Page 39 of Rules of Engagement
Carter had figured that out. In the days following, Carter often found himself pondering Marsali's comment about Eliza and thinking of Eliza's tender heart beneath the protective walls she'd built.
He'd seen her compassion and caring multiple times during their time together because it was such an integral part of her. It came out when she spoke to her girlfriends, to Piper, to anyone shedidn'tfeel threatened by. But anytime he got close, the walls went up along with her wariness, and he'd learned to recognize the look as it happened.
Chaos ensued as Lincoln and Amelia's wedding approached, and Carter used every opportunity he could to get closer to Amelia.
Because fact was, he couldn't stop thinking about how close he'd come to kissing her before her ex had so rudely interrupted. Technically, kissing her would've broken the promise he'd made to Lincoln, so Carter was glad it hadn't happened. But the clock was ticking, and soon his restraints would be lifted. While his brother counted down to the wedding, Carter counted down to getting another opportunity to kiss Eliza.
Soft, feminine laughter filled his house, and he smiled at the sound. Amelia, Kellie, Marsali, and Eliza were in the back of the house doing wedding stuff and having a blast.
"Daddy?" Piper asked, her pink-tipped fingers pulling her mermaid doll close as she shifted to one side on the bed.
"What, baby?"
"My dress for the wedding isreallypretty, isn't it?"
He grinned at her and bent to kiss her forehead. "Your dress is pretty but nowhere near as beautiful as you are."
"I'm smart, too, right?"
"You better believe it. Why are you asking?"
"Do you think when I get big someone will want to marry me?"
"I'm sure they will. But hopefully not for a long,loooongtime," he said. "Did you say your prayers?" He knew she had because he'd listened to them like he did every night. He dreaded the day when she broke the ritual. Because as a man who'd made a lot of mistakes, he now knew the value of that quiet time.
"Yup. I asked God for a husband like you 'nd Uncle Linc."
"Whoa.Husband? Too soon, baby girl. I'm not ready to let you go yet. How about you stick around for twenty years or so?"
"That long?"
He chuckled at her complaint and drowsy-eyed gaze. "Yeah, that long. You need to grow up and do some things before you go off and get married."
"What things?"
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe get your first big job after school or go on a trip you want to take. Things that help you figure out who you are and what you want."
She yawned and turned her freckled nose into the mermaid's hair.
"I don't want to go to bed," she said, eyes mostly closed and fighting every blink. "Is Eliza going to be here tomorrow night, too?"
A noise alerted him to someone in the hallway, and he glanced over his shoulder, spotting the beautiful brunette standing outside Piper's door, watching them with her soft green gaze. "I think so since we're all helping to get ready for the wedding."
"Good. I like her."
Carter smiled, his gaze on Eliza. "I like her, too."
He saw the way Eliza's lips parted at his comment before she ducked her head and disappeared from view. Carter refocused on his daughter and tucked the sheet around her shoulders, letting his hand drift over her bright hair as he leaned low and kissed her forehead. "Sweet dreams, baby."
Piper made a soft, sleepy sound, her lips pursed as she finally let go and settled into slumber. He stood carefully to not jostle the twin bed and left her room, pulling the door shut behind him.
Back in the living room, Carter watched as Amelia and Eliza fussed over the small bouquet Amelia's best friend, Izzy, would carry as maid of honor.
So many little details, each of them part of a bigger whole.
"Oh, wow. Look at the time. I have to go, too," Amelia said. "Filming starts soon and Ihaveto be there since I won't be the rest of the week or next."
"It's fine," Eliza told her. "No problem."
