Page 29 of Unpredictable
“That’s fantastic.” Olivia smiled, and her shoulders visibly relaxed.
I knew how important the wedding gown was to most brides, and I wanted to be sure Olivia would love hers. I also knew we had limited options, and I was grateful Evelyn was available. When she wasn’t designing, she was often traveling for dance competitions where she helped with costumes and competed. She was close to Olivia’s age, gorgeous, with long dark hair, and I had a feeling they’d hit it off.
“My maid of honor, Alyssa, is coming. But she got stuck in traffic,” Olivia said.
“Great.” I smiled. “I look forward to meeting her.”
Fortunately, Connor didn’t need to be fitted for a tux, nor did his groomsmen. Most of them—like the groom—were current or former SEALs and would be wearing their dress uniforms. Though, I still had yet to meet the man.
“Are we waiting on anyone else?”
I didn’t want to come right out and ask about her mom, but I was curious. Olivia and Harrison had mentioned Camille briefly in passing, but that was the extent of it. She never attended the appointments, but I’d half expected her to come today. Trying on wedding gowns was a rite of passage for most brides.
“Just us,” Harrison said with a tight smile as he held open the door.
A bell chimed overhead as the three of us entered the shop. It wasn’t your typical wedding boutique, not that I thought Olivia wanted typical. Instead of the sparkling chandeliers and damask wallpaper, there were concrete floors and exposed beams. It was rustic and functional and not without its charm. But it definitely didn’t scream “bridal.”
Evelyn joined us, and I made the introductions before returning my attention to Olivia. “Why don’t you take a look around and see if anything catches your eye? You’re in good hands.”
Olivia nodded, then tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. I’d already given Evelyn some information on the type of dress Olivia was looking for, as well as some suggestions for what I thought might look good on her. When they moved over to a rack of dresses, I turned my attention to Harrison.
“I’ll just be over there.” He hooked his thumb in the direction of a sofa, clearly expecting to wait while his daughter tried on dresses.
“Not so fast.” I tugged on his arm, preventing him from sitting.
Olivia giggled. “Oh good. He definitely needs all the help he can get.” She turned back to Evelyn.
“What?” His jaw dropped, but Olivia merely shrugged, and she was soon immersed in chiffon and tulle.
“You’re coming with me,” I said to Harrison, curling my hand around his bicep. I should’ve let go, but instead, I continued to cling to him like a lifeline.
He flashed me a wicked grin. “I like the sound of that.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “I’ve been wanting to see if I can break my record from that night at the hotel.”
“Harrison,” I ground out, tightening my grip as if I could control the situation. “You promised not to mention…” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “That night.”
“No.” He lifted a finger, pointing it in the air. “I promised not to mention that nightto Olivia.I never promised not to mention it to you.”
I rolled my eyes, releasing him. “It was implied.”
“You’re a stickler for details,” he said. “I’m sure someone as meticulous as you would’ve mentioned it.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his compliment, even if I was annoyed that he was twisting my words. “Now—” I straightened, forcing myself back into professional mode. “We’re getting you fitted for a tux.”
He crossed his arms over his chest, biceps bulging. A sudden vision of our night together flashed before my eyes. His body hovering over mine, his biceps straining as they bracketed my head. His chest brushing against mine as he…
“I already have one.” He wore a bemused expression that contradicted his intimidating stance.
“Yes.” I swallowed hard, forcing back the image. “But the father of the bride deserves to wear something special too. You’re the one walking her down the aisle. You’re the one giving her away. Would you really want to do that in a tuxedo you’ve worn countless times for far less important occasions?”
He closed his mouth and shook his head, confirming what I already knew. When it came to his daughter, Harrison would do anything. At least if I was going to have to plan Olivia’s wedding with him, I knew how to get him to cooperate.
“Lead the way.” He swept his arm wide.
One last glance at Olivia confirmed that she was smiling, talking with her hands. Evelyn nodded and smiled back, listening intently to whatever Olivia said. I couldn’t wait to see her selections. Even more, I couldn’t wait to see Harrison’s reaction to them.
I led him over to the men’s section where a number of tuxedos in various cuts and fabrics were on display. They were all appealing, but I had a specific one in mind for Harrison. It was a classic cut, made of the highest quality fabric, and I knew he’d look incredible in it. I’d already had the tailor pull one from the racks and hang it in the fitting room.
“Here you go.” I held back the velvet curtain.
