Page 2 of Vengeful Union

I down half my new flute.

Will I ever have that?

I’ve practically been on lockdown since Da’s attack, and it feels like I’ll never meet anyone new.

The joke is on me, apparently, since I was the one catching the bride’s bouquet, but I don’t even have a prospect, let alone a significant other.

My eye keeps roving over to Rowan, but soon enough, he’s talking to some little redhead.

I roll my eyes, downing the rest of my champagne.

Men.

That must have been a faulty bouquet because it sure landed in the wrong hands if it is expected whoever catches it to be next tothe altar. Either that or all the other single women here are just as doomed as me to be stuck alone.

A little bummed, I refill my flute yet again and walk over to where Da and Marisol are sitting at a table in the back.

My father looks handsome in his tux, but tired.

I perch on his knee.

“You doing okay, Da?”

“He’d be better if he ate something,” Marisol mutters, clearly frustrated with Da.

I don’t blame her. He’s a terrible patient.

“I just wish everyone would stop fussing over me,” he grunts. “It’s bad enough I have to have this chair?—”

“The chair is good for you, Da. At least it gave you the possibility to be here today.” I put my arms around his neck, hugging him.

“I know, I just don’t like needing it.” He smiles reluctantly, hugging me back.

“I’m sure you don’t. But you do need to eat. Do it for me. And Marisol.”

Marisol gets up to get Da a plate.

My father flushes slightly.

I’m pretty sure he and Marisol have something going on, or want to have something going on, although I don’t know if either of them will ever admit it. At least to us.

We love Marisol like a second mother, so I’m not sure why he’s so reluctant to share that part of his life with us, but I don’t push.

“Aye. For you, I’ll eat.”

I kiss his cheek. “Thank you.”

“How are you liking the reception?”

“It’s pretty fancy.” I look around at the beautifully decorated old, historical house in town that Sutton fell in love with.

I chuckle as I look at the dancefloor, watching Gray dance with his daughter, Ciara, standing on his feet. They started with the daddy daughter dance and haven’t stopped since. “Seems like Gray is having a good time.”

“He’s over the moon.”

“As well he should be.”

I like Sutton quite a lot, and she’s been really good for Gray, especially since he’s had to mostly take over for Da while he’s recovering.

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