Page 84 of Unpredictable
“Yes.” She spoke into the mouthpiece. “Please send the photographer to the bridal suite. Father of the bride will be there soon.”
She grinned, returning her attention to me. “Guests are in place. Go talk to Connor. I’ll find Olivia.”
I dropped a kiss on the top of her head before making my way toward the study where Connor and his groomsmen were getting ready.
“Hey.” I peeked my head inside after knocking. “Are you…” I glanced around, noting that he was alone. Though I could’ve sworn I’d heard him talking to someone. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” His voice was higher than usual, and I blamed it on nerves. Maybe he’d been practicing his vows.
“I just wanted to take a moment to share a drink with you—and perhaps some wisdom—before the wedding.”
He poured us each a whiskey, and we toasted to Olivia.
“You know, I had my reservations at first,” I said, opting for honesty as I studied the contents of my glass. “But you really are the only man I can imagine marrying my daughter.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I see how devoted you are to her, and I hope that will continue throughout your lives.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Olivia’s—” I stared at the wall of bookshelves before turning my attention to Connor. “Olivia’s my world, and now she’s yours too. Love her, cherish her, protect her.”
He nodded, his expression solemn. “I take my role as her husband very seriously. I love Olivia with all my heart, and I willalwaysput her first.”
I downed the rest of my whiskey and stood. Connor rounded the desk to meet me.
“I only want her happiness.” He held out his hand to shake, but I tugged his hand, pulling him into a hug.
“Welcome to the family, Connor. You’re a good man.” I patted him on the back.
It felt as if I was passing the baton in a way. I’d raised Olivia, always been there for her—always would be. But he was her world now. He was her hero. And that was exactly how it should be.
“Thank you, sir.” His voice was strangled, and I knew I needed to get out of here before we both teared up.
“All right.” I released him. “I’ll leave you to it. Juliana will have my balls if I fuck up the schedule.”
He chuckled. I opened the door, then paused. “Hey. Have you seen Olivia?”
He shook his head, and I frowned. I couldn’t imagine her getting cold feet. But where the hell was she?
I glanced in every room I passed. As a result, I was dragged into a few conversations with some of the guests. By the time I made it to the bridal suite, Olivia had returned and was ready to go. Landon had the bridesmaids file out into the hall, giving me a moment alone with my girl.
I stared at her reflection in the mirror, marveling at this incredible woman. My daughter.
“Olivia.” My voice was scarcely above a whisper. “You look… Wow. You’re radiant.”
She smiled, turning to face me. The cream lace of her veil framed her face, the gown draping over her curves like a cloud. She looked elegant and…
“Don’t cry, Dad.” She gave me a watery smile. “You can’t cry, or else I’m going to cry. And then my makeup is going to be ruined, and Connor won’t want to marry me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Connor is so in love with you. You could wear a paper bag, and he’d still want to marry you.”
“I know.” She sniffled, peering up at the ceiling as if to keep her tears at bay. “Thank you for this day. Thank you for being supportive of Connor and me.”
I smiled. “I really want to hug you, but I’m afraid to mess anything up.”
She laughed, walking into my open arms. “I love you, Daddy.”
