He’s always been single-minded. He’ll find someone when he’s ready.” I pulled her closer. “Don’t be worrying about the youngest bird, Katy. Enjoy today.”
She tilted up her head, and I bent and kissed her full mouth. She smiled against my lips. “Okay.”
I twirled her again, meeting a set of eyes that watched us, the icy stare evident even across the room.
If only I could figure out the reason.
9
RICHARD
I danced with Gracie and Heather. All the BAM wives. Katy, repeatedly. I twirled Sandy as gently as possible, and even held Kylie in my arms, making funny faces at her as we bobbed and weaved. Her little-girl giggles made everyone smile.
All through the afternoon of joy, I felt the anger silently directed my way. Questioned it. And finally had enough. I stood and kissed Katy’s hand when another slow number came up, and I made my way to the table where Reed, Heather, Luc, and Ashley were talking.
Ashley was listening to something Luc was saying so intently, she didn’t notice me until I was right beside her. Heather smiled, her gaze filled with love.
“Hey, Daddy. My feet are too sore to dance anymore.” She indicated the floor where her shoes lay, discarded to the side.
I chuckled. “No problem, my girl. I thought I would ask Ashley for a spin on the dance floor. You’ve hogged her enough, Luc.”
Her shoulders tensed as everyone chuckled. I held out my hand, knowing full well she wouldn’t refuse.
She stood, allowing me to lead her onto the floor. She was stiff and uncomfortable. I held her loosely, forcing myself to smile.