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Consumed with emotion, I turn and walk around the side of the house where there’s a little more privacy.
“Hey,” I begin, but she shakes her head and swallows hard.
“I mean it. I’ve fallen so deeply in love with you, and I don’t know when exactly it happened, but it did, and I just had to tell you, even if it was in front of your whole family.”
“They couldn’t hear you.” I brush my fingers down her cheek, wiping away her tears. “I love you, too, sweetheart.”
“Now I’ve turned into one of those mushy people that I make fun of.”
“It’s okay.” I kiss her softly. “I’ll make fun of you later.”
“Dude!” Liam points at Gray, a beer in his hand and a huge grin on his face. “You’re getting married tomorrow!”
“That’s not a lie,” Gray says with a laugh.
All of us guys, including Gray’s dad, are at my uncle Will’s for the bachelor party. Gray didn’t want anything wild and crazy—no strippers, nothing…hardcore.
So, Will invited us all to come here for food—with Will, there’s always food—pool, ping-pong, and to watch sports on Will’s multiple screens, pretty much all the testosterone-filled things that a guy could want.
Gray’s been eating it up.
Ike invited a couple of the guys from the team, and Gray included some of his attorney friends, as well.
It’s the place to be tonight in Seattle. The press would have a fucking field day.
Of course, all the women are at the Four Seasons in the city tonight for pampering, girl-style.
Sidney was beside herself with excitement at the idea of getting a massage.
Little does she know, she’s getting much more than that.
My phone pings with a message, and I glance down and grin.
Sidney: YOU SENT ME FLOWERS!
Me: One for every time I’ll think of you tonight.
The bubble jumps on my screen as she replies.
Sidney: There are twelve roses. You’re only going to think of me twelve times?
Me: You’re greedy.
Sidney: You bet your fine ass. Thanks, babe. xo
I pop my phone back into my pocket and look up to find my dad smiling at me.
“What?”
“You’re completely smitten with that girl.”
“Only old people use the word smitten.”
His smile doesn’t waver.
“I’m just doing some nice things for her. She deserves them.”
And I’ve watched my dad shower my mom with little gifts and thoughtful things my whole life. He swears that it’s the way to a woman’s heart.
So far, it’s working.
Sidney especially seems to love having me bring her coffee in bed. I’ve had a lot of grateful sex, thanks to that.
“Keep that up,” he advises with a wink. “I’m happy for you.”
Without asking me any questions, he walks away to join Isaac and Matt at the ping-pong table, where Matt is kicking Isaac’s ass, and a whole group of guys is standing around, cheering them on.
I walk into the house to see what there is to eat when my phone pings again.
Sidney: Now you sent enough mini cherry cobblers for all of us!
I grin and simply dial her number.
“Hi, sweetheart,” I say when she picks up.
“You’re spoiling me! You know that cherry cobbler is my favorite.”
“I know. It’s a special night. You should enjoy it. And everyone loves cobbler.”
There’s some murmuring in the background and then Sidney giggles.
“My mom just said that you’re a keeper. I’m so glad that she’s here, Keaton. Thank your dad for me, okay?”
“I will. And she’s totally right. Listen to your mom. I won’t keep you on the line. Go enjoy your time with the girls.”
“I’m gonna eat this cobbler and then go sit in the steam room with Stella and Sophie. They want to drill me about our relationship.”
“Of course, they do. Have fun, babe.”
“Okay, we will. Love you, bye.”
She’s gone before I can tell her I love her, too. Every time she says it to me, it’s like a punch to the gut, but in a good way.
I can’t explain it.
“Was that my daughter’s voice I heard?”
I turn and find Sidney’s father smiling at me from the other side of the kitchen island. He’s a tall man, with thinning dark hair and a kind smile. David’s been nothing but kind to me in the few times I’ve met him.
“Yes, it was Sidney. I owe you an apology, Dr. Sterling.”
His eyebrows climb in surprise. “Why is that?”
“Because I haven’t come to see you in person to tell you that I’ve been seeing your daughter and that I’ve fallen in love with her.”
He nods slowly, leaning on the counter. “Well, better late than never, I suppose. It may sound old-fashioned, but what are your intentions where Sidney is concerned?”
I blow out a breath and push my hand through my hair.
“I can’t imagine my life without her in it. I know that we have very different lifestyles, but I hope that, with time, we can figure things out. One day, I’d like to marry her.”
