Page 104 of Wedlocked

Bodhi jumped at him.

I flung my arm between them. “Uh-uh. Gross. Save it for later. I need an answer.”

Pouting, Bodhi backed off, and Emmett met my stare again.

“I’ll give you my blessing,” he said, thrusting his hand between us.

It took me a moment to realize what he’d said, and I gazed down at his offered hand. “Really?”

“Did you really think I’d say no?” he asked. “I mean, you’re a lot of things, but I never took you for stupid.”

I pushed aside his hand and hugged him.

Air punched out of his chest, and then he patted me on the back. “Never thought I’d meet anyone good enough for my baby girl. And while you aren’t…”

I made a face.

“You’re pretty close.”

I pulled back. “Thanks, Emmett. I swear I’ll give her the best life.”

“I know you will, son.”

I tried to remain neutral, you know? Like impenetrable to asking my girl’s dad for her hand in marriage, but thesontook me out. True, I already had a dad. One I loved and admired. But hearing him call me that meant something to me.

“Thanks,” I said.

“Guess I’ll have to let you call me dad now,” Emmett said, and a lump formed in my throat. “But not at the pool. Don’t even think about it.”

I nodded.

We stood there awkwardly for a moment, and then he let out a grunt. “Go on, then. Go get my daughter. Next time I see her, she better blind me with that ring.”

I hugged him again. He didn’t even grumble about it. He just hugged me back.

“I’m proud of you,” he whispered in my ear.

Suddenly, my allergies were acting up.

Sniffing, I pulled back. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

I started away.

“Isn’t anyone going to ask my opinion?” Bodhi asked, stopping me in my tracks.

I turned. “I didn’t know I needed it.”

“As the official stepdaddy of your future wife?—”

I gagged.

Emmett moaned. “Dammit, Goldilocks, I told you to never say that.”

Bodhi cackled. “Can I give her away at the wedding?”

Emmett tossed him over his shoulder, his palm cracking against his ass. “Say one more word, Goldilocks. I’m two seconds away from punishing you.”

“And that’s my cue to leave,” I said, hurrying from the room.

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