Page 122 of Shine: Sins of the Father
I grin and yank open his door. “Great. Let’s go. I’ve got this carrier I’ve been dying to put him in and see if it’s any good. But you’ve gotta help me get the contraption on.” I drag it from the backseat.
Fiona giggles. “Where did you get this?”
“I walked in a store. I do that sometimes, ya know?”
“I’m sure you do.”
Then before we get out of the car, I slip my hand in my pocket. “I walked into another store, too. Got you this.”
I pull out the little velvet box, and her mouth drops. I don’t keep her waiting, but pop it open to reveal the beautiful diamond ring I picked out.
Fiona’s hands go to her cheeks. “Oh, Shine. It’s stunning.”
“It better be for the price.” I take it out and slip it on her finger. “I’m not very good at this, sweetness, but I want you to know how much I love you. You’re it for me. I don’t know how I got so lucky as to find my soulmate, but I did. That night, when I walked into the cabin and saw you standing there, I sure never expected you. I had no idea my life was about to change. In ways I’d never expected. Good ways. The best ways. What I’m trying to say is I love you, Fiona. Marry me, and make our family complete.”
She throws her arms around me. “Yes, a million times yes.”
EPILOGUE
Wolf—
Tapping on the door, I tug at my tie. I’m not used to wearing a suit, but today, for my baby girl, I’ll get through it.
The door swings open, and Crystal stands there in a stunning mother-of-the-bride gown, looking as gorgeous as she did on our own wedding day.
I whistle low. “Damn, woman. You take my breath.”
“Wait until you see Fiona.”
My throat gets tight when my eyes lift to see her turning from a full-length mirror. Her wedding dress has a lace-fitted top with a huge sweeping skirt. Crystal told me it was called a ballgown. To me, she looks like a princess. My princess.
Goddamn, how will I ever stand up today and pass her hand to another man in marriage? How will I ever give my baby away? When all I see when I look at her standing there looking radiant is the three-year-old little girl playing dress up and stomping around in her mother’s shoes.
Her smile tells me everything. She’s happy, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for her.
I walk forward and take her hands in mine. “How did my little girl grow up so fast? You look beautiful, sweetheart. And happy.”
“I am happy, Daddy. So happy.”
“Good. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. You know that, don’t you? Even when I’ve overprotected you and overreacted, it’s because I love you and only want the best for you.”
“I know that, Daddy.”
“Shine better know what a lucky man he is.”
Crystal slips her hand in the crook of my arm. “It’s time.”
Everything inside me screams no, not yet. It’s too soon. I want every minute of my little girl’s childhood back. I don’t want it to be over. It went by too quickly, and I’m afraid I missed some of it. Maybe I was too busy with the club. Maybe I should have appreciated every single minute of my kids growing up. Did I take it all for granted? I pray Fiona doesn’t think so.
She smiles. “Come on, Daddy. Walk me to my future.” She slips her hand into mine. My little girl, taking control and getting me through this, when I should be doing that for her.
I cover her hand with mine. “Yes, sweetheart. Let’s get you to your future. I hope you know how much I love you.”
“I do. Now stop before you make me ruin my makeup.”
“We can’t have that, can we? Come on.”
A moment later, the two of us are standing at the chapel doors. The wedding coordinator Crystal insisted we hire is straightening Fiona’s gown and making sure her veil is perfect. In a second, she’s going to reach for that door and swing it open, and then there’s no turning back.
