Page 120 of Rush

“And so are you,” she says softly, clinking flutes. “We’re doing it, babe—together!”

We hug again before easing into dinner—course after course of decadent food. I focus on Riley, refusing to glance at Broderick, who sits chatting casually like he hadn’t just kissed me breathless earlier.

As dessert arrives, Andrew has Philippa cradled in his arms. She glows in pale ivory silk.

Then Mortimer rises, adjusting his cufflinks the way he always does when he’s nervous.

“If I may.” His voice is smooth, practiced. The room hushes.

He glances at Philippa, and for a second, it’s as if they’re the only two people there.

My chest aches—envy, admiration, something messier in between.

He lifts his glass. “I want to say how incredibly proud I am of Philippa. Watching her grow into the woman she is—successful, poised, sharp—it’s more than a father could ever hope for.”

Beside me, Riley nudges my foot under the table, sensing my chest tighten.

Philippa beams, radiant. I try—really try—to be happy for her.

Mortimer’s gaze sweeps down the table and lands on me. His face softens.

“And,” he adds, clearing his throat, “I’d be wrong not to say how fortunate I am to be blessed not only with one incredible daughter—but two.”

What?

I school my expression neutral, thanks to Kylie’s training, but inside I’m chaos. Another performance? A grandstand? And in front of everyone. In front of Jack.

Under the table, Broderick catches my hand. His warmth steadies me—a reminder that I wasn’t alone.

I don’t look at him. My eyes stay on my father.

The room is silent.

His eyes stay fixed on me, gentler than I’ve ever seen. “Having both my girls home, together, means more to me than I can say.”

A lump rises in my throat.

“And I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge someone very important who should be here—Vida. Philippa and Elena’s mother.”

From the corner of my eye, I see Jack shift, uncomfortable.

“Vida was truly remarkable. Formidable. Stubborn. Graceful. And beautiful. One look at my daughters confirms that.”

Soft laughter ripples.

“Her strength, her heart—I know she would’ve been so proud to see you both become the women you are. To see you together. I’m sorry she isn’t here, but she’s with us—in all the ways that matter.”

He pauses. “I hope we can start over. As a family. I know it’s what she would have wanted.”

He doesn’t know what she would want.Did they even speak after the divorce?

I’m thunder inside.

He raises his glass. “To Vida—for raising such incredible daughters.”

After a long pause, polite applause. Glasses lift.

Philippa glows, eyes glistening. And though it stings—though I feel second—I’m happy for her. She deserves this.