Page 129 of Mile High Daddy

I press a hand to my belly, swallowing down the sudden rush of emotion.

It’s been a long time since someone planned something just for me.

And it’s never been Mikhail.

Not like this.

Darkness is falling rapidly, the sky painted in deep indigo, a few early stars winking into existence. The warm glow of lanterns flickers along the outdoor setup, casting everything in a soft golden light.

Maggie claps her hands together. “Now, before you go in, I have something for you.”

I raise a brow, watching as she moves to the back seat and pulls out a garment bag.

She holds it out, smirking. “A dress. Handpicked by your very thoughtful husband.”

I stare at her, then at the bag, my throat going tight again.

Of course he’d do this.

Of course he’d make sure I have something special to wear.

My fingers brush over the fabric, smooth beneath my touch.

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

So I do neither.

Instead, I just whisper, “He really thought of everything, didn’t he?”

“He did,” Maggie says as we walk toward the inn, the warm glow of the lanterns growing closer. “But I don’t think he wants Alex here. I get the feeling he doesn’t like him.”

My face heats instantly.

Mikhail’s jealousy isn’t exactly subtle.

But before I can say anything, Maggie suddenly slows her steps, her brow furrowing. “Except…I can kind of see him walking toward us?”

I frown and turn?—

And sure enough, Alex is there.

My stomach drops.

He’s moving fast, his expression tight, his gaze locked directly on me.

“What the—” I start, but then he reaches us, gripping my shoulder, his fingers digging in just enough to send a spark of panic through me.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he says, his voice low, urgent.

“What?” My heart skips a beat. “Alex, what are you?—”

And then a gunshot splits the air.

I freeze.

The sound rips through the night, so close, so deafening, that for a second?—

Everything stops.

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