We’ve stopped baby-talk altogether in front of Morgan. She’s having a really hard time dealing with their situation lately eventhough she keeps a bright smile plastered on her face. I can’t imagine this is an easy conversation for her to hear.
I look away from them and gaze around at everyone gathered together. My eyes finally fall on the only man I see. “Wolf…” My heart somersaults in my chest at the sight of him.
He stands farther back, eyes blazing into mine. A full black tuxedo hugs his muscular body with a bowtie around his neck, while his hand grips a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers.A man after my heart. Literally.I saunter over to him with my heart in my throat.
“Bunny… You look absolutely breathtaking.” He kisses my cheek, then hands me the flowers. “These are for you.”
I take them with a soft giggle. “Why does it feel like prom night?”
“As long as I’m a much better option than your prom date was, that’s all that matters.”
My deep red fingernails come up to scrape through his beard. His hair is slicked back, making him look deliciously sexy. “You are. A thousand times more.” I smile. “What about me? Hotter option than your prom date?” I ask with a smirk, then spin slowly to show him all my assets.
We haven’t had sex since Gracie’s birthday almost a month ago, and I’m starting to lose my mind. He hasn’t even tried to kiss me since. Always the cheek, nose, temple, or forehead, but never my lips. I know he’s probably just giving me time to settle through my thoughts, but I don’t think he realizes it’s only making the voices in my head worse…
What if some part of him still isn’t sure about us? He claimed to love me, but what if he thinks I might turn out like my mom later in life? It’s what I fear daily, so why wouldn’t he? I wouldn’t want someone like that in my life or around my kids, so I don’t blame him for having doubts.
I know these thoughts are stupid and he’s been working so hard on proving me wrong, but the voices just won’t shut up.
He grabs me by the hips, pulling me against his chest as I hold the flowers to the side. “A million times better. But you aren’t an option, Em; you’re my choice. One I’d make over and over for the rest of my life,” he says softly, one hand coming up to cup my cheek.
And slowly, the voices dim in my head for the time being.
A few steps away, Gracie claps her hands and giggles in my father’s arms. I step out of Greyson’s hold and head for my little girl as Amanda steps up, taking the flowers from my hands.
“I’ll put these in a vase for you before we leave. You look beautiful, Emma,” she tells me with a smile.
“Thank you.” I’m grateful for her, she’s been really good to my dad.
There are still awkward moments, but I’m warming up to it more and more. And she’s amazing with Gracie, so I couldn’t ask for anything better. Compared to my mother, who hasn’t even tried to get in contact with me since she mentioned her new man.I’m also very grateful for that.
“My magnificent Sunflower,” my dad says as he side-hugs me and kisses my temple. “You just keep getting more gorgeous with the years.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” I kiss his cheek, then reach for Gracie. “My Little Tulip.” I squish her to me in the way that always makes her squeal with laughter. “Be good with Pops and Grams, okay?”
“Oh, Lord. I did not think that through, did I?” Amanda laughs at the name I’ve given her. “Grandmother at thirty-four. Good thing I enjoy it so much.”
“I think you enjoy thePopspart the most,” my dad tells her with a wink.
“Eww, Dad! I really don’t need to know that.” I shake my head at him when he laughs.
“Mama,” Gracie whispers as she looks up at me with admiration. Her eyes shift to the side. “Dada!” she exclaims when she spots her father coming up beside me.
“Hi, Buttercup. You listen to your mommy and be good to the two oldies.” He chuckles when both narrow their eyes at him. “Mommy and Daddy are going to miss you. We’ll call to wish you goodnight.” He kisses her crown as I kiss her cheek.
“Our rides are here,” Gabe says from the entrance, then offers his arm to Aubrey, guiding her out of the house to their waiting vehicle. Noah does the same to Ronnie, walking her down to the same luxury SUV as Gabe and Aubrey. Next Morgan and Clay exit, entering the following SUV.
Cecilia and Silas kiss their son goodbye and wish goodnight to Mira and John as well as my dad and Amanda. Silas’s parents follow behind with Dante as they head over to their home, leaving only our little family. I pass Gracie back to my father and grab my clutch, preparing to leave as well.
“Our car isn’t here yet. I asked him to come five minutes later,” Grey informs me by grabbing my wrist, stopping me from heading to the door.
“Oh… okay.”Weird, but whatever.
A few minutes later, he grabs my hand and pulls me toward the door. “Time to go, my love.” He offers me his arm and walks me out the door.
I’m expecting to see the same style of SUV waiting outside like the rest of our group had used. But instead I find a black 1950 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine by the curb with the chauffeur waiting patiently by the back door.
My eyes widen instantly as I dig my nails into Greyson’s arm. “Oh my God, Greyson! Is that…”
