Page 139 of Protecting What's Mine
He slid his hands down to cup the curve of her ass while she worked her dexterous magic on his neckwear.
“How’d you learn to do that?” he asked, frowning down as she produced the perfect knot.
She looked embarrassed, shrugged. “I saw my foster parents getting ready for a date night once. She helped him tie his tie. I learned.”
He waited a beat. “Foster parents, huh? You know, someday we’re gonna be due for a long conversation.”
She picked up his wrist and checked his watch. “Yeah, but not today. You’ve got to get a bride down the aisle.”
THE BRIDE WAS BUBBLIERthan the glasses of champagne that the catering staff doled out to guests as they took their seats in the old barn for the ceremony. The two-hundred-year-old rafters above had been strung with lights. Dozens of white chairs lined an aisle that led to an altar made of braided twigs and more lights. Every flat surface was decked out with a blaze of fall flowers, pumpkins, and pictures of the bride and groom from childhood to present.
The mood was festive as Mindy tucked her arm through Linc’s. “You ready for your first trip down the aisle, chief?” she teased. She was a tiny, blonde thing, just as she had been all those years ago. But instead of a nightgown and snarled braids, she wore a lacey, long-sleeved gown, and her hair was curled and coiffed into perfection. Her brown eyes shone with excitement.
“Listen, are we sure that Bill is good enough for you?” Linc asked as the last bridesmaid blew Mindy a kiss before starting down the aisle.
“He’s more than good enough,” she promised. “He’s just so good and kind and smart and funny. He reminds me of my dad.” Her voice broke just a little, and he squeezed her hand.
“I’m sorry he’s not here, Min.”
Her smile was sad. “That’s what he used to call me.”
“Maybe he’s here after all.”
“He wouldn’t miss it,” she said, tears sparkling.
The attendant gave Linc the cue. “You ready to go get married?”
“Let’s do this.”
It was a big moment. The second Bill caught sight of Mindy, they both let out a sigh of relief. So sure. So happy. After delivering the bride to the altar and her fiancé, Linc took his seat in the second row next to Mackenzie, who beamed at him.
She handed him a glass. “Nice delivery, Hotshot.”
Maybe it was the lights, or the champagne, or the way the happy couple looked at each other as they made their promises, but he was feeling some feelings.
Mindy’s mom sat in the front row, her shoulders shaking as she cried silently. Her daughter was just starting her marriage while she’d lost her partner too soon. The beginning and the end. Everything in between. Linc wanted it all.
Mack reached over the chair and handed the grieving woman a tissue. As she dabbed at her eyes, Linc laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed.
HE WAS STILL THINKINGthoughts later with Mackenzie in his arms on the dance floor as the live band played a jazzy number. She glowed. A trick of the lights or maybe something more. She seemed lighter, freer.
“How’s your ankle holding up?”
“A little sore but good. The boot comes off soon.”
“You look happy,” he said, pulling her tighter to him. Never close enough.
“I feel happy,” she admitted.
“Is this a good time to pin you down for Thanksgiving plans? Because my sisters have been asking. My parents won’t make it. They’re coming for a few weeks over Christmas. But the rest of the gang will be there.”
She missed a step. “Like a family Thanksgiving?”
“Is there any other kind?”
“Friendsgiving.”
“Touché.”
