Page 23 of The Addendum

I squeezed her hand. “Yes, it was.”

A few moments later, they were pronounced husband and wife. I stood and clapped with everyone else, meeting Heather’s happy gaze.

“I love you, Daddy,” she mouthed.

“I love you, little girl,” I replied silently. “Always.”

* * *

I shrugged off my tuxedo jacket, the room feeling warm. I smiled at Katy. “Drink?”

“Champagne.”

Laughing, I kissed her nose. “Coming up.”

I headed to the bar, waiting patiently. The woman in front of me turned, and I met the startled gaze of Ashley. Her gaze dropped to my hands, and I was close enough this time there was no mistaking the frostiness of her glare when she lifted her eyes.

“Hello,” I greeted her.

She stepped away, her eyes flashing, with a brief nod.

“Sorry, am I crowding you?” I asked, mystified, moving back since I seemed to make her upset.

“No,” she snapped, elbowing past me.

I watched her walk away, confused.

I ordered a bottle of champagne, knowing all the ladies would partake, and a scotch, pointing to my favorite brand. I knocked it back and got a refill. Heading back to the table, I saw Ashley again, sitting with Luc. Her posture was ramrod straight, her gaze cold before she turned to Luc, saying something to him. He frowned, glanced my way, and turned fully to talk to her. I felt a glimmer of anger. If I had met her before and somehow upset or snubbed her, she could at least tell me how and when and allow me to apologize.

At the table, I sipped my scotch. Maddox leaned close. “What’s up with you? You look like a thundercloud.”

I turned his direction. “Luc’s girl seems to dislike me.”

He glanced over my shoulder in her direction. “Did you do something?”

I shook my head. “Not that I know of. I have no memory of ever meeting her until now.”

“Maybe you remind her of someone.”

“Maybe,” I said doubtfully. “It feels pretty personal.”

“Ignore her. If it keeps up, you can ask her later. Maybe she’s having an off day.”

I glanced over, once again meeting her unfriendly gaze. As soon as our eyes met, she looked away, turning her back. I saw the flash in her eye.

It frustrated me. I was left with an uncomfortable feeling, which I didn’t like.

“Put it out of your mind for now,” Maddox advised. “It’s Heather’s day. Don’t start anything that might ruin it.”

He was right. I clapped him on the shoulder with a smile. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

I stood and offered my hand to Katy, taking her to the dance floor. Luckily they were playing a mixture of music—both slow and fast. I did love dancing with Katy. We moved well together, and I liked having her in my arms.

“You doing okay?” I asked her.

“I’m good. You holding up?”

I chuckled. “The hard part is over. Now we can dance, eat, and enjoy. Celebrate.” I kissed her head. “Four of the five done, Katy. Only Matthew left.”