Page 25 of A Major Puck Up

Fortunately, Daniel keeps Millie by his side for the reception. That means she’s by my side too, since Daniel spends the night hanging with my brothers, and I’m a glutton for punishment who acts like I’m being forced to hang with them as well.

I could easily go and chat with a half dozen people right now. Instead, I stand beside Beckett at the bar, with Millie, Daniel, and my brothers to our left.

And I’m doing a terrible job of not staring at her.

“You might want to keep your eyes off his daughter. He’s on his way over,” Beckett says with a nod in Ford’s direction.

I clear my throat and stand up straighter, avoiding my brother’s knowing gaze. Fuck, I hope he thinks I’m feeling awkward about my puck bunny comment on the plane and he doesn’t know what’s really going on.

“Surprised you let go of her long enough to come say hello,” Beckett teases, craning his neck like he’s looking behind Ford for his bride.

The man just laughs, his eyes bright and his smile wide. He’s never hidden his obsession with Lake. Pretty sure that only a few months ago, when we were teasing him about his fixation on his son’s ex, his exact words were “you don’t look away from perfection.”

He was never ashamed of going after what he wanted, forbidden or not. Never hid how he felt. And now he looks like the happiest motherfucker I’ve ever seen.

“She went to the bathroom to freshen up since the dances are about to start.”

“You probably should do the same. You’ve got evidence in your scruff,” I tease, pointing at the red lipstick Lake is famous for on Ford’s neck.

His grin is so wide it splits his face as he rubs at the spot. “What can I say? When he pronounced her my wife? Fuck, I needed her.”

I roll my eyes, wondering if I’ll ever feel possessive about someone like that.

And once again, I find myself seeking Millie out. Aiden’s gesturing wildly like he’s telling a hilarious story, and she’s bright eyed and laughing. Damn. Just seeing her relaxed makes me feel lighter.

When Ford follows my gaze, his softens. “I’m glad she came.”

“You didn’t think she would?” Beckett asks.

Ford turns back to us, his lips tugging into a frown for the first time today. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure. She’s taking this hard. I don’t know what to do to make it better for her. She dropped out of school.”

My breath catches in my throat, and I dart another look at her. She didn’t mention that. Though why would she have? Despite the connection between us, I really know little about her, and only the details she chose to share with me.

I know she likes peach margaritas, that she has one hell of a singing voice, and that if she could do anything, she’d write music.

Instantly, I’m studying her again.

She writes music.

Fuck, is that what this is about?

As if she can feel my attention on her, she meets my gaze, but a moment later, she breaks the contact and goes back to chatting with Aiden. All the while, my head continues to spin.

“Thanks for sitting with her.” Ford grabs my shoulder and squeezes. “I wish she’d brought a date, or a friend. She seems so lost.”

My stomach sinks at the same time my chest aches. For both of them. I wish they’d open up to one another. Ford is hurting and would do anything to make this easier for his daughter. And Millie is lost and unsure of how to be all right with it all.

I didn’t before, but now that I know Millie, now that I’ve gotten to spend a little time with her, I see this is killing her. She doesn’t want to be angry with Ford. But she doesn’t know how not to be.

“She’ll figure it out,” I croak. “She’s young.”

Young. I’m not sure why that’s the word I cling to but, nevertheless, it’s the one I choose.

Ford nods.

“My bride is back.” He leans forward, like he’s being pulled by an invisible force, as Lake walks toward us.

Her dress is long and hugs all her curves, and beneath the beaded fabric that sparkles like a disco ball is a nude-colored layer that makes it look as though she’s showing far more skin than she is. But we all know Ford would never allow any of us to walk out of here with our sight intact if she were bare beneath that dress.

---