Page 72 of Going All In

But my dad isn’t nervous in the least. He and Judy each have an area where they’re gathering before the ceremony, separate from one another. He’s in a tux, kicked back on the sofa and watching an Eagles game.

I push his feet off the sofa and onto the floor, taking a seat on the couch next to him. “Hey, Dad. Congratulations.”

He gives me a side hug with one arm, then flashes me his trademark grin as he pulls back. “Hey, Holly. Was worried about you last night.”

“I wanted to apologize. I shouldn’t have run off like that. It makes sense that you’re going to move in with Judy. And I support it, of course. It just surprised me. That’s all.”

My dad waves me off. “Water under the bridge. I just want to make sure you’re okay. Did you at least get dessert before you left?”

I nod. I didn’t get dessert, but I’m okay. More than okay, in fact. “Thanks… thanks for sending Maddox to get me. I appreciate it.”

My dad’s brows knit together. “I didn’t send him, sweetheart. He’s the one who knew where you were. All I did was give him the address.” He tilts his head, looking into my eyes. “He’s a good man, you know. You should give him a chance.”

“I…” I’m not really sure what to say here. Does he know that Maddox and I have something going on?

A knock on the door saves me from having to ask.

Josie pops her head in the room. “Holly? Robert? It’s time for the ceremony.”

Dad and I stand up. He holds his arms open to me, then wraps me in a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you, Holly.”

My face is smooshed against him, but I manage to get a few words out. “I’m happy for you, Dad. Mom would be glad to see you so happy.”

He gives me a tighter squeeze. “Thanks, peanut. That means a lot.”

The ceremony is short and sweet, just as planned. The guests sit in rows of chairs, and we stand up in front of them—my dad, me, Josie, and Addison.

Judy walks down the short aisle on Maddox’s arm. He flashes me a wink as he hands his mom to my dad and moves to stand on my dad’s other side.

I try to listen as they say their vows, but my mind is on Maddox.

I look over at him again. He makes eye contact, and his lips twitch with a smile.

Hiding this is going to be torture.

* * *

The hour after the ceremony is a flurry of pictures, cocktail hour, and changing into some shoes that I can actually walk in. I sigh with relief when I slip off the pumps and slide my feet into ballet slippers.

Now in my flats, I make my way back to the hotel ballroom. People are still milling around, but a few are starting to take their seats. The bar is set up in one corner of the room, the wines that Robert and Judy selected lined up on the bar. There should be enough time to grab a drink at the bar before dinner, right? I glance over at my assigned table. Finding it empty, I make my way to the bar.

“What can I get for you, love?” The bartender puts down the glass he’s wiping dry as I walk up.

“A white wine, please.” They’re serving a buffet, which I happen to know includes both fish and chicken. Plus, I like white wine. Yes, even with steak.

He turns to get the bottle, and a blonde woman joins me at the bar. She doesn’t look familiar, but then again, I don’t know most of Judy’s family or friends.

I turn to her, trying to be social, or at least polite. “Hi. I’m Holly, Robert’s daughter. Are you a friend of Judy’s?”

She flashes me a smile. Her straight white teeth stand out against tanned skin. She chould be in a toothpaste commercial. “Hi there. I’m Ashley. I—”

The bartender sets a wineglass on the bar in front of me, then uncorks a bottle and pours a glass of chardonnay. “Here you go. Enjoy the party.” He turns to Ashley.

“I’ll take a white wine as well, thanks.” She looks back at me while the bartender grabs another glass. “And yes, I know Judy. She’s my mother-in-law.”

I pick up my glass of wine and take a sip. It’s cold and crisp, with buttery undertones. “Mother-in-law. So you’re married to…” I’m thinking. Josie is married to Chris. Addison is single, as far as I know. Do they have another sibling?

“Maddox,” she says, and my heart drops all the way to the ballet slippers I changed into for the reception.

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