She nods. “He’s my father-in-law now. I should probably say hello.”
She lets a small smile slip. So do I.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
Chapter 24
Camden
“Well, holy cow, Ellie. You’re a sight for sore eyes.”
My dad pulls her into a bear hug.
“Easy, Dad.”
“It’s okay,” Ellie says through a polite smile.
“You were just a tiny little thing the last time I saw you,” Dad says.
She chuckles. “I finally got my growth spurt in high school.”
He finally releases her and grins. “You’re so tall. I can’t believe it.”
She laughs softly. “I’m five-eight when I stand up straight.”
“Golly, look at you. All grown up. And married to my son.”
He taps me on the shoulder with the back of his hand. “Glad to see the love bug finally bit you, son. It’s about time that you settled down. And with your childhood best friend, no less. You couldn’t write a more perfect love story.”
I fight the urge to roll my eyes and just give a curt nod. I’m not in the mood to hear my dad go on about the enduring glory of true love.
He hugs me and then turns to the brunette standing next to him, who looks maybe ten years older than Ellie and me.
“Guys, this is Jenna. My fiancee.”
We shake her hand and sit down at the table. A server drops off a bottle of Prosecco and four flutes. Dad pops it open and fills our glasses, then raises his in a toast.
“To my son and new daughter-in-law. May you enjoy a lifetime of love.”
We tap our glasses together. I give a tight smile.
“Your dad told me that you two were childhood friends,” Jenna says in a sweet voice. “That’s so cute and romantic.”
Ellie flashes a sweet smile when she looks at me. “I’m a lucky girl to be with Camden.”
“So what are you up to these days, Ellie?” my dad asks.
She tucks her hair behind her ear. “Oh, all sorts of things. I’ve had a lot of jobs over the years.”
Dad raises his glass to her. “I admire the work ethic. Way to hustle.”
“I started my own pet sitting and grooming business.”
Jenna’s face lights up. “Oh, that’s so awesome! I love dogs. Timothy just surprised me with a puppy from the shelter for our six-month anniversary.”
She pulls out her phone and shows us photos of a fluffy Pomeranian.
“His name is Noodles,” she says excitedly.
