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“Sidney, darling!” my father’s booming voice sounded. Darn. I wouldn’t have time for a glass of wine before talking to him. With all the people and lights I couldn’t see him at first and then he appeared, the crowd parting to make way. I squeezed Killian’s hand, hoping he wouldn’t be intimidated by my dad’s wide chest, six foot four height and piercing gaze.
Though he wrapped his arms around me in a hug, I knew it was Killian he was looking at.
“Looking beautiful as always,” he said when we pulled apart, giving me an approving look. “And I should know who you are,” he said, turning to Killian. “Your face is so familiar, but I can’t place you. Are you an actor?”
“No, sir.”
“Don’t tell me,” Dad said, studying him. “I know it’ll come to me. Just give me a minute.”
I looked up to see my mom approaching; she was almost running in her heels. “Sidney, you made it!” She squeezed me close and then stood back to look me over. “There’s a glow about you, dear. You look lovely.” She turned to Killian and pulled him into a hug, too. “It’s wonderful to meet you . . . ?”
“Killian. Killian Bosch,” he said.
“Bosch,” my father declared. “The hockey player?”
“Yes, sir.”
Dad’s bushy brows lowered and he looked directly at Killian. “You were let go from Boston before you even played a single game for them.”
“Dad,” I cut in. “That was years ago.”
My father’s gaze was on me now, the wheels in his mind turning. “He’s a Fenway Flyer. He’s on your team. You’re dating one of your players?”
“Yes, that’s how we met.”
The look on my father’s face was one of displeasure, and I knew he had made his final judgment of Killian. And he’d done it in less than sixty seconds. Bluntly, he continued, “This is just another act of defiance, isn’t it? Surely you don’t have serious intentions with a minor league hockey player.”
Knowing she needed to step in, Mom put her arm on Killian’s. “I think it’s rather romantic. Killian, we’re so pleased to meet you. Please forgive my husband. He doesn’t think any man is good enough for our daughter.”
The relief I felt in that moment was so overwhelming I had to clear away a lump in my throat. My mother had always been the more critical of my parents, but this comment of hers made up for all the times when I’d thought she was being unreasonable.
“When will the dancing start?” I asked, looking at the empty wood dance floor while trying to change the subject.
“After dinner, dear,” my mom said, frowning in confusion. “I never knew you were interested in dancing. When did that start?”
“Since I met Killian. His mom was a dance teacher and he’s an excellent dancer.”
I could tell Dad wanted to make a smart comment, but he felt the pressure of my mother’s hand on his arm and said nothing. His glance at Killian spoke volumes, though.
“I see some friends I want to introduce Killian to,” I said, taking his arm. “Excuse us.”
“It was a pleasure to meet both of you, Mr. and Mrs. Stahl,” he said. “Congratulations on your anniversary.”
My father grunted, still giving Killian the evil eye.
“I could really go for a beer or ten right now,” he said in a low tone.
“I know what you mean. I’m sorry about that. That’s just the way my dad is; it’s the way he’s always been.”
“Look, I understand him wanting the best for you. Any father wants that for his daughter.”
I tugged on his arm and stopped near a drink station. “He doesn’t realize it, but I’ve already got the best. No matter what I do, I’ll never meet my dad’s standards. He’s judgmental and he thinks he’s always right. Don’t let it get to you.”
Killian nodded, but he wouldn’t meet my gaze. We’d barely gotten our feet under us as a couple, and my dad was a lot for any man to take. Had I made the right decision in bringing him here?
We grabbed some drinks and then mingled with family and friends. There were a lot of people here I hadn’t seen in a while and every single one of them congratulated Killian and me on the success of the Flyers. Even my brother Daniel was happy to see me doing well personally and professionally.
When dinner was served, we were seated at the head table next to my parents and Daniel. Despite the fact that I knew both of us weren’t exactly at ease, I was pretty sure we looked like a happy couple to anyone who glanced our way. Killian’s fingers were laced through mine beneath the table throughout the entire meal. He never let go. Finally, the orchestra began to play some dance tunes. Killian stood up and led me out to the dance floor.
