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Holiday Heir

Page 192

by Maggie Cole

The second he sees me, every bit of his Cartwright confidence disappears. He swallows hard, and his eyes turn glassy.

I stop breathing.

Daddy's arm tightens beneath mine. He mumbles louder than necessary, "Boy's already crying."

"Daddy," I scold.

"Just stating facts."

I laugh.

Charlie is supposed to walk ahead of us carrying a little sign that says Daddy, here comes Mommy.

Instead, she makes it approximately six feet before abandoning the sign and running straight toward Jagger.

Everyone laughs.

Jagger crouches and catches her.

He lifts her into his arms and kisses her cheek. He takes her hand, and they wave at me.

Mason stands beside him as best man, shaking his head.

Carla passes him as she reaches the front. Carla shoots him a snotty smile.

Mason's jaw tightens.

Daddy and I reach the end of the aisle.

Jagger's gaze moves slowly over me. "Jesus Christ, darlin'."

Everyone laughs softly.

I whisper, "You like it?"

"I'm trying real hard not to say something inappropriate in front of Charlie."

"Jagger," Ruby warns from the front row.

More laughter.

Daddy puts my hand in Jagger's. Then he points at him. "You remember what I told you."

Jagger grins. "Which threat?"

"Pick one."

"Daddy."

He kisses my cheek.

His voice breaks when he whispers, "Love you, baby girl."

"I love you too."

Then he looks at Jagger.

For a moment, neither man jokes.