Page 26 of A Major Puck Up

“Hey, will you do me a favor?” Ford tears his gaze away from his wife for only a second and turns to me.“Will you ask Millie to dance tonight?”

“Me?” I ask, likely gaping like an idiot.

“Yeah,” he urges. “She seems comfortable with you.”

“Don’t you think she’d rather dance with someone her own age?”

“Like one of your brothers?” Ford shudders. “Yeah, I’d prefer not to think about my daughter like that, so do me a solid and ask her to dance. I don’t want her to be lonely, but I have zero interest in setting her up with one of the hockey guys. I know how Daniel is. I’m sure Aiden and Brooks are no different. Don’t need her actually interested in anyone here.”

A little wave of indignation runs through me in response to that last comment. My best friend is asking me to dance with his daughter because, in his mind, she’d never be attracted to me and I’d never touch her like that.

I should be offended. I should feel chastised. But he’d be singing a different tune if he had any idea that I’ve had her on almost every surface of my apartment.

Before I can formulate a response, Lake arrives, and Ford is already dragging her out to the dance floor, a glass of champagne in his hand. “Excuse me, everyone. I’d like to make a toast,” he starts.

Once again, my attention is drawn to his daughter, who’s watching, curious, like everyone else here.

Lake tilts her head back and gives Ford a dreamy look as he pulls her close.

“Thanks for traveling all this way for our wedding,” Ford starts. “We appreciate it more than you know. I never expected that I’d be doing this again. Never thought I’d meet someone who’d make me risk my career, my reputation, and my heart. But then again, I don’t think you can ever prepare for love.” He holds Lake’s gaze and smiles. “Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. It wasn’t a choice. It wasn’t calculated. It took absolutely zero thought or effort on my part. Because you’re you. The sweetheart who made me smile and reminded me that I still had a whole lot of life to live. You make me want to live a thousand more years, and you make me feel far younger than my knees would have you believe.”

Chuckles ring out around us. Like me, the rest of the guests are captivated by my best friend as he pours his heart out.

“I love you, Lake. I’m proud to be your husband. Proud to call you my wife. I’m thankful that I get to spend my days with you by my side and thankful for the love of music we have in common. A connection that has created a true friendship between us on top of all we already share. Because of that shared love, I have one more wedding present for you.”

Lake’s lips twist as she beams at Ford, her eyes glassy and her cheeks flushed. “What are you talking about, Mr. Hall? You are my present.”

A chorus of awws rings out as she pops up on her toes and kisses his jaw.

“Well, Mrs. Hall,” Ford says, his tone full of teasing, “I sure hope you won’t be disappointed with another present, since spoiling you is my favorite thing to do.” He clears his throat and addresses the rest of us. “As you all know, Hall Records has had its best year yet, and that is in no small part because of my wife. Lake, you work your ass off day in and day out, speaking to the hearts of millions of fans, and my label has been the benefactor of that. Which is why I want it to now be our label.”

Lake sucks in a breath and slaps a hand to her chest, the tears welling over now.

Hoots and hollers go up all around as Ford holds up his glass. “To my beautiful bride, the amazing and talented Lake Hall. Musician and now co-owner of Hall Records. I love you.”

Glasses clink, and as the happy couple kisses, I turn to look for Millie. But her seat is empty, and I have a feeling I know why.

Shit.

EIGHT

MILLIE

Do not cry. Do not cry. Despite the instructions, the tears are dangerously close to dropping.I’ve officially lost all hope of one day running the company with my dad.

Daniel has hockey, Paul—well, Paul doesn’t seem to care about anything but spending money. Earning it has never interested him. Dad and I share a love for music and everything that entails.

That was my one escape.

Now though…now he shares that with Lake.

“Hey.” The woman’s voice, so close behind me, startles me enough to make me jump.

I’m in the bathroom hiding out after my father just gifted his business to Lake.

I thought I was alone. The last thing I want is a witness to my pity party.

Inhaling a fortifying breath, I choke back the tears and turn. The woman looks familiar, but I can’t place her.

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