Page 126 of The Addendum

He returned to my side and tucked my arm through the crook of his. He patted my hand in comfort. “Luc is there. Pacing like a lion.”

I chuckled. “He does that when he’s anxious and there isn’t a keyboard around to work on.”

He nodded in understanding. “He’s waiting for you.”

“I hope he’s not disappointed,” I admitted.

He gaped at me. “How can you say that, Ashley? You’re absolutely gorgeous. You took my breath away.”

I smiled, feeling self-conscious. “I like simple things,” I admitted. “Clean lines, not a lot of fuss. My dress is pretty plain in comparison to some.”

“I like your style. It’s classic and beautiful. It suits you, and you look exquisite. He is going to be blown away.”

I felt my cheeks redden, and he squeezed my fingers. “I know your childhood was bad and you were bullied, my girl, but you moved past it and beat them. Hold your head high and know your worth. It’s priceless.” He tightened his grip again. “Especially to me and your family. And for Luc. He adores every single inch of you. Remember that.”

“You called me ‘my girl.’ That’s what you call Heather.”

“I call Penny that too. Occasionally Gracie.” He paused. “And now you. If that’s okay.”

“Yeah, it is, Dad. I–I like it.”

He smiled widely even as a tear slipped from his eye. “Then you know how it feels when you call me Dad.”

Heather poked her head around the corner. “I hate interrupting this special dad-daughter moment, but the justice of the peace is ready, and Luc is going to burst out of his skin. Reed gave me the signal. We need to get going, or Luc’s coming in here and carrying you down the aisle.” She sighed in exasperation. “As amusing as that would be, can we have a family wedding without some drama, please? Mom would probably like that.”

We laughed and took our places.

My dad looked at me. “Ready?”

“So ready.”

He grinned. “Let’s go, then.”

* * *

Luc was tall and drop-dead gorgeous in his black tux. His gaze was intense, his brow furrowed until I walked in on my father’s arm. His hands were folded in front of him, his fingers beating out an impatient rhythm on his knuckles. That stopped, and his face transformed when he saw me. Any lingering doubts vanished as he swept his gaze up and down, lingering on my bare shoulders and the leg that peeked out as I walked slowly toward him. I knew he already had plans for the strappy, sexy shoes I was wearing. He’d want them digging into his ass as he fucked me hard, celebrating our wedding night. Or scraping his back as he flung my legs over his shoulders and mouth-fucked me. I hoped he wanted to celebrate our wedding for days.

His expression turned tender, loving. Reed put his hand on Luc’s shoulder and leaned close, saying something private. Luc smiled and nodded, never taking his eyes off me.

“Oh, he’s a goner,” Dad muttered. “I’m half tempted to stop and turn around just to see his reaction,” he whispered.

“Dad!” I gasped softly, trying not to laugh. Luc would follow—and fast.

He patted my hand. “Kidding, sweetheart. Just kidding.”

He stopped as we got to the front. Luc stepped forward, shaking my dad’s hand. “I’ve got it from here,” he said. Then he offered his palm to me expectantly. Dad slowly placed my hand in Luc’s.

“You be a good husband, and we won’t have any trouble, Luc.”

“I plan to be, sir.”

Dad chuckled. “Sir. I like that.” Then he turned to me and kissed me. “I love you, my girl,” he murmured in a low voice so only I could hear him.

Then, Richard being Richard, he stepped back and, instead of sitting beside Katy, went over and kissed all my bridesmaids, murmuring something to each of them that made them smile. He smirked at Luc as he went to his seat.

“What can I say? All my girls are beautiful today. I needed to tell them.”

Everyone laughed, because it was typical Richard. The spotlight stealer. Yet, I didn’t mind. Being included as one of his girls was amazing. Hearing him say he loved me healed a tiny piece of my heart each time. It stitched it together and allowed me to love him back just that little bit more.