Page 111 of I Choose You

“Nonsense,” Dad said jovially. “I insist, or rather, Margaux does. Mercedes will be there, along with other close friends. It’s not just the wedding party, so don’t worry about that.”

“Oh.” She smiled. “Sure. That sounds lovely. I’ll see you there.”

I nodded. “Have a good rest of your afternoon.”

Get out.

Her smile faltered, but she caught herself from frowning and smiled at Dad.

Dad beamed at her as she left my office, and I looked down at the papers I’d been looking over before she arrived.

“You all right, Kaden?” Dad asked as he sat.

Shit. He was settling in. I wouldn’t get off light here.

I never minded talking to my dad. He was a great guy. I wished I could have had more chances just to talk to him at the office. Now that he’d be married, I bet I’d see even less of him.

“Yeah. Sure.” I shrugged and looked at him.

He rubbed his chin, peering at the wall. “You seemed a little off.”

Really? That’s funny. I feel way off.

“Look, is she bothering you?” he asked.

Fuck. “Brooke?”

He frowned. “What? No. Why would I ask if your girlfriend was bothering you? She’s a sweetheart.”

Girlfriend. Ha. Rub salt in the wound, why don’t you? “Then who?” I asked.

“Margaux. Is it bothering you that I’m marrying her?”

I widened my eyes, considering his direct question. I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter.”

He furrowed his brow again, leaning forward. “The hell it doesn’t. You’re my son.”

“No, no, no.” I licked my lips and thought fast. “No. I meant it doesn’t matter that you’re marrying her.” I sighed. “It’s just a piece of paper, right? You’ve already let her into your life these last few months, dating her. And now, making it official is just a formality. On paper.”

He blinked and sat back, clearly not expecting that answer. “That’s how you feel about marriage?”

I shrugged.

“That’s something I’d expect your brother to say.”

I chuckled. “I’m not jaded or anything”

Liar.

“But it’s not…”

He tilted his head to the side. “Come on. What is it?”

I frowned. “Why are you asking? Why are you asking now? If my opinion mattered, why not check before you proposed and started planning?”

“Because I worry you might think I’m trying to replace your mother.” He lifted his lips almost in a smirk. “Margaux and Mercedes talk about the details and planning. Well, it’s more Mercedes. Margaux and I don’t want to handle it all and Mercedes seems to enjoy it. But I don’t want to deal with the details. It reminds me of when I married your mother, and I suppose I’ve been thinking about it lately.”

“No, Dad. You can’t replace her. I’d like to think—no, I know—she would want you to be happy. And that’s why my answer doesn’t matter. I want you to be happy. And if Margaux makes you happy, either as your girlfriend or your bride, then I’m happy for you.”