Page 114 of The Pakhan

“Good. I don’t need to worry about any of you.”

“Stop worrying. You just take care of your fiancée. And do not tell me it’s all fake. I know you too well. You love her.”

Coughing, I studied her beaming face. “Is that so wrong?”

“Not even a little bit. You deserve to live your life and I’m happy for the both of you.”

“Uh-huh. What’s on your mind? I can tell there is something.”

She shrugged and backed away. “I, um, did something I hope you’re not angry with me about.”

“What did you do?”

The way she looked at me brought almost instant sadness. I hadn’t seen that expression in a long time. “I gave her Mom’s necklace, the one you gave to me. I hope you’re not mad. I wanted her to have something special since she’s going to be a member of our family.”

I wasn’t certain if anything had touched me so greatly. “That’s beautiful.”

“You don’t think Mom would be upset with me. Do you?”

As I pulled her into a hug, I allowed my thoughts to drift to Tonja. I could almost see her smiling face as she peered down at us. “Not at all. Your mother loved you with all her heart. If this makes you happy then I know she’s happy.”

“I hope so. And I want you happy. You deserve it. Daniella and I are big girls now. We can take care of ourselves.”

Being able to see the love and adoration in my daughter’s eyes told me I’d done something right after all the wrongs I’d committed in my life. “Did I ever tell you that you’ve turned out to be an amazing woman?”

“Yes, but you can tell me again.”

I laughed and pulled away. “Just be careful tonight.”

“Don’t worry. I will be.”

We both heard a rustling sound and our attention was drawn to the door.

Very few times in my life had my breath been taken away but seeing Caroline standing with her hair swept up, tendrils of blonde highlighting her face, the dress hugging every curve to perfection, and the necklace my daughter had given her surrounding her long, lovely neck, I was in awe.

“Wow,” I said and allowed Sofiya to walk away. “You look… amazing. The dress is magnificent.”

Caroline sauntered into the room as only she could do, even winking at my daughter. “What? This old thing?”

I couldn’t help myself, pulling her into a heated embrace. With her tall heels, I didn’t need to drag her onto her tiptoes to kiss her.

“Get a room,” Sofiya teased before leaving.

That wouldn’t be necessary. Later I’d have her all to myself. I thrust my tongue inside, tasting cherries. I could do this for hours.

She rolled her hands up and down my jacket, purring into the moment of intimacy.

When I finally pulled away, I wiped the tiny smudge of lipstick from the top of her mouth, pulling my thumb into my mouth and sucking.

“You do know how to make a girl feel special.”

“Easy to do around you. Are you ready for our soirée?”

“Psst. No one says soirée any longer.”

“Well, this old guy does. For tonight only. Seriously. You can handle this?”

“I’ll be fine. I know my role and will enjoy watching my parents’ faces when you announce your lovely bride to be.”

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