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“Oh, I’m sorry, I was too busy being mentally scarred,” Piper says. “He’s completely ruined dried apricots for me.”
“What a tragedy,” Jazz drawled.”
“I like apricots,” a little voice says, and we all turn to look at Izzy. I’m not sure about the others, but I’d kind of forgotten she was there.
“Okay, enough,” Tanner says with a weary sigh. “Piper, I think you might be blowing this incident out of proportion a little.”
“Yeah, she’s being a total bitch,” Jazz declares.
Tanner rolls his eyes. “That’s not what I said.” Fixing an intent look on his daughter, he tells her, “I can understand why this might be difficult for you, but I really hope that’s something you can get past, because Deacon’s here to stay. I love him, and I’m happy.”
“You thought you were happy last time,” Piper says, her face softening into a look of genuine concern. And I can’t help feeling a rush of affection, despite the way she’s behaved toward me. It’s not that she dislikes me. And I don’t even think she has an issue with me being a guy. She’s just afraid of her father being hurt again.
Tanner offers a soft smile, his eyes flicking my way for a brief, comforting moment. “Not like this.”
CHAPTER30
TANNER
Piper’s frosty attitude thaws a little once RJ arrives, thank god. I’m not sure why he’s so late, but his arrival helps to put a smile on my daughter’s face and distract her from Deacon, so I’m prepared to give him a promotion—not that there’s much higher up for a Director to go.
I know a lot of Piper’s attitude is because she’s concerned for my wellbeing, and once she sees Deacon is nothing like Natalia and that I’m truly happy with him, I’m sure that fear will fade. But I also know my wellbeing isn’t her only concern. Everything she’s ever known about me has changed, and it will take her time to adjust.
About halfway through lunch, the staff Piper hired to cater the meal—my daughter never does anything by half-measures—start setting flutes of champagne at everyone’s places. Except Izzy, obviously.
Before I can ask what we’re supposed to be celebrating, RJ slides out of his chair next to Piper and drops to one knee, a ring box in hand. He barely gets the first few words of his speech out before Piper is jumping out of her chair and gushing, “Oh my god. Yes! Of course!”
RJ grins and gets to his feet, tugging my daughter into his arms.
“Oh my god, I can’t believe this. This is so amazing,” she rambles. “I don’t even care that Dad’s gay lover is here.”
“Who the fuck says ‘lover’?” Jazz drawls.
I roll my eyes and get to my feet, rounding the table so I can get to my daughter.
“Congratulations, baby,” I say with a warm smile, reaching out to stroke her hair.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
I give RJ a pat on the shoulder. “You too, buddy.”
“I suppose we should probably have a toast since they gave us the good stuff,” Jazz says, standing and holding up his glass.
My heart is practically bursting as I watch all the people I love come together in celebration. I want so many more moments like these.
A few hours later, I’m in the kitchen doing the dishes when I hear someone walk up behind me.
“You know there’s a catering team just sitting on their asses right now because you’ve insisted on doing their job for them.”
I glance behind me and offer Beth a soft smile. “I like doing them.”
“I know.” She steps closer so she’s to my side, leaning against the stone countertop next to the sink. “I hope Piper’s little hissy fit earlier didn’t put you out of sorts.”
“She’s fine. I’d rather her be open about her feelings than bottle them up.” I smile at Beth. “Thanks for being so cool about Deacon, by the way.”
“Tanner, you don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad you’ve found someone who makes you happy.”
I eye her curiously. “What makes you so sure he makes me happy? The only thing you know about him is that he’s hot.”
