Page 83 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“You’re a beautiful bride.”

The connection flickers briefly before steadying.

“I’m glad I can be here with you.”

The simple words fill the room. Six months ago, no one knew whether she would still be here now. The realization hits so hard that I have to bite the inside of my cheek.

Whatever happens tonight, whatever Lucian and Caleb demand of me in the future, it’s worth it.

She reaches toward me. Instinctively I lift my hand. Our fingertips stop inches apart.

“I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

Her gaze rests on me for another moment. Then she smiles.

“Now go marry that handsome man.”

My throat closes again.

If only you knew. But none of this is what she believes it is.

Mrs. Henderson touches her earpiece.

Mom glances toward someone I can’t see. “I’ll be at the ceremony.”

The image fades. And suddenly the room is much too quiet.

A soft knock sounds at the door, and when Piper answers it, her expression changes.

My father stands outside. For a long moment, he doesn’t move. Then his gaze finds me.

I have seen my father exhausted. Furious. Ruthless at a negotiating table. Terrified for my mother. But until this moment, he’s never looked old and defeated.

His gaze travels over the dress, my hair, the veil. His eyes get watery. “Peanut.”

The childhood nickname steals the air from my lungs.

Piper looks at me for guidance.

When I nod, she quietly leaves the room with Mrs. Henderson.

Dad enters. He stops an arm’s length away and lifts his hand as if he intends to touch me. Then he lets it fall.

“There’s no version of today where you don’t pay a terrible price.”

The words hang between us. He doesn’t apologize. Doesn’t tell me he had no choice. Doesn’t ask me to understand. For that, at least, I am grateful.

His voice is rough when he continues. “I was supposed to take care of you and your mother.”

My chest aches. Because I know that. Because despite everything, I know him. The man who spent decades loving one woman so completely that when he could no longer save her by rational means, desperation ate every piece of judgment he possessed. Including the part that should have protected me.

“I don’t know if you’ll ever forgive me.”

Neither do I. So I say nothing.

His eyes close briefly. When they open, he reaches into his jacket.