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“I love you.”
I didn’t say it often. No matter what Lexie thought, I was a work in progress when it came to expressing my feelings. But I vowed to try.
“I love you, Mr. Hollingsworth.”
I’d never grow tired of hearing her say that. Never.
I led her downstairs to join our family again. As her warm hand was in mine, I could hardly believe she was my wife.
Laughter filled the apartment through the open front door, such a stark contrast to how life had been before. This was incredibly better.
Everyone was gathered by the piano in the living room. Eric sat on the bench next to Beau.
“Shall we dance, Mrs. Hollingsworth?”
She beamed, more radiant than she’d ever been. I liked to think I had something to do with it.
“I thought you’d never ask.” Her smile turned to her brother. “Ready for what you’ve practiced?”
The first notes of “Me and Bobby McGee” echoed in the space, and a chorus of voices joined in.
I laughed. Naturally, there wasn’t any other song to play. And those piano lessons Beau had been giving Eric were working well. Another thing he was naturally gifted at.
I swept Lexie into my arms and spun her across the floor. I had gone from a hollow man to one who had everything. Because of Lexie.
I dipped her, touching my forehead to hers when I pulled her upright.
“Let’s nail this rest of our lives thing.”
* * *
“I assumemy invitation got lost in the mail.”
The animated conversation around the dining table silenced.
Teague dropped his fork with a clatter. “You weren’t invited.”
He glared at my father, who seemed pleased by his reaction.
What is he doing here?
Lexie clasped my hand under the table.
“This isn’t an appropriate time,” I said. I should change the locks so he couldn’t show up as he pleased, but that wouldn’t stop him.
He sauntered farther into the dining room and picked up Teague’s glass of champagne. “Surely, you don’t expect me to be absent on such a momentous occasion in my children’s lives?”
Teague pushed to his feet. Pepper grabbed his arm.
“Sit down, son. I’m only here for well wishes.” His smile sent a chill skittering down my spine. “And to think we get to do this all over again in two weeks. At Beau’s wedding.”
* * *
