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I turn to face Nolan. A smudged red ring circles his lips, and judging by the amused look he’s trying to suppress, mine probably isn’t any better.

Heat floods my cheeks, no doubt matching the shade of lipstick we’re now both wearing.

I reach for the small red clutch on the table and stand, ready to flee to the bathroom to fix myself up. But when my eyes meet Nolan’s mother, who’s cradling my son in her arms, the look of pure delight on her face is impossible to miss.

Chapter 19

Nolan

Once the speeches have been made, the wedding cake cut, and the first dance has faded into the rest of the evening, it’s finally time to say goodbye to the bride and groom. And as much as I’ve enjoyed myself tonight, it couldn’t have come soon enough. I’m eager to get my girl home.

Bennett and Poppy are flying to Europe the day after tomorrow for their honeymoon, but Mum has organised a family brunch at the house tomorrow.

“Why don’t I take Jonah home with me tonight?” Mum offers. “I still have one of the bottles you expressed in his baby bag, and there’s another in the fridge at home. That should get him through until morning.”

I’m completely on board with the suggestion, but the choice is Daisy’s. I look to her and watch her mouth open, close, then open again. I get the feeling she’s unsure, but she probably already knows that once Mum makes her mind up about something, it’s almost impossible to change it. “Umm.”

“Come on, say yes,” Mum pleads. “You’ll be able to get a full night’s sleep and be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when you come over for brunch in the morning.”

I have a feeling sleep won’t be high on Daisy’s agenda tonight. When I get this woman home, I’m going to make her mine in every sense of the word.

My forehead crinkles in confusion. “Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed? What the fuck does that even mean?”

Mum rolls her eyes. “It means well-rested and ready for the day, Nolan.”

“Just so you know, if I wake up with a bushy tail tomorrow, I’m not coming to brunch; I’m going straight to the hospital.”

Mum sighs, but the corners of her mouth twitch. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Says the woman who’s quoting woodland creatures.”

“You’ve always had a talent for missing the point.”

“Yet you love me.”

“Sadly, that’s true.”

A nervous energy hums beneath my skin as I drive my Porsche inside the garage. I’ve been with plenty of women in my thirty-two years, but I don’t recall ever feeling like this. Not even with Amanda.

I banged her the first time we met, in a bathroom stall at a nightclub, which says a lot about who Amanda was. Everything with her was fast, impulsive, and surface-level. She was the kind of woman who could make you ignore every glaring warning sign, especially when you wanted to believe the version of her she showed you.

Daisy, on the other hand, makes me want to do things the right way. She’s not a spark that burns hot and fast before fizzling out. She’s someone you build a life with.

No words are spoken as I help her from the car and lead her into the house. I wonder if she’s feeling the same anticipation I am.

“You okay, darlin’?” I ask.

“Yes,” she replies, but it comes out more like a squeak.

My hand remains wrapped around hers as I toss my keys onto the hall table before guiding her upstairs. When we reach the long hallway that leads to the bedrooms, I stop.

I release my hold, turn to face her, and gently cup her chin between my thumb and forefinger, tipping her face up until our eyes meet. “We don’t have to do this tonight,” I say softly. “Not if you’re not ready.”

“Oh, I’m ready. You’ve been walking around the house shirtless all week, and that kiss tonight at the wedding …” She tips her head back and lets out an exaggerated sigh.

A smirk tugs at my lips. “So my master plan worked.”

“Ugh. It did,” she grumbles, poking me in the side.