“You too.”
“Yeah?Thanks.”He clapped him on the shoulder.“Okay, so when do we get this show on the road?”
Carly came in, stopped in the doorway and gasped, staring at him.“Oh, you look so good.”
“Thanks, cutie.You look absolutely beautiful.”And way too grown up in her pale violet flower girl gown, her red-gold hair done up with flowers and a matching ribbon.
Carly blushed.“Thank—”
Gavin cleared his throat.Blinked fast.
Carly’s eyes widened.“Dad, are youcrying?”
“No.”He blinked harder.Cleared his throat again.“It’s just...God, you’re growing up too fast on me.”
She grinned and went over to slide an arm around him, resting her cheek on his chest as she patted his back.“Doesn’t matter how old I get, Dad.I’ll always be your little girl.”
Gavin made a strangled sound and shot Tristan a tortured look.Tristan would be lying if he didn’t admit to feeling choked up himself.
“Gonna wait outside,” Gavin said in a strangled voice, dropping a kiss on the top of Carly’s head before walking for the door.“See you out there.”
Carly watched him go, shook her head, and gave Tristan a rueful grin.“He’s so funny.”
“Isn’t he?”Gavin wasn’t the only one dismayed by how fast their little girl was maturing.“How’s it looking out there?”
“All the guests are in their seats.And wait until you see Cassie.She looksamazing.”
“I’ll bet she does.”He checked his tie in the mirror.Fiddled with it even though he knew it was fine.“Is this thing straight?”
Carly stepped up beside him, examining it critically in the mirror.“It’s perfect.”
“Not as perfect as you.”He kissed the top of her head too, smiled at the way she flushed.God help the first boy who showed up to take her on a date.He’d have to contend with him, Gavin, and Decker all at once.
“Auntie Marley and Teagan told me to come get you.Are you ready?”Her eyes shone with excitement.
Tristan bent his arm at the elbow and offered it to her.“Let’s go.”
Smiling, Carly tucked her arm into his, and they walked through the door together.
The small church was packed, all the pews full.He smiled and nodded at everyone as he walked by.The entire CPS crew was here, management, office staff, and agents, along with their significant others.
Cassie’s mom and stepdad were up front on the left.He nodded at them and gave them a smile.Cassie’s mom looked like she might burst with excitement, her husband smiling indulgently.
Gavin was waiting for him up at the altar with the minister.The rest of their family was lined up on the right side, filling the entire front pew.
Marley took one look at him, blurted a clear “Oh, shit” and started dabbing her eyes with a tissue.Warwick grinned and put his arm around her.
On her other side, Autumn gave him a thumbs up and blew him a kiss, holding up her phone to record him.Teagan was grinning in clear anticipation.Next to her on the aisle, Decker gave him a smile that almost stopped him in his tracks and an approving nod he felt deep in his chest.
Gavin winked at him as he came to stand beside him in front of the altar.“If you faint and keel over, don’t worry, bro,” he whispered.“I got you.”
Ignoring him, Tristan faced the guests as he looked toward the back of the church.The music started.His heart rate kicked up.
Carly appeared in the archway, clutching her bouquet in front of her, looking nervous but beautiful as she made her way up the aisle at a dignified pace.The rest of their family all leaned over eagerly toward the aisle to catch every moment.
Bristol appeared next, also in a violet gown.She grinned the entire way down the aisle, shooting TJ a big smile before sweeping to the other side of the altar.She all but bounced on her toes in excitement as she watched Tristan, beaming.
At a swish of cream-colored fabric near the archway, a hush fell over the congregation.Tristan watched with a pounding heart as Cassie stepped into view.Her long, soft gown flowed around her tall, trim frame, the long train sweeping across the floor behind her as she started toward him.
