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)
“Before you go, I wanted to thank you,” she said to Katy. “For everything. All your help with the wedding, with making things go so smoothly.”
Katy smiled. “I’ve loved every second of it.”
Ashley nodded, looking unsure, then spoke again.
“I also wanted to thank you for being such an amazing woman, Katy. For welcoming me and being so patient while I found my feet.” She paused, swallowing. “For stepping in and being a mom to me.”
Beside me, Katy’s eyes filled with tears. I pulled her close and kissed the top of her head as Ashley kept talking.
“I have something I always dreamed of—a big family. I think…in fact, I know my mom is happy I found you. I was hoping you would let me call you Mom from now on. Because you deserve that title.” She swallowed again. “I spoke with the girls, and they’re good with it—as long as you are. I always referred to my mom as Momma, so I think she’d be okay with it too.”
Katy stepped forward and opened her arms. “Dear girl, there is nothing that would make me happier.”
Ashley wrapped her arms around Katy, bending to hug her tight. It always brought a smile to my face to watch them—Ashley, so tall, bending to hug my tiny Katy. Seeing the genuine affection between them made me happy. It was something I had been unsure would ever come to pass, but thanks to Katy’s gentle soul and enduring sweetness, it had. The same way she had changed me with her light, she had drawn Ashley in as well.
Katy stepped back, tapping at her eyes with a tissue. “I will never replace your mother, but I am honored to follow her. She raised an incredible human being, and I know how proud she is of you. I am so happy fate brought you to us.”
Ashley smiled, her eyes glinting in the light with emotion. “I asked Reed to escort you personally to the mother of the bride’s seat.”
Katy nodded and turned, meeting my eyes. Her brilliant blue irises were bright with emotion and happiness. I bent and kissed her. “I’ll see you in a few moments.”
She left, still dabbing at her eyes. I looked at Ashley.
“Thank you. You just made me very happy.”
She shook her head. “Thank you, Dad. For everything.”
I wondered if I would ever get used to her calling me Dad. Ever get over the small thrill it caused in my chest. I hoped not. “No thanks are needed. I’m happy to do all of it for my daughter.” Then I crooked my arm. “You ready to get married?”
“You ready to give me away?”
I pressed a kiss to her head. “No. I’ll never really give you away. I’ll let you go, but I’m always here, Ashley. Remember that. I always have your back.”
She squeezed my arm. “Got it.”
ASHLEY
Richard—Dad—peeked out into the room where Luc and I would exchange our vows. The space was decorated with flowers and pine, the scent filling the air. I hadn’t wanted an over-the-top Christmas theme, but I went with gold, ivory, and burgundy and some fir and evergreen to add to the mix.
He returned to my side and tucked my arm through the crook of his. He patted my hand in comfort. “Luc is there. Pacing like a lion.”
I chuckled. “He does that when he’s anxious and there isn’t a keyboard around to work on.”
He nodded in understanding. “He’s waiting for you.”
“I hope he’s not disappointed,” I admitted.
He gaped at me. “How can you say that, Ashley? You’re absolutely gorgeous. You took my breath away.”
I smiled, feeling self-conscious. “I like simple things,” I admitted. “Clean lines, not a lot of fuss. My dress is pretty plain in comparison to some.”
“I like your style. It’s classic and beautiful. It suits you, and you look exquisite. He is going to be blown away.”
I felt my cheeks redden, and he squeezed my fingers. “I know your childhood was bad and you were bullied, my girl, but you moved past it and beat them. Hold your head high and know your worth. It’s priceless.” He tightened his grip again. “Especially to me and your family. And for Luc. He adores every single inch of you. Remember that.”
“You called me ‘my girl.’ That’s what you call Heather.”
“I call Penny that too. Occasionally Gracie.” He paused. “And now you. If that’s okay.”
“Yeah, it is, Dad. I–I like it.”
He smiled widely even as a tear slipped from his eye. “Then you know how it feels when you call me Dad.”
Heather poked her head around the corner. “I hate interrupting this special dad-daughter moment, but the justice of the peace is ready, and Luc is going to burst out of his skin. Reed gave me the signal. We need to get going, or Luc’s coming in here and carrying you down the aisle.” She sighed in exasperation. “As amusing as that would be, can we have a family wedding without some drama, please? Mom would probably like that.”