Page 112 of Gunner

“You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”

“But I do. You’re family, Uncle Ben. Dad’s no longer here, and you’re the only one I can turn to.”

I frowned. “Does this have to do with Grimm?” He and his boyfriend were so close I couldn’t imagine what he would want to talk to me about that he couldn’t with Grimm.

“I proposed to Daddy Grimm, and he said yes.”

“You proposed?” I couldn’t hide the surprise in my voice. He and Grimm had been good together for a couple of years, but I’d never pictured him marrying the biker.

Jamie’s face lit up as he nodded. “And he said yes.”

“I’m so happy for you, son.” I embraced him and patted his back. Mason might roll over in his grave, but he wasn’t here, and the boy looked so happy. I couldn’t discourage him.

“Thank you. Although I’m excited, I have to get married without my father there, Uncle Ben. Every time I think about it…”

“He will be there in spirit.” I rubbed his arms.

“But a spirit can’t walk me down the aisle. Will you?”

“Me?” My throat closed up, making it impossible to fully form words. Jamie was askingmeto walk him down the aisle?

“Yes, you’re the closest thing to a father I have, and I think Dad would have liked that.”

“Jamie, you know we broke up before he died.”

“It doesn’t matter. You meant a lot to him, and he cared about you. If you’re willing, that’s all I need to make this wedding complete.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I’d be honored to walk you down the aisle.”

“Thanks, Uncle Ben. I appreciate it. I may be able to get through it if you’re the one who gives me away.”

“Then I will get the best suit money can buy and give you away in style.”

Jamie smiled, his dimples flashing. “Before I forget, the suspect woke up.”

A wave of elation washed through me. “He did?” That was great news. Gunner would understand me missing our date, wouldn’t he? But what if he never asked again?

“Don’t even think of putting off your date. He’s pumped full of so many drugs, you won’t be getting anything out of him tonight.”

“You’re right. Besides, what’s one more day?”

A smidge of guilt crept into my gut. I was putting off seeing the suspect because I didn’t want to miss my date with Gunner. What did it say about me that I was willing to stall a murder investigation for a day just to find out Gunner’s idea of a date?

Whatever we do, I hope we end up back here tonight.

I hated having sex with him at the clubhouse. Too many nosy bikers who always smirked when they saw me.

You can stop going there, you know?

But the sex was so fucking good.

“I hope you enjoy your date!” Jamie waved and rushed toward his car.

“Thanks, Jamie. Drive safely.”

He honked his horn as he made too sharp a turn, then sped up the street. Shaking my head, I closed the door. The leather journal in my hand felt heavy but was nothing compared to thehole in my chest. I glanced at my watch. I had ten minutes to spare before Gunner should show up. Was it a good idea to read it now when I was about to go on a date?

A page or two couldn’t hurt. Maybe I’d start at the back in case he’d written about our breakup.

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