Page 83 of The Lake House

Okay, that makes sense. I guess I didn’t help her feel better about herself. “I see,” is all I manage to say. Still, if I would have known all of this, would anything have changed? I still would have turned her down, but maybe I wouldn’t have been such a dick about it.

She smiles wickedly again. “So I have some time before I’m due on stage. Would you be interested in a private viewing in one of our back rooms? My treat, of course.”

I frown, knowing that after what she just told me, she’s more than likely not going to appreciate my honest response. Nevertheless, I swallow thickly and say, “That sounds really tempting, Cindy, but unfortunately I’m going to have to pass. Plus, someone is waiting for me outside.”

It’s as if the last couple of minutes didn’t take place.

Cindy scoffs and then responds, “You know what? Fuck you, Declan! I’m sick of you thinking everyone wants you and your probably humongous dick! I don’t care about it! Fuck you and fuck your cock. I hope it falls off and I hope you never feel another pussy for as long as you live!” She turns on her heels and storms off.

Wow. Talk about doing a complete 360. I sure as hell wasn’t expecting that reaction, but I guess that’s my final cue to get the hell out of this dump.

I guess the next time I run into her will be awkward as fuck.

ChapterThirty

DECLAN

Iadjust Roger’s tie and take a small step back. “There you go.”

It’s funny to think that just two days ago we were itching to get out of the strip club. At least Brad and Joey enjoyed it. When we saw them at the rehearsal dinner the next night, they had loads to tell us. Thankfully, they weren’t mad that we took off. Joey said he actually really hit it off with Izzy. They exchanged phone numbers and have been texting non-stop back and forth since. The only time they don’t text is when she’s about to perform but he’s made plans to see her again the following weekend.

I don’t know, but I kind of feel like if he’d met her sooner, she’d be his date here tonight.

He smiles at me. “Thanks, man. Don’t know where I’d be without you.”

I try to hide my smile. “You’d be exactly where you are right now, getting ready to marry the woman of your dreams.”

Rachel, the girl he first kissed when they were seven. It was a peck and all the kids on the playground teased them about it, but hey, when you know, you know.

He lets out a laugh. “I can’t believe this is it.”

I nod. “It’s been a long time coming, but yeah, this is it. Are you ready to make Rachel your wife?”

He sucks in a deep breath and his smile fades. Then his eyes start watering. “More than you know.”

I grab my jacket and motion for the door. “Great then. Let’s get you married.”

We make our way down the aisle, one by one after Roger, and as we do, I get a beautiful glimpse of Giuliana sitting in one of the pews. She smiles brightly when she sees me and offers me a little wave.

I smile back and wave to my lady. I’m so glad that she’s here with me and I can’t wait to dance with her later at the reception.

Once we’re all lined up standing on Roger’s side, we wait.

And wait.

And wait.

And then finally, the doors open and the bridesmaids walk out. And then my little princess, all giddy and adorable, comes walking down the aisle, smiling at me, carefully throwing flower petals from her basket.

She looks like the perfect little princess with her little white dress and her long blonde locks pinned up halfway. Curls cascade down her back and her bright green eyes shine brightly, matching her smile.

I can’t help but smile back and nod in amazement. This little girl has been my lifeline ever since she came into this world. Without her, I don’t know how I’d have made it through my divorce from Claire.

“Daddy!” Lily says excitedly as she joins the line of Rachel’s bridesmaids.

I get out of line and go to her to make sure she knows where to stand. “Hi, sweetheart,” I whisper. “You did so good, princess.”

“Thanks, Daddy!” She shouts just as excitedly as before. She faces Rog. “Uncle Roger, wait until you see Auntie Rachel! She looks like a princess!”

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