Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Penny Zoomed in. So did Gavin and Matthew. They laughed at the decorations and the antics behind me on the dance floor.
Richard was the “master of ceremonies,” which came as no surprise. If there was a spotlight, he would be in it. He kept up commentary during the evening, and he announced Luc and me as king and queen of the night, his speech about why we deserved to be actually making me tear up.
“For the man who unknowingly brought me my daughter, and the woman who accepted me as her father. It’s no surprise these two deserve the honor of wearing the crowns of the night.”
The crowns were from the dollar store, the scepters the same—and I loved them. I loved all of it. After dancing with Luc, I found myself in my father’s arms. He smiled down at me.
“Having a good time?”
I squeezed his arm. “The best.”
“Luc went to a lot of trouble—he wanted you to have a good memory.”
“Another do-over.”
“Yes.”
“And you were all in on it?”
He smirked. “Yep. Katy and I helped plan it. Luc was going to go completely retro, but she pointed out if you saw a dress from that period, the jig would be up fast.”
I laughed. “She was right.”
He twirled me and pulled me back. “She usually is.”
He smiled as he looked down at me. “Besides, you look stunning. The dress is perfect.”
“Yeah, it is. He picked well.”
We danced until the song was over, then he tugged my hand. “Come with me.”
We headed to the front door where Katy stood, smiling. She slipped my shawl around my shoulders. “You’ll need this.”
She leaned forward and hugged me. “Remember how hard he is trying,” she whispered. “This means more to him than you know.”
I threw her a quizzical look, but I followed Dad out of the door. Luc was leaning on a car, the engine running, the paint gleaming under the canopy lights. He grinned at me and winked.
I looked up at Richard. “No,” I breathed out.
He held up his hands. “I gave all my kids a car when they graduated. I wasn’t there for you then, but I’m here now. Please accept it from Katy and me.”
He dangled a set of keys in front of me. I looked at the car again. Sleek, new, shiny. The color of my dress.
“I know you like Toyotas,” he murmured. “It’s a good, reliable car.”
“And top-of-the-line,” I added, recognizing the model.
“Only the best for my kids,” he replied. Then his voice softened. “All of them.”
I shared a glance with Luc, who silently begged me with his eyes. I met Katy’s soft gaze, her eyes anxious. Then I looked at Richard, who was waiting for me to reject his gift.
I flung my arms around his neck.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I love it!”
He released a long sigh. “Good,” he replied, relief evident in his voice. “Take it for a test spin with your date.” Then he pulled back with a chuckle. “No funny business. I’m timing you.”
I had been drinking, so Luc opened the passenger door and helped me in.
He slid into the driver’s seat as I peered around the luxurious interior.
“I didn’t expect this,” I admitted as he drove out of the parking lot.
“You made his night. He wanted to give you this, and he was afraid you’d reject it.”
“I’m done rejecting good things.”
“Your dad would be thrilled to hear he is considered a good thing now.”
I smiled. “Such a night of great memories.”
“It’s a night for surprises,” he said mildly.
I leaned back, feeling the leather seat cradle my body. “That it is.”
He drove us to the cliffs behind the winery, and we sat in the car, looking at the moonlit water. He opened the door, holding out his hand. “Let’s get some fresh air.”
I let him pull me from the car, and we walked around to the front, listening to the water.
“It’s so lovely here,” I whispered.
“The view isn’t as beautiful as the woman beside me,” he replied.
I nudged him playfully. “You don’t have to try so hard, Luc. I’m a sure thing.”
He chuckled. “Only speaking the truth.” He turned, facing me. “I want to ask you something.”
“Sure,” I replied, something in his voice making me nervous. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. For the first time in my life, everything is right. I have a job I enjoy, an adopted family to give me roots.” He drew in a long breath. “And a woman I love beyond all reason.”
“I love you too,” I murmured.
“Life has never been better. I have all the elements I need except for one.”
“What’s that?”
He dropped to one knee, holding out a box. “For you to share my last name. Marry me, Ashley. Complete my circle.”
I stared down at the man who had changed my life in ways he couldn’t comprehend. I had fallen in love with his gentle soul and passionate nature. And now he was asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. As if there was any doubt.