That may be the case, but I’m unwilling to give her an inch. “You of all people, Veronica Mancini.”
She winks.
I grin.
“Sorry, baby girl.” Daddy shrugs. “We were sworn to secrecy.” His eyes move over my head.
Everyone laughs.
I turn to face the culprit. “Rhett Sullivan, what have you done?”
He approaches me and places his hands on my shoulders.
“My girl is turning twenty-five in two days.” He drops a kiss against my lips. “You bet I’m going to make a big deal of it.”
“But, when? How?” I’m so elated, I can’t find my words. “When did you manage to find the time? You were away and when you got back, you were swamped at the ranch.”
“That production was a little white lie,” he says.
I narrow my gaze at him. “What does that mean?”
“Yes, I was at the ranch later than usual, but it wasn’t related to work. I needed a private place to make sure everything for this weekend was well oiled. It was a safe place to hold meetings with my helpers––your boss, my bosses, Miranda, Allison, Jenkins, and April.”
“You tricked me?”
“How else was I going to make this happen for my girl?”
I can’t believe he went to all this trouble for me.
“I’m so lucky to have you,” I say, as a flood of tears stream down my cheeks.
“This was never meant to make you cry.” The concern in his voice tugs at my heart.
I blink. “They’re happy tears.”
“Today’s supposed to be,justhappy.” He whispers the words against my lips. “Let’s go say hi to everybody.”
“Rhett Sullivan, you’re incredible.”
“I’ve been told.” He winks.
I laugh.
“Seriously, darlin’, I’m so proud you’re mine. I’d do anything for you.” He embraces me in his arms and holds me tight. “A celebration on Sunday would’ve killed the element of surprise.You would’ve seen it coming a mile away. I wanted to railroad you.”
“Mission accomplished.”
“Come on, let’s go greet your guests,” Rhett says.
With my hand in his, I step towards the crowd of loved ones.
I’m giddy.
I make my way around the room kissing and hugging every last person. And there’s a little—okay, alotof—crying.
My feet haven’t quite touched the ground yet by the time Rhett and I come to stand next to Daddy and Mom.
My father smiles. “Is it time for champagne yet?”
