Chapter 29
The next daywas packed with activities for the joint bachelor and bachelorette parties. For early risers, they’d arranged fly fishing on the river. They’d grill the cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout for dinner.
Not many had turned up, but the ones who mattered to him had. They stood near each other, him, Jaime, Cole, and Declan, and it sent Booker flying back to the best times when it wasn’t about rafting on a raging river or riding a dirt bike down a mountainside but about shooting the shit.
He liked this kind of camaraderie. The quiet of the mountains, the rush of the cold river, the rhythm of casting their flies. Every now and then, they’d take water breaks and talk about their families and jobs.
They didn’t get all caught up because they had the rest of their lives to do that.
And that night, as he lay in bed, Hellcat snuggled up against him, he knew deep in his heart they’d sewn the rift closed, and the absolute rightness formed a knot in his throat.
On the day of the rehearsal dinner, they had a champagne brunch followed by a trail ride up to a glacier. Booker stayed back because he’d wanted to spend time with Stevie, but he heard they’d had perfect weather and a great time.
When they returned the horses to the stable, everyone went back to their rooms to rest and shower before reconvening at the pool. That was his cue to leave his daughter with her grandparents for a bit so he could catch up with his Hellcat.
He stood behind her in the bathroom, watching the water droplets land in the white towel that covered her, and he couldn’t keep from smiling.
“What?” she asked, fresh from a shower and catching his gaze in the mirror.
Wrapping an arm around her waist, he kissed her cheek. “I’m not used to shacking up with someone. I like it.” He peeled back the towel, exposing skin rosy from the heat of a shower. “You know what else I like?”
Lifting her arms, she let it drop. “I might have some idea.”
Damn, he loved when she got all seductive like that. That sexy smile, those feminine curves. He filled his palms with her breasts and kissed her sweetly scented neck.
“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, yookit.” Stevie’s feet pounded in the hallway. “Yook what Gampa gibbed me.”
He quickly snatched up the towel, and Hellcat had just enough time to cover herself before Stevie raced into the bathroom.
“Yookit.” When Stevie saw him, her eyes brightened. “Come on, Mister. We pway.” She held out a packaged pool float.
Kneeling, he examined the large flamingo head rising out of a pink ring. He lifted the brim of her floppy canvas hat to see her eyes. “Want me to blow it up?”
“Yes, pease.”
“Okay.” He stood. “Let’s do it outside.”
As they headed out of the bathroom, Hellcat said, “You better finish what you started.”
“Count on it.” He broke into a slow smile. “Pace yourself the rest of the day. Tonight, you’re all mine.”
In her pink and white-checked swimsuit with eyelet trim, Stevie stomped her little flip-flop-clad feet. “Pease, Mister? Pway wif me?”
There was zero chance he’d say no to that request. “You got it.”
But when they got to the pool area, Stevie noticed the kids playing in the sandbox and quickly ran over to them. The dads sat off to the side, letting the children do their own thing, but Booker wanted to be with his daughter.
So, he grabbed a water bottle, poured some in the sand and, together, they made cakes. With her already rosy cheeks, he was glad for the umbrella sheltering them. High altitude sun was no joke.
They played for about twenty minutes before she brushed the hair off her face with the back of her hand. Sand stuck to the sunscreen. “Mister?”
“Yeah, pumpkin?”
“I firsty.”
“I’ll bet you are.” He glanced at the other dads. “You mind watching her while I grab us some drinks?”
“Yeah, of course,” one of them said.
“Water good?” Booker asked.
Both men nodded in agreement.
“You got it.” As he got a handful of bottles from the cooler, he noticed Hellcat talking to the bartender. He and the chef had done an outstanding job with the food and cocktails so far. It made him happy to know these guys were right nearby. They were big, muscular bikers who might look menacing but seemed to have a soft spot for Hellcat.
She must’ve felt his eyes on her because she glanced over. When their gazes caught, a zing of excitement shot through him. They shared a smile, a secret knowledge of what they meant to each other.
Happiness rocketed through. But no, he was mistaken. It wasn’t happiness. It was even better.
It’s contentment.
I love this life.
I love everything about it.
As he approached the sandbox, he noticed Stevie playing with the other two kids. He heard the boy ask Stevie, “Where’s your daddy?”
Curiosity got hold of him. He had no idea how she’d answer that.
But she didn’t miss a beat. “He hasn’t found me yet.”
Oh, but I have, little one.
I’m right here.
For a man who never wanted children, he couldn’t believe the affection he felt for his daughter. And he barely knew her. Imagine a year from now. Five years.
He handed out the waters, and then sat with Stevie. Her sandy hands clutched the bottle, but she needed his help to steady it and bring it to her mouth. The liquid dribbled down her chin, and he wiped it with the bottom of his T-shirt.
He needed to talk to Hellcat.
It was time to tell his daughter he’d found her.
After a cowboy barbecue with steaks, brisket, and ribs, they held a quick rehearsal in the newly decorated barn. With the rented dance floor in place, they brought in all the guests for line dancing. Hellcat hired a local country band to perform, and the guests let loose.
Booker had his little girl in his arms, dipping and twirling. He didn’t know the first thing about country music dancing, but he was learning how to make his daughter smile, and there was nothing better than seeing her eyes sparkle and hearing her giggles.
When Hellcat joined them, the bond was electric. Somehow, they gravitated closer and closer until the three of them were in each other’s arms.
He’d gotten drafted into the NHL at eighteen, graduated first in his class from Yale, and got his dream job right out of law school with the biggest sports agency in the world, but nothing compared to this moment with the woman and daughter who’d burrowed into his heart so deeply, they’d become part of the fabric of his being.
This is what life is about.
When his little girl collapsed against her mom’s chest, Hellcat said, “Time for bed.”
The three of them left the barn and headed into the house.
After a quick bath, he wrapped her up in a towel, and she said, “Mister wead books wif me?”
“Yeah, of course.” He asked Hellcat, “Where did she get that from?”
“Mister?” Squeezing toothpaste onto the tiniest brush he’d ever seen, Hellcat smiled and said, “The Mr. Bennington books. Mr. Bennington Goes to the Park. Mr. Bennington Goes to the Beach. It’s a whole series about this very proper man who wears a suit while babysitting his niece. It’s hilarious and perfect because he’s always getting sand in his dress shoes and finding sticky lollipops in his pockets, but he’s the most wonderful uncle in the world. He hugs her when she’s sad and fixes the lamp she broke before her parents see it. It’s such a great series.”
He sat on the toilet lid and lifted Stevie onto his lap to comb her wet hair. “So, I’m the uptight, suit-wearing, prig?”
She tapped her chin, pretending to think about it. “Yes. That sounds about right.”
“I’m a prig?”
“Well, not under the covers you’re not.” She laughed. “Okay, no. You’re not a prig. But you can’t deny you’re all business.” She set her thumb on Stevie’s lower lip so she could get the toothbrush in there. “I really should keep you under the covers. You’re a lot more fun there.”
“Sassy.”
Once they had Stevie in pajamas, they climbed into her bed, sandwiching the girl between them.
“Wead, Mister.”
What once had been cute didn’t sit right with him anymore. “You know, there’s another name she could call me.” He wouldn’t force it, of course. If she wasn’t ready to tell their daughter—if she had reservations—of course, he’d wait.
And, honestly, he wasn’t sure which mattered more to him, hearing his daughter call him daddy or winning Hellcat’s trust.
All he knew was, in that moment, a lot hung in the balance.
He didn’t question Hellcat’s affection for him, but her trust issues ran deep. She might never overcome those betrayals. And, frankly, the only way to earn it was through time and his actions. So, if she wasn’t ready, he understood.
But he didn’t see even a hint of hesitation when she hugged her daughter close. “Hey, baby?”
Stevie glanced up at her mom.
“Want to know something?” she asked.
The toddler nodded.
Hellcat reached for his hand, and they entwined their fingers together, resting them on their daughter’s tummy. “You can call him Mister if you want. But you can also call him Dad.” She stroked her daughter’s hair. “Do you understand what I’m saying? He’s your daddy.”
Stevie gazed up at him in wonder. “You mine?”
His heart swelled so big he didn’t think he could stand it. “I’m yours, baby girl.” He kissed her cheek, filling his senses with baby shampoo and impossibly soft skin. “And you’re mine.”
In that moment, the pieces of his life rearranged.
He knew the elation of a perfect landing, the spike of happiness at getting the call he’d been drafted, and the high of signing a big-time athlete.
But forming a bond with his daughter, taking his place in this little family, calmed the chaos inside him.
It was a revelation to belong to something so permanent, so vital.
It became his highest purpose.
And he knew nothing had been—or ever would be—as fulfilling.
My family.
* * *
Finally, the wedding day came, and it couldn’t have been more perfect with sunny skies and a lovely breeze that rustled the trees and grasses.
Lorelei, her parents, her brother, Slick, and some of their friends got up extra early to decorate the barn. They hung gorgeous crystal chandeliers at varying heights. Margot had found them in an estate shop in town, and they added drama and sparkle to an otherwise basic room. Swaths of white gauze fabric draped in grand swoops from one beam to the next, along with strings of tiny white lights. Clusters of flowers wreathed the entrance and adorned the tables.
Since Noa was estranged from her mom, Lorelei and Margot stepped wordlessly into that role. They helped with her makeup and hair, got her into her dress, and hugged her a whole lot.
When it was time for the ceremony, Lorelei couldn’t wait to see her friend say, “I do” and join her life with the man of her dreams.
She and Slick walked down the aisle first, parting to take their places on either side of the flower-strewn arch. In his black tux, his blond hair neatly combed, he stood half a foot taller than Ginty. They had their heads together, talking quietly. He said something that made the groom break into a smile and pull Slick into his arms.
How does he do that? She guessed it was part of his job to be attuned to his client’s needs. Or maybe, underneath that businessman fa?ade, he was a sensitive man who paid close attention to the people he cared about.
He knew what they needed to hear to relax them, heal them. He’d certainly done that for her.
The man was gorgeous.
Kind.
Smart.
And so damn good in bed, she was a rag doll when he finished with her.
Their bond grew stronger every single day.
But the best thing of all? She trusted him. She hadn’t thought it was possible to overcome her betrayals, but this man had never wavered in his transparency and honesty. From the moment she’d met him in the cabin until last night when he’d told her how Mr. Marchaud’s condemnation had gutted him, he’d confided in her and exposed feelings she knew were hard for him to handle.
Having his character called into question plucked at his powerful need to be a good and honorable man. He hadn’t decided how he was going to address the problem, but the fact that he could put it aside to be fully present for this wedding spoke volumes about the way his priorities had changed.
He caught her watching him, and emotion pinkened his cheeks. “You look beautiful,” he mouthed.
“You look hot,” she mouthed right back.
When the string quartet launched into the tune, “At Last,” Lorelei took her cue to start singing.
Everyone went quiet, turning in their seats to watch the bride enter.
Except…instead of the bride, a straggler slipped into the barn. Lorelei didn’t recognize her, and she might not have paid much attention except the woman didn’t fit in with the rest of the artsy crowd.
In a black pencil skirt, sky-high heels, and a silky blouse with a deep, flirty neckline, she was a stunner. Bright red lipstick and a thick mane of sleek mahogany hair showcased the face of a supermodel.
Even then, she still wouldn’t have paid much attention if the woman hadn’t brightened at the sight of Slick.
But she never would’ve lost her place in the song if Slick hadn’t lit up. He broke into a dazzling smile, one filled with surprise—and maybe even a little affection.
Lorelei quickly recovered, but she was rattled. She’d known his partners might show up—depending on their schedules—but he’d never mentioned anyone else. He didn’t have a sister or an ex, and this woman was definitely not his mom.
So, who is she?
She didn’t know all of Noa and Ginty’s friends, but Red Lips dressed like a high-powered New Yorker who shopped at Bergdorf’s.
When the guest settled into an empty chair, Booker’s eyes came back to Lorelei. They were filled with pride and soft with ever-present desire.
She’d overreacted. Of course, she had. The vestiges of betrayal would haunt her for the rest of her life. It had altered her DNA, and there would always be triggers, but she knew Booker would never cheat on her. She knew that.
Finally, the bride appeared in the doorway. With the lavender-tinged twilight as a backdrop, she looked other-worldly. Noa had pretty much raised herself, so she wanted a solo walk down the aisle. She had pockets stuffed with honeysuckle buds, and as she sashayed, she tossed them at the guests. Everyone laughed, and it wasn’t long before the barn had the lovely scent of the sweet nectar.
Right at the end, she ran into Ginty’s arms, and he held her tightly, lifting her off the ground and whispering in her ear.
Tears blurred Lorelei’s vision. Her friend had earned this kind of forever love. She was so happy Noa had found a man who was able to heal damage he hadn’t inflicted.
She felt Slick’s eyes on her, and when she looked over, he mouthed, “Us.”
Elation hit like a lightning bolt, and hot tears ran down her cheeks. She was overjoyed that she’d found the love of her life and that Stevie would have the best daddy in the world.
After the ceremony, they sat down for a buffet dinner. Grace made a stunning cake, but she couldn’t help herself and wound up making so many pastries they needed another long table to display them.
Lorelei was too excited to eat a full meal, so she stuck with hors d’oeuvres and loaded her plate with cheese, prosciutto, fruit, nuts, and crackers. Then, she searched the room for Slick.
And spotted him talking animatedly with Red Lips.
He had three partners, and they were all men. Caleb, Andreas, and George. Could she be a client? Maybe she worked for the Renegades—a publicist?
All she knew was this woman ran the world, crushing her opponents under that six-inch heel.
Who is she?
Well, there was only one way to find out.
As she approached, she saw Slick had set her napkin on the table, saving her a seat between him and Red Lips. That was really sweet of him. But still...
“Hey, handsome.” She kissed his cheek.
He whipped the napkin away, so she could set her plate down and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Lorelei, I’d like you to meet George Willet. One of my partners.”
She looked around the table for a man who fit the bill. Yale graduate, big, expensive watch…someone like Slick. But it was just the guys from the Renegades. And the straggler.
“I’ve heard so much about you.” Red Lips held out her hand. “I’m glad to finally meet you. Okay, fine. He told me not to bring it up, but I just can’t help myself. I was a Mini Callow. I admit it. I saw you in concert in Scottsdale. Well, and in Topeka—but only because I have an aunt who lives there, and she bought me tickets for my college graduation.” The woman blew out a breath. “Fine. I saw you at Madison Square Garden, too.” She laughed. “I’ll be quiet now, but I honestly can’t believe I’m sitting next to Lorelei Calloway.”
“I’m sorry. I’m confused.” She turned to Booker. “George?”
“That’s me,” Red Lips said. “Georgiana Willet.”
“You’re George?” Lorelei asked. “His partner?”