Ready or Not (Ready #4)(67)

“It’s eighty-five out today, and you have to wear the jacket because the invitation says so. Besides, you look good,” I said, smiling, as I adjusted my own tie behind him.

“Now, I do,” he grumbled. “But I will be pretty dumb looking when my clothes start to melt off, and you have to explain why a half-naked kid is running around the lawn.”

“Well, that was vivid. At least we know you haven’t lost your imagination with age.”

I saw his eyes roll in the reflection, and I laughed.

“When is Liv coming over?” he asked.

I moved across the room to gather my shoes. “She’s not. We’re picking her up.”

I sat down on my bed and began lacing up my shoes as silence blanketed the room. I looked up and saw Noah staring at me through the mirror, his expression blank as though he were in deep thought.

Finally, he cocked his head to one side and asked, “Dad, are you going to marry Liv?”

I sat up erect as he turned around to meet my surprised face.

“Yes, eventually—I mean, if she wants me—us,” I answered, stumbling over my words. My heart was suddenly racing, and my pulse quickened. The thought of marriage didn’t scare me. At least, the thought of marrying Liv didn’t scare me.

But the idea that she might not say yes frightened me beyond belief.

As far back as I could remember, I knew I’d be married one day. Two souls could never fully become one until vows were taken, and promises were made. That was how I had been raised and what I believed. It was probably why I’d so easily given my heart to Natalie when she told me about the pregnancy. It was only a natural progression for me.

Love equaled marriage, right?

But what if it didn’t for everyone?

Would a woman like Liv ever settle down? Did the idea of marriage seem old-fashioned and outdated to someone as free-spirited and modern as Liv?

“Dad, you look like you’re going to pass out. Are you sure you tied that thing right?” Noah asked, suddenly pulling me out of my mini panic attack.

“What? Oh, yeah, it’s fine.” I pulled at the fabric around my neck, which now felt like a vise.

I just needed to take things slow.

Slow and steady wins the race I tried to convince myself

I’d managed to do the impossible. The woman who had never believed she’d fall in love had fallen straight into my arms, and I wasn’t about to lose her.

I’d make Liv my wife—or I’d die trying—even if I had to use a cane to walk myself down that damn aisle.

~Liv~

“So, you’re going back to the mothership, huh?” Mia laughed into the phone.

“Cute. That’s really cute,” I said as half my body was nearly eaten by my closet.

“Why do you sound so muffled?”

“I can’t find my other beige high heel,” I grumbled.

“Well, I can’t imagine why. They’re your favorite pair,” she answered sarcastically.

I managed half an eye roll before I found the other one, hanging out near the back of the closet. It was coated in probably five years’ worth of dust.

“I know, but I didn’t know what else to wear. It’s not like I have a wardrobe for political fundraisers anymore. Just what my father needs, is for me to show up in a sundress and turquoise wedges.”

“At least you would be showing up as yourself,” she said.

“Hush, you.”

“Are you sure about this? I mean, after the dinner party and the newspaper article—”

“I’m sorry about that. I really am. I called Clare the morning after to apologize and I told her that I didn’t mean to make the evening awkward.”

“Liv, stop. You know I didn’t mean it like that, and you don’t have to explain family drama to me. We grew up together, remember? Drama is my middle name. I just meant, you’ve been stressed since the minute he called. Is it worth it?”

“Is having your dad back in your life worth it?” I knew the answer before she even uttered it.

“Point taken. Carry on. But please at least find a different pair of shoes. I don’t even need to see those things to know they are hideous.”

I was still laughing when we hung up. She was right. The beige pumps were awful.

Knowing how much Jackson loved purple, I’d selected a similar shade, going with a deep burgundy. The gauzy fabric was still light enough for the weather but provided the elegance needed for the occasion. Plus it had the added bonus of being incredibly comfortable. Searching around further into the recesses of my closet, I found a gold pair of high-heeled sandals that worked perfectly with my dress.

I added a delicate pair of earrings to finish the look when the doorbell rang. I spritzed a bit of perfume and grabbed a beaded handbag. Then, I made my way downstairs to greet my men.

Pulling the door open, I smiled at the two faces awaiting me.

“Feeling awfully formal today, aren’t we?” I said, commenting on the fact that they’d rung the door rather than just marching in as they usually did.

“Well, it is a special occasion…and damn, you look mighty fine.” Jackson stepped forward to kiss me sweetly.

“Did you know that whenever you get cheeky, your accent deepens?” I smiled.

“Or maybe you just bring it out of me.”