After we help Beth down to the limousine, along with my dad and Granny Betty, Causey helps Sugar into the Subaru, running an appraising eye over her dress before flashing her a smile that makes me turn away with embarrassment.
“Don’t suppose I get to drive?” I raise my eyebrows in a hopeful look, but Kyle laughs and shakes his head.
“I’m under strict instructions to drive you straight to the church, no detours, and you’re not allowed behind the wheel.”
“He’s a spoilsport,” I mutter because we all know who gave him those orders.
• • •
Kyle drives very sedately to the church, and I have to sit on my hands because I’m itching to grab the steering wheel. When we pull up, Max is out front looking frazzled. God knows why—it’s not his wedding day, but his face brightens when he sees the Mustang pull up in front of the church. The dark suit and white shirt that all the guys are wearing looks even better on Max complete with his perfectly styled hair. For a moment, I sit and watch him. Our eyes lock and a slow smile spreads across his face before he bounds down the steps of the church and yanks open the door.
Taking my hand to help me out of the Mustang, his eyes travel the length of my body, but the smile morphs into a frown as he takes in my bridesmaid’s dress.
“Just as well that I’m the best man ‘cause no one else is getting to dance with you,” he mutters, his jaw flexing.
“It’s not short.” I look down at the knee-length hot pink satin dress with full skirt, thanks to the numerous underskirts. It’s long by Beth’s standards, but that’s not what’s got Max’s panties in a wad this time. It’s the halter neck that pushes up my breasts, creating impressive cleavage, which he can’t take his eyes off. Thanks to Sugar, my hair is loosely curled, gathered to one side, and secured with a diamonte comb.
“It’s not the length I’m worried about this time.”
“What the problem?” I ask but bite the inside of my cheek to stop from laughing.
“Fucking hell, your chest... it’s...” he splutters as he continues to stare at me.
“Sugar picked them,” I explain as she comes to stand beside me, wearing an identical dress.
“What’s wrong with them?” She cocks an eyebrow, trying to keep a straight face.
“What are you trying to do to me?” He casts his eyes skywards.
“I like seeing you get all riled up.” She winks at her little brother and links her arm with Causey, who can’t wipe the smile off his face as he leads the way up the stairs.
Max steps closer, making me shiver when he runs an appreciative eye over my body.
“You look gorgeous.” He brushes his lips over my forehead.
“And you look too fucking sexy for your own good in that suit.” I lean forward, not caring about Sugar’s warning about messing up my lip-gloss and kiss him. With a growl, he takes me in his arms and holds me to him, kissing me harder.
“Come on, lovebirds,” Sugar shouts, suppressing her laughter.
“Later…” he promises me, “it’s all coming off.” And he gives me one last kiss before taking my hand and leading me inside.
• • •
Beth decided that my dad should give her away. She has known him all her life and there was no one else she wanted. Even though Uncle Pat, and Max, offered. The whole ceremony is a blur of kisses, camera flashes, and the odd tear, but that was just Aaron. Finally, I am relieved of my bridesmaid’s duties and can relax and have fun.
“One dance with your dad?” He holds out his hand, which I take and let him lead me onto the dance floor. They are playing “My Girl” and unexpected tears prick my eyes. I’ve been spending way too much time with Aaron; I’m turning into a sap. We move awkwardly around the room, neither of us having much practice at dancing, but it is nice. Things have been so busy these past few months, what with the race and me deciding to stay and then the wedding, that I haven’t spent much time with him. Maria has practically moved into our house, and after Max helped my pack up my old apartment, I practically moved in with him, so I only really see Dad at work. Which isn’t the best place for father daughter heart-to-hearts because normally, he’s bossing me around.
“I’m glad you’re staying.” This is the perfect way to carry out a heart-to-heart with my dad; neither of us looks at each other so it doesn’t get over emotional. “I’ve been waiting four years for you to come home.”
“I’m sorry.” My voice breaks slightly. I never thought about how much my dad would miss me. Or how much anyone would miss me.