Page 87 of Loved By You

“I wish you were my daddy.”

My heart stops.

I clear my throat and lean in a little closer. “Can I tell you a secret?” I whisper back.

She nods excitedly, her big blue eyes widening.

“I wish I was your daddy too.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Ria

“Okay, which ones, black or silver?” Ali asks, holding up two different pairs of strappy heels against her pink silk dress.

“Silver,” Gabby and I say in unison.

Ali gives a nod and walks back into the bedroom of our hotel room, leaving Gabby and I to finish our hair and make-up.

“I still can’t believe Nancy is having her wedding in the New York Plaza. She's come a long way from that hot mess we met at “Teenhood”. I’m happy for her… jealous as hell but happy,” Gabby says, staring at her reflection in the mirror as she winds a strand of hair around the curling iron, creating loose curls.

“I know right, the girls done well,” I say, finishing up the last of my make up. I've gone for a gold eyeshadow with some defined eyeliner to match the new golden blonde tones that run through my hair, framing my face in soft waves. I took a day for myselfand got my hair, nails, and a wax knowing tonight I would get to spend the night with Jack in a gorgeous hotel room and I want it to be special. I want to look as good as he makes me feel. My body heats at the thought of Jack in his black tux I know he's wearing. I don’t know how I am supposed to make it through the ceremony, dinner and evening without jumping on him.

Control yourself, Ria.

“Okay, I think I am ready,” I announce, walking back into the bedroom, Gabby following behind me, still in her white hotel bathrobe.

“Fuck, Ri, you look hot. Jack isn’t going to be able to keep his hands off you,” Ali says, whistling.

I do a little twirl, the gold dress moving with my body. The back straps cross over and go all the way down to my waistline. I beam. I don't think I have ever felt this happy or content.

“That’s the plan,” I grin.

“It’s so good to see you smile again, like really smile,” Gabby says, squeezing me. Ali walks over and joins in with the hug.

“You’ve been through so much this year, and I know it's Nancy’s night, but fuck it. Make it about you and Jack, okay? You deserve this happiness.”

Tears prick at my eyes. “Girls, my make-up,” I cry, pulling away from their embrace to dab underneath my eyes, careful so as not to smudge my makeup.

“Sorry, I don't wanna make you cry, but you do. We always said one day it will feel like we’re not fighting anymore for that happy ending and Ri, your fight is over now. Enjoy it, and don't let yourself believe you don't deserve it, okay?”

I can see the tears forming in Ali's eyes, and that girl is made of steel. I think I have seen her cry twice in all the years I have known her.

I change the subject. “Okay, Gabs, what are you wearing?” I ask, clapping my hands together, needing to stop this emotional therapy session we seem to be having.

“You aren't allowed to dress like a nun,” Ali says sternly. “Not tonight, Gabriella. There will be too many hot single men at this wedding and I will not have you looking like one of your mom's friends from bible study.

Gabby laughs, turning and walking over to her dress bag that is hanging on the back of the bathroom door. She unzips it, revealing an emerald green dress, satin by the look of it, floor length with a slit up one side and spaghetti straps. Very fitting for a December wedding.

“Yesssss, girl yesss,” Ali cheers.

“It’s stunning, Gabs,” I say, smiling at her. I know wearing fitted clothing isn't her thing, but she has the most incredible figure, thanks to her Pilates classes. She shouldn't be ashamed of showing her body, but I know for Gabby, it runs deeper than that.

There’s a knock at the door, and we turn our heads in unison.

“Are you expecting someone?” I ask confused about who would know our room number.

“Oooh, maybe it's Jack coming for a pre-wedding bang,” Ali says in a suggestive tone, heading towards the door and opening it.

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