Page 12 of Mack Daddy

“It was inappropriate, Dad. I told her I wasn’t interested, but I had to, or she’d kick me out and make you cut me off.” Emma’s tone is filled with fear.

“Emma, sweetheart, that just isn’t true. Tell the truth.” Jackie’s false sweetness gets her nowhere.

“Don’t!” Shaun shouts. “You don’t fucking talk to her anymore. Don’t look at her. Don’t acknowledge her. In fact, get the fuck out of my house. Take all the shit you came with and leave.” Emma’s arms wrap around me as her dad lays into Jackie.

“You can’t do that.” The horror in her tone is amusing, but I keep my smirk to myself. “This is my life, too.”

“And your life in this house and as my wife is over. You’ll get what’s in the prenup, and that’s all. My lawyers will be in touch.” Jackie must know he’s serious because after glaring between the three of us, she screeches, throws up her hands, and storms out.

“Married?” Shaun asks. “Today?”

“Yes,” Emma responds softly.

“He’s more than twice your age, Emma.”

“I’m aware. But I love him. Like nothing I’ve ever loved before.” She turns in my embrace, staring up at me, and all I see is her love—something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. “I want you there, Dad. I want your support. But I’m marrying Mack today whether you give your blessing or not.” Christ, I love this woman with my every breath.

“What about a prenup? You have a sizable trust fund coming to you in a couple of years.” Leaning back against his desk, he crosses one foot over the other, almost daring me to challenge him on it.

“I don’t want one, Dad. Mack has his own successful business.”

“I’ll sign it,” I interject. “Emma’s name is going on the business, my house, and all my assets as soon as we’re married, and she signs the papers my lawyer has drawn up. What’s mine is hers.” There’s nothing I won’t give Emma.

“This is what you want, sweetheart?” her father asks.

She’s smart and doesn’t say yes right away. Instead, she takes her time and remains thoughtful with her answer. “When you met Mom, you said you knew right away that she was the woman you would love forever. You didn’t have any doubt.” He swallows, and a fleet of emotions rapidly crosses his face before he nods. “That’s how I feel with Mack. From the second I ran into his shop through the pouring rain and our eyes met. I knew immediately that he was mine, and I was his.”

“I guess that’s that, then. My little girl is getting married, and I’m getting divorced. What a strange day.”

We spent the afternoon with Shaun so he could get to know me better, and he wanted to give Emma her mother’s wedding dress for the occasion. As it turned out, it was too small for her, but she borrowed the veil and white satin shoes the woman had worn on her own wedding day. As far as I’m concerned, Emma could have been in a wet paper bag, and she’d have been the most beautiful sight ever.

CHAPTER 10

Emma

I’ve dreamed of this day since I was a little girl. I was disappointed that Mom’s dress didn’t fit, but by wearing her veil and shoes and being given her engagement and wedding rings, I feel closer to her than I have my entire life.

Mack had planned to hit the courthouse, go to dinner, then drive to Myrtle Beach and stay in a fancy hotel for a week before catching a flight anywhere I wanted to go. Instead, Dad used his money and influence to arrange a small ceremony and reception in Mom's rose garden. The fountain adorned with two dolphin statues spouting water made for the perfect backdrop for us to say our vows.

Everyone from Mack’s shop is here, as are a few girls I went to high school with and would consider friends. The icing on the cake is that Dad walked me down the aisle and shed a few tears when he gave me away.

It’s small and perfect. Everything I never realized I could want and love having.

Seeing our friends and the few family members who live in the area out on the constructed dance floor makes me smile, and I’m happier than I ever have been.

“I’m proud of you, you know.” Dad sits next to me as I watch everyone. Amy dragged Mack away for a dance, and I learned quickly that she’s like the sister he never had.

“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate that.” Smiling at him, I take a sip from my champagne flute.

“I know I left a lot of the parenting to Jackie over the years, and I’m sorry for that. I should have seen what she was up to. I can never make that up to you.” I hate seeing him so sad.

Reaching for his hand, I hold it in both of mine, telling him, “I don’t blame you for what she did. Nobody is perfect, and I know you did what you could for me. You loved me and made sure I had everything I needed.” Some of the hurt leaves his eyes. “Start fresh, okay? I’m certain there will be grandchildren soon, and I know you’ll make it up with them. All we’ll ever want is your time and love.”

“You’re just like your mother, Emma. She’d have been so proud of you. And she’d have loved your new husband.” His playful scowl makes me laugh. I know he has a difficult time with our age gap, but they spent a lot of time talking today, and Mack quickly won my dad over. Which didn’t shock me in the least bit.

Mack approaches as the song finishes. “Mind if I steal her away?” He holds his hand out for me.

“Not at all.” Kissing Dad’s cheek as I get up, I follow behind my new husband as he spins me into his arms on the dance floor.

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