Page 89 of Solid Ground

It’s still ridiculously big, but the warmth that she’s brought to my life shines through in the décor and the atmosphere. I told her to go crazy redecorating, and while there’s still a lot to do, it’s a place our family will call home for years and years to come.

I stand at the floral archway in my backyard with Josh Carter at my side as my best man. While I turned my back onacting, I owe him so much for giving me a chance when others wouldn’t. The movie we did together was one of the biggest hits of the year, and Nikki fielded all kinds of offers afterward.

To her annoyance, I turned down every single one.

But I have no regrets.

Zoe’s contracting. She’s doing the programming work she wants to do when she wants to do it. She sets her own hours and she takes a break whenever she wants family time.

And me? I spend every day with my daughter, watching her as she grows, and revelling in being a father.

I never thought this was how my life would turn out. All because I wanted to blow off steam as my career was ending.

Checking my cufflinks for what seems like the thousandth time, I’m a bundle of nerves. Zoe’s my dream, but until I see her at the end of that aisle, I’ll worry about her changing her mind.

I catch my breath when Zoe appears.

Her mother’s sitting nearby with Daisy in her arms. Her father’s walking arm-in-arm with Zoe who’s dressed in a short, cream lacy wedding gown. She didn’t want anything fussy, and Pania begged Zoe to let her design it.

And she’s staggeringly beautiful.

I want to drop to my knees and worship my woman, but that can wait until tonight. Tonight, when I have a surprise for her.

Her eyes meet mine as she walks toward me, and she smiles. I’m sure I have stars in my eyes as I watch her. When she joins me, I link our fingers and give her hand a squeeze.

She draws in a deep breath, but the love in her eyes settles any nerves I have.

It’s not a long ceremony, but when it comes time for me to recite my vows, I’m so ready.

“Zoe. You turned my whole world upside down. I never thought I’d ever love anyone the way I love you. You’re my whole heart. And you’ve given me the greatest gift I could ever wish for in our daughter. I swear to you today that I’ll always love and cherish you. I’ll never take what we have for granted, and I’ll never get lost again.”

Tears fill her eyes. “I love you,” she whispers.

“I love you too.”

Once the rings are exchanged, and the celebrant declares us husband and wife, I pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless. Our small crowd cheers, and when I pull away, her eyes are glistening with happiness.

I always want her to be this happy.

We havea luncheon for our reception. My plan is to whisk my bride off for our night away before it gets too late in the evening.

Delaney and Pania cater the food for our small group, and I think I even get brownie points from Brian for the meal they provide.

We’re in the dining room, and the women have all deserted the table for the living room. The sound of laughter floats in the air, and happiness settles over me at how well theday has gone.

Brian sits back, content and full, patting his stomach and smiling. “You’re doing good, O’Leary. Keep it up.”

I grin. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“I had my doubts—you know I did, but you’ve been nothing but good to Zoe. It’s a little weird given our ages, but I’m proud to call you my son-in-law.”

“Thank you. That means a lot.”

He narrows his gaze. “Now, are you going to tell me where you’re taking my daughter tonight? She tells me it’s a secret.”

I chuckle. “It’s a surprise for her. But I’ll have her back tomorrow as planned, and she can tell you all about it.”

His brows rise. “Okay. I’ll let you keep your secret.”

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