Page 96 of Daddies' Little Troublemaker

The hair and make-up stylists finish their work and leave. Mom gets up to use the restroom, giving me a warning glare as she goes.

Chloe and I are alone.

“You look beautiful,” I say.

“Thanks.” Her eyes are on herself in the mirror.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to mention what Troy has been saying to me about mistakes and wanting to get back together. But is Mom right—am I trying to wreck this day for Chloe?

Mom already told her. And Chloe’s pregnant, so maybe she’s willing to put Troy’s shittiness aside so the baby will have a father.

Before I can make up my mind and say anything at all, Mom comes out of the bathroom and says, “It’s time to go.”

It’s just a quick car ride, during which Chloe and Mom rehash the ceremony details, and then we’re at the side entrance of Blackberry Park that leads into the rose garden.

“What is he doing here?” my mom sneers.

Standing at the entrance to the rose garden are two handsome men. My breath catches, trapped in my lungs and throat, at the sight of them looking so dignified and distinguished. They’re in jeans and t-shirts, not wedding finery. But Lincoln and Caleb don’t need to wear suits or tuxes to look amazing.

I don’t know exactly why they’re here, but whatever they want, now isn’t the time.

27

THORNS

Caleb

She’s so beautiful, she makes my heart skip several beats and feel too big for my chest. Nobody else would accuse her of outshining the bride, who wears a sparkly, fluffy white gown with dramatic make-up, but Evie is the one who captures and holds my attention. My little girl, my doll, the one that I love.

Her light purple dress hugs her body, hinting at all the curves I long to run my hands over. I want to kiss every inch of that girl, worship her body until she forgets all the issues that came between us. She’s still wearing her house key, I think, but the chain and key are tucked under the front of her dress. I want to take out the pendant, kiss it, make her mine.

I want to settle down with her and Lincoln and get a new house key for her to wear. We’ll plant a rose garden of our own and watches the blossoms sway in the breeze as we grow old together.

Evie says something to her mother and sister, then hurries over to Lincoln and me. “What are you doing here?”

“We’re here for you,” Lincoln says.

“But I’m in a wedding.” She looks from me to him.

Keeping my gaze steady on hers, I say, “We’ll wait.”

“You two need to leave,” her mother says, hurrying forward.

“Francesca,” Lincoln says. “Good afternoon. Evie—Caleb and I will be nearby.”

Francesca folds her arms over her chest. “You have to leave this park.”

I’m tempted to say something about public spaces, but it’s Evie who speaks up.

“Mom, this is a park. They can be here, just like anyone else. The only place off-limits is the rose garden because we reserved it.”

“Mom, it’s almost time,” the bride says.

“You’re right.” Scowling at Link and me, Francesca takes the bride—Chloe—by the arm and marches her away to a hidden area, probably to wait for her cue to march.

Evie stands before us. “I have to go.”

“I know,” I say. “But when you’re done?—”

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