Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
“I’m not drinking that,” Colt refused.
When Beau held it out to Rio, he shook his head. “No way.”
“I’ll drink it,” the three Littles said together and then dissolved into giggles.
“You know they’re going to deny everything tomorrow,” Beau suggested, handing it to Maisie, who thanked him before taking a big gulp. He took the pitcher to Amber to refill hers. As he poured, he nodded toward the outside bar fridge. “Beers are in there.”
“Thank God,” Colt said, heading there immediately as Beau finished filling the women’s glasses. He brought three back and passed them out.
“Daddy, we’ve been thinking,” Harper started.
“We think we should have a daiquiri festival every week,” Amber proposed.
“We’re having so much fun and I haven’t thought about my computer for so long,” Maisie added.
“I vote we wait to see the effect of the strawberries tomorrow,” Beau suggested.
“We won’t have scurvy,” Amber cheered.
“Isn’t that for pirates?” Harper asked.
“Ooh! Daddy! I think pirates wear tight pants. You could pretend to be a pirate!” Maisie suggested, eying her Daddy and obviously assessing the possibilities.
“No one ever talks of this again.” Beau swore the other men to silence.
“Arggh! Whatever you say, Captain.”
“Aye! Aye!” the Littles cheered.
EPILOGUE
Shaking with emotion, Maisie Rae Woodson stood at the entrance of the aisle in the beautiful church. The scent of fragrant roses and gardenias drifted around her as she looked toward the handsome man waiting for her at the altar. His smile radiated toward her and she smoothed a hand over the exquisite gown her stylist had insisted Maisie wear, hoping she looked as incredible as Harper and Amber had assured her.
Maisie had fought the enormous church wedding that Beau’s parents insisted they have until Beau had admitted he would love to see her walk down the aisle toward him. The things I do for my Daddy.
Her father patted her hand before asking, “Are you ready to marry Beau? I think he’s waited long enough, don’t you?”
She tore her gaze away from Beau’s handsome face to look at her father. “We’ve wasted enough time.”
“I agree.”
Patting his arm, she allowed him to escort her down the aisle to her groom. Rio and Colt stood next to Beau, looking spectacularly elegant in their tuxedoes. As much as Maisie hated dressing up, she loved seeing these men that meant so much to her looking devastatingly handsome. On the bride’s side, Harper and Amber stood smiling at her. She saw Amber move her bouquet subtly as if she were doing a cheer in three inches of space. Maisie grinned at her—once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader.
She passed her team and other scientists she had worked with over the years. Maisie could tell from their expressions how happy they were for her. Mr. Chamberlain sat close to the aisle in a jaunty bow tie along with a group of their high school friends. Miranda was absent. No one had seen her for weeks.
To Maisie’s surprise, when she thought of the unpleasant woman, the hatred she held for Miranda had disappeared. Maisie planned to live her life to the fullest without regret or wasting time on petty individuals.
On the groom’s side, political allies and friends Beau had bonded with over the years packed the pews. Several she had grown to enjoy debating issues with over the last few weeks. Maisie had learned that Beau chose his friends wisely—just as he had in high school.
Beau’s parents sat in the front row. After setting boundaries, Beau had allowed them to attend, but they would leave before the reception so Maisie could relax and enjoy the festivities. In the future, Maisie and Beau would limit their time with his parents. While they hoped the older couple would accept their marriage, Maisie and Beau weren’t holding their breath until they did.
Taking that last step, Maisie allowed her father to place her hand in Beau’s before taking his seat next to her other family members who filled the front row. Beau lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to the back of her hand.
“You look gorgeous.”
Looking at him, Maisie could hear additional two unspoken words in her brain. Little girl. The couple turned to face the minister and Beau squeezed her hand to remind her he was there.
She looked at him and hoped he could read the message in her eyes. I love you, Daddy.
“I love you, too,” he whispered for her ears only.
Maisie smiled and squeezed his hand in return. Let’s get this wedding finished. She was looking forward to the honeymoon in Avondale.