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“I know, but what if we don’t work out? Why implode Daddy and his friendship if he and I go boom?”
“You two will definitely go boom boom.” She wriggles her eyebrows at me. “Your dad too, possibly, but when he sees how Kane treats you, he’ll come around.” She pauses and then adds, “Cal, babe, that man has it bad for you. Anyone with eyes can see you two have a connection. Follow your heart.”
“But what—”
She presses her finger to my lip and shakes her head, “Nope, but buts, unless you’re into that,”After last night, I know she is.“Just see what happens. Stop trying to make everyone happy. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. Now, let’s go celebrate the love of your parents, WHO I might remind you, got together against your nanna’s wishes and now look at them.”
Nodding, I realize she’s right—not that I will ever admit it to her—I need to follow my heart and right now, my heart wants Kane. As selfish as it is, I’m going to go for it with him, I’m going to take a leap … I just hope I survive the fall if it all goes wrong.
* * *
Fernand I pull up at the country club and she parks in the lot. Lady Luck is on our side and we get to park close to the building. Arm in arm we walk inside and head out to the gazebo. In the dark it looks even more stunning. The fairy lights really add to the ambiance and I find myself smiling.
“This looks amazing,” Fern says as if reading my mind just now. “We did a fucking fantabulous job.”
“We really did.” I spin around and take it all in. It’s a magical wonderland and it’s perfect for Mom and Dad’s party. “I’m going to find Mom and Dad.”
“I’ll get us drinks.”
Fern and I split up and I find Mom and Dad off to the side and make my way over to them. Mom’s face lights up when she sees me. “Cali, honey, you look stunning. That shade of pink really suits you.”
“Thanks, Mom, you look beautiful too.”
“Doesn’t she?” Dad says, pulling her into his side, pressing a kiss to her head. After all these years, Mom and Dad are still ridiculously in love. If I can find a love half as intense as theirs, I will be one lucky gal. I deserve to be treated how Dad treats Mom, maybe Kane is that for me. Who knows, but what I do know is I won’t settle for second best.
ChapterTwenty-Six
The kids and I pull up to the country club and I smile when I see Fern’s car already here because that means Calliope is too. I hope I get a moment to chat with her, to apologize for canceling today. As much as I want something with Calliope, the welfare of my kids will always be my number one priority.
The four of us exit my car and head inside. My steps falter when I see Danica sitting alone at the bar. Not wanting another confrontation, I speed up, ushering the kids quickly past and hoping like hell she doesn’t see us. Passing the entrance to the bar, I let out the breath I was holding when we make it past without incident. Inhaling deeply, I follow the kids who are now in front of me.
We enter the gazebo and Finley veers to the left, making a beeline for Cari. Konrad and Michael head to the bar while I look around, looking for Calliope. I don't see her but I do see Jayne and Garrick, so I make my way over to them. The breath is knocked out of me when I’m a few steps away from them. Jayne has stepped to the side and I see Calliope. She’s in a pink strapless dress that flares at her hips before stopping just below her knees. My gaze lifts and I see a hint of cleavage and I realize I’m screwed when it comes to this woman.
“Evening, Fischers,” I say in greeting as I stop before them. Leaning over, I kiss Jayne on the cheek before offering my hand to Garrick. “Happy anniversary, you two.” Then I look to Calliope, I try to school the smile trying to break free. “Calliope, good to see you again.”
“Hi, Mr. H,” she timidly replies. “It’s good to see you again too.” I don’t like her tone and I want nothing more than to sweep her into my arms and kiss her hello, but we agreed to keep it quiet. If we were able to meet today, we would have set some official ground rules, but Bitchifer ruined that for me.
“Please, Calliope, you’re an adult now, call me Kane.”
She goes to reply but Garrick beats her to the punch. “She’s respecting her elders, just like I taught her to.”
“Daddy, be nice. Kane,” she emphasizes my name and like earlier today, my heart skips a beat when she utters those four letters, “is older than you, if my memory serves me correctly, so really, Daddy, you need to respect your elders.”
Garrick laughs. “I just got schooled by my daughter. Lucky I love you, Princess.”
She sweetly smiles at her dad but when she looks over at me, that smile dims and I don’t like it.
“As much as I love the defense, Calliope, maybe we ease up on the elders talk. Forty-five isn’t that old.”
“I’ll leave you old folks to it,” Calliope teases. “I’m heading to the bar.”
“I’ll come with you.” I look to Jayne and Garrick. “Again, happy anniversary, guys. You two really are perfect for one another.”
“Thanks, Kane,” Jayne says, looking to her husband with hearts in her eyes. “I hope you find love again one day.”
Calliope’s eyes widen and I don’t miss the hitch in her breath when I say, “I hope so too, you never know what’s around the corner.” Looking to Calliope, I offer her my arm. “Shall we head to the bar?”
She nods but doesn’t take my arm, she turns and walks toward the bar, leaving me standing here. Her refusal hurts. I thought she would have jumped at the chance to be close to me. Racing to catch up to her, I place my hand on her lower back. “Have I done something to upset you?”
