“I promise to love, honor, and protect you as long as I live,” Gavin says, holding Haddy’s hand. “You’ve made my dreams come true, and it’s with you, Princess, a woman I thought was so far out of my reach… I solemnly swear, I’d give my life for my girls’ happiness.”
Haddy’s bottom lip quivers, and when she blinks, two big tears hit her cheeks.
“Oh, Gavin,” she sniffs, breaking into a sputtering laugh. “How do you always know how to steal my heart? I had all these beautiful words planned, but all I can think to say is I love you so much. I’m so happy I was wrong about you.”
That makes everyone break into chuckles. Their love isso pure. Perhaps it can crack the protective walls around my heart.
The minister says all the stuff about rings and all that, and I sneak a glance at Gigi standing at the end of the row of bridesmaids.
She’s smiling, her pretty eyes misty, but she seems a little melancholy. I know she’s happy for her cousin and Gav. I’ve seen them together enough to know they all love each other.
Still, something’s wrong, and I’ve got to find out what.
The preacher tells them to kiss, and Gavin pulls his wife into his arms, dipping her backwards and holding her close to his chest. They straighten, and Haddy’s foot rises. Everyone cheers and whistles, and they turn to be presented to us.
Gavin throws out his arms and yells, “Time to party!”
Mav jumps into the aisle and leads the charge up the concrete path along the bay that leads to the large restaurant with the tin roof and the big sign overhead readingCooters & Shooters.
“Can I go to the party, too, Daddy?” Maddie has my hand, jerking it up and down. “Can I?”
Heather walks up from where she was seated beside our hostess. “Of course you can! You’ll hang out with Miss Gina and me.”
“What about Ladybird?” Maddie puts a hand on her hip.
“Ladybird and Spanky are snug in their crate together at the house,” Heather tells her. “We’ll see them tomorrow, now come with me.”
My daughter skips along with the crowd headed for the restaurant, where the reception will be held, but I catch my sister’s arm.
“I can take care of her tonight if you want to…” I shrug, looking at the number of single guys in the group. “Meet someone.”
“Owen Stone, do you really think I’d hook up with someone so far from anywhere I plan to live? That sounds like a recipe for disaster.”
“I don’t know. I thought maybe you wanted to have some fun.”
“I’ll have plenty of fun. I’d rather you get out there and have some fun yourself. Stop thinking about all your responsibilities all the time and let your hair down for once.”
“You might say I let my hair down by taking the offer to move to LA. Uprooting you, Maddie…”
“Stop.” She puts a hand on my chest. “Playing in the NHL, getting a huge pay increase, these are not irresponsible decisions. I’d say they’re very strategic ones. Which is why tonight, you’re going to stop thinking strategy and start thinking smut.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “What does that mean?”
“It means I expect you to find a certain dog lady and get it on, doggy style.”
“I’m out of here.” I hold up both hands as she claps gleefully. “If only to get away from my baby sister discussing my sex life.”
“You’re not a prude, and I’m not a baby. Now go find her.”
Shaking my head, I act like I disapprove. The truth is, I appreciate my sister giving me the chance to find Gina, not to hook up with her but to find out why she’s been treating me like a leper.
Champagne and purple drinks are flowing. Music blasts through the dining hall of Cooters & Shooters. All the tables have been moved to the perimeter, and couples are dirtydancing while Gina’s dad, Haddy’s dad, and their “uncle” Craig shake their butts on top of the bar.
It’s like a freakin Mardi Gras in here, but I can’t find Gina. I’ve gone from one end of the large dining room to the other, and unless she sees me coming and runs away, she’s not here.
“There you are!” Maverick grabs my shoulder, pulling me close. “Why aren’t you dancing? It’s a wild night.”
He’s a bit tipsy, so I take a chance asking, “Have you seen Gina?”
