Page 308 of The Baby Twist
“Give me that.” I grabbed his phone from his hand.
Epilogue
Six Years Later
Charlie
Six months after we returned from Paris, Luca moved to New York and attended Columbia with Ashley and Ashton. I wasn’t happy when she told us, but I saw the way they looked at each other and knew they were meant to be together. Ashley sobbed on the plane the day we left Paris to return home and for days afterward. She was miserable, and I hated seeing her that way. I was impressed that Luca moved from his home and away from his family to be close to my daughter. Not just any man would do that unless he was in love.
The more I got to know him, the more I liked him. Marley loved him right off the bat, but it took me a little longer. I looked at the game he developed and saw he was on to something. While he attended Columbia, I brought him into my company as an intern. Considering he was my future son-in-law, I hired him full-time after he graduated. On the other hand, Ashton was playing the field and refused to commit to anyone.
I walked into the suite at the Plaza Hotel, and tears filled my eyes when my daughter turned and looked at me. I couldn’t believe the day had come when I’d give her away to another man. She was twenty-four years old, very strong and independent like her mother, and my marketing manager, who worked alongside her brother at Stone Game Ventures—the company they would run when I retired.
“Hi, Dad.”
“God, look at you—my baby girl. You look so beautiful, sweetheart.” I brought my hand up to her cheek. “You remind me so much of your mother.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“It’s time. Are you ready?”
“I’m more than ready. I can’t wait to marry him, Daddy.”
“I know the feeling, sweetheart.” I held my arm out.
I stood at the top of the aisle, Ashley’s arms wrapped around mine and slowly walked her to her future husband. After placing her hand in Luca’s, I took a seat next to my beautiful wife.
“Are you okay?” Marley asked, squeezing my hand.
“I’m fine, babe.” I smiled.
After the ceremony, and many pictures later, we went to the ballroom for the reception.
“You have outdone yourself with our daughter’s wedding.” I kissed Marley’s lips.
“Thank you. Nothing but the best for her.”
I walked over to the bar, where Ashton was getting a scotch.
“Hey, Dad. Want one?”
“Yes, son.” I patted his back.
“Hi.” A lovely young woman smiled at Ashton.
“Well, hello there, beautiful.” He grinned. “Dad, I’ll catch you later.”
I inhaled a sharp breath and shook my head as I walked away and over to Marley.
“Who is that girl Ashton is talking to?” she asked.
“Just another casualty, babe. Just another casualty.”
One Year Later
“I’ll miss you.”Marley wrapped her arms around my neck.
“I’ll miss you too, babe. I’ll be back in three days.” I kissed her.
