Page 77 of Unpredictable
“Tonight’s family dinner,” I said. This would be the first one since Olivia had returned from London.
Juliana dropped the eye shadow brush and picked it up with a huff. “Yep. Just text me when you’re done, so I know when to come home.”
I knew it bothered her that we were keeping our relationship a secret. It bothered me too. The wedding was in a few short weeks, but I didn’t like lying to my daughter. It was one thing to keep this hidden when she was living an ocean away. It was another to ask the woman I loved to pretend she didn’t live here. And after talking with Reg—and some input from Jas—I realized maybe it was time to tell Olivia. Far better that she hear the news from me than someone else. At least that way, I could control the narrative, as Talia liked to say.
“Actually…” I paused, picking at the edge of my towel. “I was thinking maybe you should come.”
“I thought you already made that happen this morning.” She grinned.
I chuckled. “I meant to dinner.”
She stilled, her blue eyes piercing mine in the reflection of the mirror. Then something shifted, and she grabbed her mascara and started applying it. I didn’t know why she even bothered with that stuff—her beauty was striking.
“As the wedding planner.” Her tone conveyed her disappointment loud and clear.
I walked over to her, wrapping my arms around her waist and resting my chin on her shoulder. “No. As the woman I love.”
She set her mascara down and spun in my arms. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.” I gripped her chin. “I love you.” I slanted my mouth over hers. “I love you, and hopefully, Olivia can accept that.”
“And if she doesn’t?”
I lifted a shoulder, trying to convey nonchalance despite my concern. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
“Or…” Juliana paused, placing her hands to my chest. “I’ll pretend to have another allergic reaction, and she’ll feel so bad for me, she’ll forget about being upset.”
I groaned, covering my face with my hand. “Please don’t. I don’t think my heart could handle it.”
She draped her arms over my shoulders. “So, tonight…”
I nodded, opening her robe and taking a peek inside. Fucking perfect. “Tonight.”
She stepped away, heading for the closet. “Good. I can almost forgive you for making me late.”
“So, you’ll be on time for once. Big deal,” I called after her as she retreated into the closet.
“To be on time is to be late. To be—”
“Ten minutes early is to be on time,” I said, completing her sentence.
“That’s right.” She appeared in the doorway, fully dressed.
“Mm.” I licked my lips, appraising her cobalt dress. It was professional—of course. But also undeniably sexy.
“You like?” She shifted from side to side, modeling it for me.
“No.” I shook my head, stalking toward her. “I love.”
Her lips tilted upward. “I love you too.”
* * *
Connor and Oliviawere set to arrive any moment, and Juliana wasn’t home. I sent her a text message and frowned at the screen when there was still no response ten minutes later. I busied myself with setting the table, anxious about the evening ahead, when the doorbell rang.
I took a deep breath and opened the door with a smile. “Olivia.”
She threw her arms around my neck. “Dad! I missed you.”
