Always Have: A Bad Boy Romance(63)

I was already nervous, but a renewed tingle of fear runs through me. There’s no way Braxton wouldn’t show. I saw him yesterday for the rehearsal, and he didn’t even seem nervous.

“He should have been here an hour ago,” I say.

“I’ll text him,” Selene says and picks up her phone.

I chew on my lower lip and look away.

“Ky,” Selene says. “You can’t be worried he isn’t coming. He’s more excited about this than anyone—maybe even you.”

She’s absolutely right. I tried to talk Braxton into waiting until next New Year’s Eve to get married—because how romantic would that be?—but he wouldn’t even consider it. He wanted the earliest date possible. If it wasn’t for my dad, he probably would have taken me to a courthouse as soon as we got back from London. But we both knew my dad wanted to be a part of this. So we planned an April wedding, throwing it together on short notice. It wasn’t too hard. Neither of us have much family; it’s mostly just the three of us and my dad. We invited some friends, but it’s going to be small and intimate.

“I know,” I say. “But what if something happened to him?”

“He’s a guy,” Selene says. “He probably figured he could leave ten minutes before the wedding started and now he’s stuck in traffic.”

Ellen opens the door again. “Kylie, can you come out and take a few pictures with your dad? He’s out here waiting for you.”

I take a deep breath, trying to relax, and grab my bouquet. Selene and I come out of the small room we were using to get ready. We were lucky enough to book a classy little boutique hotel in downtown Seattle. The guests are already seated one of the smaller banquet rooms where we’re having both the ceremony and a cocktail reception.

I see my dad waiting in the hallway. He turns his chair around and his face breaks into a wide smile.

He takes my hand. “Kylie, you look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I say, and swallow hard to keep from tearing up again. He’s dressed in a gray suit with a silver tie. “You look great, too.” Even seated in his chair, he looks so handsome.

The photographer takes a few pictures of the two of us. I notice Ellen lingering near the entrance to the banquet room where our guests are waiting. She looks at her watch repeatedly.

Fuck, where is he?

I turn to Selene. “Has he texted yet?”

“Crap,” she says. “I left my phone in the other room.”

“Who are you looking for?” Dad asks.

“Braxton,” I say. “He’s not here yet.”

Dad shakes his head. “Oh, no, he—”

“Did someone order a groom?”

I turn to find Braxton walking toward us, a sly smile on his face.

I almost drop my flowers. He looks exquisite in a slate gray suit and silver tie, his stubble trimmed perfectly. I don’t think the day will ever come when that man doesn’t take my breath away. He’s gorgeous.

His eyes come to rest on me, and he stops in his tracks, putting a hand to his chest. “Holy shit, Kylie. You’re stunning.”

“Brax,” Selene says with a laugh, “you’re not supposed to see her yet. It’s the rules.”

“I don’t like rules,” he says. He comes toward me, his eyes never leaving mine, and leans down to kiss me lightly on the lips.

“You’re late,” I say.

“I know.” He kisses my nose.

I laugh. “You need to get in there. Our wedding is about to start.”

He glances at my dad. “Actually,” he says, “there’s a slight change of plans.”

“What do you mean?”

“Are we ready?” Ellen asks, her voice bright. “Come on, over here, everyone.” She ushers us toward the double doors that lead to the banquet room, and gestures for Selene to stand in front.

“Wait, we can’t start yet,” I say. “Braxton, you’re supposed to be in there. We rehearsed this.”

Ellen opens the doors and Selene walks in.

Braxton produces a silver cane and hands it to my dad. “Like I said, change of plans. You ready for this, Mr. Winters?”

My dad takes the cane and plants it on the floor. Braxton takes his arm and helps him stand.

My mouth drops open. “Dad.”

“Are you steady?” Braxton asks.

My dad straightens his back, standing tall. My eyes fill with tears. I haven’t seen my dad stand in over a year.

“Dad, how did you do that?”

He smiles. “I’ve been working with Braxton on my strength. I wanted to be able to walk my little girl down the aisle.” He holds his arm out for me.

“Oh, Dad.” I take a shuddering breath and tuck my hand in the crook of his elbow.

Braxton puts his hand on my arm. “Sorry I was late, baby girl. I had to go get his cane. I need to walk in with you in case he needs help. Is that okay?”

“Of course it’s okay,” I say, trying very hard not to let more tears spill down my cheeks.

Ellen gestures again, and the three of us start down the aisle. I keep my hand on my dad’s arm, and he leans on his cane. Braxton walks on his other side.

I’m so overwhelmed, I’m not sure how I make it up the aisle.