Page 85 of Unpredictable
“I love you too, Livie.” I gave her a squeeze, knowing this was the last time I’d hug her as Olivia Hayes. Soon, she’d be Connor’s wife—Olivia James. “Now…let’s get you married.”
She pulled an embroidered handkerchief out of the pocket of her dress and used it to dab at the corners of her eyes. “Okay.” She smiled, tucking it back inside and grabbing her bouquet from the vanity. “I’m ready.”
I held out my arm. Good thing she was ready because I wasn’t sure I was. Happy as I was for my daughter, I still saw her as my baby girl. And I was struggling to get my heart to catch up to reality.
“Dad?” She peered up at me with the same look of trust and love she always had. “You okay?”
I shook my head to clear it and forced a smile. “Absolutely. Let’s do this. And there’s…something I want to talk to you about later. After the wedding.”
“Is it about Juliana?”
I jerked my head back. “What about Juliana?”
“You guys are together, right? That’s why I saw you sneaking out of her room early this morning.”
I gaped at her. “You what?” I was so stunned, I couldn’t even try to deny it.
“You know…” She smiled. “I totally sensed there was something between you two.”
“You did?” I furrowed my brow.
Olivia nodded. “Since the first meeting.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep.” The “p” popped as did her smile.
“And you’re not… I don’t know. Upset?”
She frowned. “Why would I be upset?”
“Because she’s your wedding planner. She’s younger. She—”
Olivia cut me off before I could continue. “Dad.” She placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’m happy for you. Juliana’s amazing. Plus—” she grinned as if an idea just occurred to her “—I’d have a guaranteed spot on her calendar for all future parties. This is awesome!”
“Future parties?”
“Yeah. Baby shower, my kids’ birthday parties…”
I didn’t hear anything else after that, and I fumbled to sit. “Are you…are you pregnant?”
She shook her head, covering her mouth to stifle a giggle. “No. Not yet. But one day, Connor and I hope to have kids. And I absolutely want Juliana to plan all their parties.”
I shook my head with a laugh. “Don’t you think you’re getting a bit ahead of yourself?”
“No.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Connor and I are about to walk down the aisle after all.”
“Not about the kids,” I said. “About Juliana and me.”
She was thinking years ahead—at least, in my head. And while I knew how I felt about Juliana, the worry was always in the back of my mind that she’d find someone better, someone younger, someone…who wasn’t me.
Olivia barked out a laugh, sweeping her train behind her. “No. Now, come on. We’re going to be late.”
I stood, smoothing my hands down my pants. “Why do I feel like you’re the parent and I’m the kid right now?”
She laughed, hanging on to me as we emerged from the bridal suite. Her bridesmaids were already all lined up, waiting to enter the chapel. One of the flower girls came up to us, her eyes wide as she admired Olivia.
“You look like a princess.”
