7. Gavin #2
The man just laughs, his eyes bright and his smile wide. He’s never hidden his obsession with Lake. Pretty sure that only a few months ago, when we were teasing him about his fixation on his son’s ex, his exact words were “you don’t look away from perfection.”
He was never ashamed of going after what he wanted, forbidden or not. Never hid how he felt. And now he looks like the happiest motherfucker I’ve ever seen.
“She went to the bathroom to freshen up since the dances are about to start.”
“You probably should do the same. You’ve got evidence in your scruff,” I tease, pointing at the red lipstick Lake is famous for on Ford’s neck.
His grin is so wide it splits his face as he rubs at the spot. “What can I say? When he pronounced her my wife? Fuck, I needed her.”
I roll my eyes, wondering if I’ll ever feel possessive about someone like that.
And once again, I find myself seeking Millie out. Aiden’s gesturing wildly like he’s telling a hilarious story, and she’s bright eyed and laughing. Damn. Just seeing her relaxed makes me feel lighter.
When Ford follows my gaze, his softens. “I’m glad she came.”
“You didn’t think she would?” Beckett asks.
Ford turns back to us, his lips tugging into a frown for the first time today. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure. She’s taking this hard. I don’t know what to do to make it better for her. She dropped out of school.”
My breath catches in my throat, and I dart another look at her. She didn’t mention that. Though why would she have? Despite the connection between us, I really know little about her, and only the details she chose to share with me.
I know she likes peach margaritas, that she has one hell of a singing voice, and that if she could do anything, she’d write music.
Instantly, I’m studying her again.
She writes music.
Fuck, is that what this is about?
As if she can feel my attention on her, she meets my gaze, but a moment later, she breaks the contact and goes back to chatting with Aiden. All the while, my head continues to spin.
“Thanks for sitting with her.” Ford grabs my shoulder and squeezes. “I wish she’d brought a date, or a friend. She seems so lost.”
My stomach sinks at the same time my chest aches. For both of them. I wish they’d open up to one another. Ford is hurting and would do anything to make this easier for his daughter. And Millie is lost and unsure of how to be all right with it all.
I didn’t before, but now that I know Millie, now that I’ve gotten to spend a little time with her, I see this is killing her. She doesn’t want to be angry with Ford. But she doesn’t know how not to be.
“She’ll figure it out,” I croak. “She’s young.”
Young . I’m not sure why that’s the word I cling to but, nevertheless, it’s the one I choose.
Ford nods.
“My bride is back.” He leans forward, like he’s being pulled by an invisible force, as Lake walks toward us.
Her dress is long and hugs all her curves, and beneath the beaded fabric that sparkles like a disco ball is a nude-colored layer that makes it look as though she’s showing far more skin than she is.
But we all know Ford would never allow any of us to walk out of here with our sight intact if she were bare beneath that dress.
“Hey, will you do me a favor?” Ford tears his gaze away from his wife for only a second and turns to me.“Will you ask Millie to dance tonight?”
“Me?” I ask, likely gaping like an idiot.
“Yeah,” he urges. “She seems comfortable with you.”
“Don’t you think she’d rather dance with someone her own age?”
“Like one of your brothers?” Ford shudders.
“Yeah, I’d prefer not to think about my daughter like that, so do me a solid and ask her to dance.
I don’t want her to be lonely, but I have zero interest in setting her up with one of the hockey guys.
I know how Daniel is. I’m sure Aiden and Brooks are no different.
Don’t need her actually interested in anyone here. ”
A little wave of indignation runs through me in response to that last comment. My best friend is asking me to dance with his daughter because, in his mind, she’d never be attracted to me and I’d never touch her like that.
I should be offended. I should feel chastised. But he’d be singing a different tune if he had any idea that I’ve had her on almost every surface of my apartment.
Before I can formulate a response, Lake arrives, and Ford is already dragging her out to the dance floor, a glass of champagne in his hand. “Excuse me, everyone. I’d like to make a toast,” he starts.
Once again, my attention is drawn to his daughter, who’s watching, curious, like everyone else here.
Lake tilts her head back and gives Ford a dreamy look as he pulls her close.
“Thanks for traveling all this way for our wedding,” Ford starts.
“We appreciate it more than you know. I never expected that I’d be doing this again.
Never thought I’d meet someone who’d make me risk my career, my reputation, and my heart.
But then again, I don’t think you can ever prepare for love.
” He holds Lake’s gaze and smiles. “Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I’ve ever done.
It wasn’t a choice. It wasn’t calculated.
It took absolutely zero thought or effort on my part.
Because you’re you. The sweetheart who made me smile and reminded me that I still had a whole lot of life to live.
You make me want to live a thousand more years, and you make me feel far younger than my knees would have you believe. ”
Chuckles ring out around us. Like me, the rest of the guests are captivated by my best friend as he pours his heart out.
“I love you, Lake. I’m proud to be your husband.
Proud to call you my wife. I’m thankful that I get to spend my days with you by my side and thankful for the love of music we have in common.
A connection that has created a true friendship between us on top of all we already share.
Because of that shared love, I have one more wedding present for you. ”
Lake’s lips twist as she beams at Ford, her eyes glassy and her cheeks flushed. “What are you talking about, Mr. Hall? You are my present.”
A chorus of aww s rings out as she pops up on her toes and kisses his jaw.
“Well, Mrs. Hall ,” Ford says, his tone full of teasing, “I sure hope you won’t be disappointed with another present, since spoiling you is my favorite thing to do.
” He clears his throat and addresses the rest of us.
“As you all know, Hall Records has had its best year yet, and that is in no small part because of my wife. Lake, you work your ass off day in and day out, speaking to the hearts of millions of fans, and my label has been the benefactor of that. Which is why I want it to now be our label.”
Lake sucks in a breath and slaps a hand to her chest, the tears welling over now.
Hoots and hollers go up all around as Ford holds up his glass. “To my beautiful bride, the amazing and talented Lake Hall. Musician and now co-owner of Hall Records. I love you.”
Glasses clink, and as the happy couple kisses, I turn to look for Millie. But her seat is empty, and I have a feeling I know why.
Shit.