“Hey, Raemina. How’s your night going?” Dad asked her, and I snuck a glance at her.
Fuck.
Big mistake.
She looked gorgeous, her hair pulled back into a slick bun, the smooth, silky skin of her neck, chest, and shoulders on full display. I wanted to taste her so bad, I squeezed the sprayer handle so hard, it almost snapped in my hand.
“Good. Busy. Great tips, though.” She grinned.
I offered her a smile, all while knowing my father stared at me much like he knew exactly what was going on.
Rae grabbed a clean dish rag and disappeared from the room.
“Why do you look at her like that?” My father’s voice commanded, yet still gentle in his approach.
My heart lifted. But then my brain stomped on it.
“Like what?”
“Like you’re in love with her.”
I let go of the sprayer, the noise between us silenced. “What?” I didn’t dare look at him. It’d give it all away.
It must be written all over me. All over my damn face and everywhere else.
I was madly in love with that woman and there was no stopping it. I wanted her as mywife.
“Just what I said. Why do you look at Raemina as if you’re in love with her?”
I stared into the sink for what felt like hours but was only mere seconds. When I turned and faced him, I squared myshoulders back and mustered a confidence I didn’t feel. “Because I am, Dad.”
His eyes widened, and he stepped back. “What did you say?”
“I am, Dad. I’m tired of hiding it. I love Raemina. I’ve loved her since the moment I’ve laid eyes on her. She’s a beautiful woman inside and out. And I can’t wait to make her my wife one day.”
Dad’s mouth dropped open slightly, and he shook his head before responding quietly. “I told you she was off limits, Gunner.”
“I know. I tried to stay away. But I couldn’t.”
He sighed. “You really feel that strongly about her?”
“Yes. I do. I meant every word.”
“Then I give you my blessing.”
“You do?” My heart leaped into my throat.
“I do.”
“Thank you.” I rested a hand on his shoulder, the very first time I’d dared to touch him, and he covered my hand with his.
“You’re welcome,son.”
Tears sprung to my eyes.
How I went from being at the lowest point of my life to being the most fulfilled in a matter of weeks made no sense. But who was I to question it. Life was an adventure, and I was here for the ride.
We hugged it out and when I walked out of the kitchen, Raemina stood there, tears slipping down her cheeks. “You love me?”
