Page 28 of Big Deal Sweetheart

Nova looked from Keifer to his daughter, feeling as though she’d fallen down the rabbit hole. Her mom came in next, followed by her father and then Nana and Harold, filling the limo. They all wore amused expressions but didn’t appear shocked.

“Well, Sparks, I see you move quickly. I’m assuming you and my daughter had a little more than just a quick meeting back in Sweetheart?” Her father raised one brow; a little hardness entered his eyes.

“Liam, leave my granddaughter and this nice young man be. I don’t want to remind you about your little Vegas escapade,” Nana Nell said.

“Now, Nell, don’t go getting yourself upset,” Harold murmured.

“It’s okay, I assure you my son-in-law is all bark and no bite.”

Nova wasn’t so sure about that, but no matter how wealthy Keifer might be, her father wouldn’t just approve of him if he didn’t think the man in question was good for her.

“It took me a little to get my head out of my ass, but I assure you, sir, I’ve learned from my mistakes.” Keifer allowed her to move next to him.

“Well, I certainly hope so. However, I will tell you upfront if you hurt my baby girl, I won’t be happy.”

“Daddy,” Nova said as she covered her face.

Keifer didn’t seem offended or worried by word or action as he chuckled. “No worries on that front. I feel the same way when it comes to Delilah.”

“That’s good. I instructed our driver to take us back to our hotel. We also invited Delilah to accompany us this evening in place of Nova to see a play. I assume the two of you might have things to discuss?” her father asked.

Chapter Nine

“Delilah, would youlike to go with the Langston’s or home with us?” Keifer didn’t let it show, but he was really hoping she chose the former.

“I’ve been dying to see that play, and since they have an extra seat and all,” she teased, winking at him with eyes that sparkled.

Lord, he was blessed to have a daughter who was smart and easy to raise, even though he hadn’t always been the best father. “If you’re sure?”

“Absolutely sure. Especially if it makes you happy, gets you to stop stomping around the house, and puts a smile back on your face. I’ve missed yourhappy, dad.”

His heart constricted. They’d always referred to their joy as their ‘Happy’. When she’d been young, and would cry, he’d ask her where her happy had gone. They’d search the house high and low until he’d do something to make her laugh, usually making a fool of himself or pretending to injure himself did the trick. As she got older, it was a little harder, yet the both of them always knew when the other was in a bad place and tried to cheer one another up.

“This is my happy,” he nodded toward Nova.

Nova looked from one to the other. “I sure hope that’s a good thing.”

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