Page 273 of The Baby Bargain
Forest nudges meyou've got this. "You look beautiful."
"Yeah?"
"Like you don't know." He pulls me into a tight hug. Leans close enough to whisper. "I'll grab the car if you want to run."
"And Charlotte?"
"She's with Holden." His voice is light, teasing. "He'll bring her out. Unless you want to bail. Head back to Vegas. Hook up with a stripper."
"That's okay."
"You sure?" He releases me. Smiles wide. "This is your last chance to walk. And who knows, you might find a stripper who's six four"
I can't help but laugh. It's the perfect thing to say. "I'm sure."
"Good." He winks. "Just testing you."
"Uh-huh."
"Uh-huh." He nodsreally. Mouthsyou've got this, turns, follows the coordinator into the hallway.
I've got this.
I've got this.
Really. I do have this.
It's not a big deal. Sure, I'm legally joining my life with Chase's. And all of our friends and family are here to watch that union. And I haven't seen him since the bachelorette party—Forest, Skye, Holden, and some friends from work—dragged me to Vegas.
But uh…
Fuck, do I have this?
Why didn't I stick with thelet's elope in Hawaiiidea?
"You ready, sweetie?" My dad's voice fills the room. He peeks his head through the door. Looks at me with a soft expression.
No. Yes. Maybe. I nod and cross the room.
Dad smiles as I take his hand. "You're taller than me in those shoes."
It's weird, towering over my father. "As tall as Forest."
He laughstrue. "He's right. You look beautiful."
I squeeze his arm for support. "Thanks."
"Just like your mother did." His eyes turn down for a moment. "Well, a little older."
"Hey."
Dad laughs. "We married young."
"You're not supposed to call your daughter old."
"Not old. But… you'll always be my little girl, Ariel. You'll see what it's like with Charlotte."
I already do. It's amazing how fast she grows. I swear, yesterday she was this tiny helpless thing who did nothing but eat, poop, and cry.
