By the timemy brain caught up with Ava’s words, she was already backing out of the driveway. I pulled out my phone to text her, but realized I didn’t have her number. I cursed, mind reeling. This morning had been perfect. It felt like we were a family.
When my grandfather showed up, I was so focused on getting him away from Ava and Maisie that I didn’t think about anything else. But it was too late. One look and he recognized Maisie was mine.
He threatened to go after her. Said if I wouldn’t marry the woman he’d chosen and produce an official heir, he’d take what he could get. Or I could toe the line and he’d leave my illegitimate daughter alone.
I wanted to punch him for calling her that. But that wasn’t how the game was played. And if I wanted to protect Ava and Maisie, I needed to play it better than he did. It was the only way to protect the family I was fighting to get back.
So I let him think he’d won. Took his paperwork and let him walk away, even as my mind raced, turning over my options. Iwas still distracted when I went inside. Still desperately trying to come up with a solution.
I swore and punched the wall, scraping the skin on my knuckles. I deserved the pain. Last night Ava had asked for my honesty. But I tried to shield her from my old life—the life I’d let get between us before—and I forgot to be what she needed.
This time, she was the one who walked away. But I had driven her to it.
My phone dinged with a reminder. I needed to grab my tux and go to the inn to get ready with Luke. Everything in me wanted to track Ava down immediately and apologize. Tell her everything. But I couldn’t let my mistake ruin Luke and Becky’s wedding. I doubted Ava would appreciate that.
I quickly hopped in the shower, then grabbed my clothes and got in my truck. Luke greeted me when I arrived with a big grin and no sign of nerves. “Hey, you’re early. The other groomsmen should be here in about half an hour. Enough time for us to talk about last night. You and Ava must have worked things out.”
My muscles tightened. Of course he mentioned it. Ava and I disappeared to put Maisie down and never returned to the bonfire. I forced a tense smile and took out my tux, a remnant of my city life. Ava would probably hate to see me in it. It would probably just solidify her belief that I hadn’t changed. “Today’s your day. We can talk about my love life later.”
Luke frowned. “What’s wrong? That is not an everything-is-great expression. And don’t brush me off because it’s my wedding today. I’m marrying the love of my life. Nothing can ruin that. But I’m still your best friend, and if you need me, I’ll be there for you.”
I dropped my head forward and rubbed the back of my neck. “I messed up.”
“Well, go talk to her.”
“No. I’ll fix it, but not at the expense of today. You think Ava would appreciate me interrupting her sister’s wedding day?”
“You might have a point. Becky’s been a pretty chill bride, but there are limits.” Luke looked troubled. “Still, if you can talk to Ava away from things, do it. You both deserve to be happy. And Maisie deserves to have her father in her life.”
The door opened, and another groomsman entered, cutting off our conversation. We got ready, and soon we stood outside by the wedding arch, waiting for Becky and her bridesmaids to walk down the aisle. The music started, and Maisie appeared wearing a frilly purple dress, carrying a basket.
I smiled as I watched my daughter make her way toward us, stopping every few feet to throw flower petals at a guest. When she got to the top of the aisle, she waved at Luke and me. “Uncle Luke. Mr. Cole. I did it.”
We both grinned at her and gave her the thumbs-up sign. Ava’s mother motioned for Maisie to join her in the front row, and she hopped up on the seat just as the first bridesmaid reached the arch. I kept my eyes out for Ava, eager to see her and make sure she was doing okay.
My gaze locked on her as she approached. She was beautiful in a pale purple dress that clung to her curves. She had filled out in the last six years, partly from growing up and partly from having Maisie. I noticed last night that she was nervous about it, and how I would react, but I loved her new body as much as I loved the woman she’d become.
I wanted this for us. To watch her walk toward me and to exchange vows with her. But she wouldn’t look at me as she approached. Her gaze stayed locked on the arch, then when she took her position across from me, it switched to her sister, sliding right past me.
My hand brushed against the inside of my jacket, and the envelope I’d shoved there crinkled, the weight of mygrandfather’s threat heavier than lead. I had to fix this, or I’d lose them both.
I barely heard the officiant’s speech or Luke and Becky’s vows. I could only concentrate on Ava. When it came time for us to walk back down the aisle together after the ceremony, she took my arm because the cameras were watching, but her touch was lighter than a ghost’s. She wasn't holding me. She was enduring me.
I whispered, “We need to talk.”
"No, we don't." She kept a smile pasted on her face, but her voice was razor-sharp. "You lied to me, Cole. To my face. There is nothing left to say."
I realized then she wasn’t waiting for me to apologize. If I had any hope of saving us, I needed to be completely honest with her. “Ava?—”
“Don't worry, Cole. You were right six years ago. You're not built for this. Go back to your grandfather. It’s safer there.” Ava pulled away when we reached the table with the wedding certificate we were signing as the witnesses. We signed and stepped back.
Maisie raced over to us and spun in circles, her skirt flying up to reveal the layers of tulle underneath. “Momma, Mr. Cole. Look at my dress.”
“Don’t bother Mr. Cole, sweetie.” Ava picked her up and turned her back on me. “Let’s go take some pictures of your dress.”
Maisie’s face fell, and she watched me with confusion as her mother walked away. She gave me a small wave, and I tried to force a smile on my face to reassure her. But it killed me to see her hurting. I vowed never to give her a reason to doubt me in the future.
I needed to convince Ava to talk to me, but words wouldn’t be enough. I had to show her that she and Maisie would alwaysbe my choice. And that I was ready to be the partner Ava needed me to be.
