Lib Novel Page 172
His gaze lingers on my face for a moment before dropping lower. Instinctively, my hands curl around my flat stomach.
Charles’ head snaps up, his eyebrows shooting high.
“Look who showed up at last!” Chloe’s playful jab draws my attention, and I find her standing between Charles and me. “Being fashionably late is practically a crime on your father-in-law’s birthday, you know.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for next year, sis.” Charles gives his sister a small smile.
Next year! Will we even be here like this next year?
“This is for Jason.” He presents a silver-wrapped box to me.
“Uh-huh. In case you forgot, it’s Jason’s birthday, not Daisy’s. If you want to gift your wife without reason, do that at your own home.” Chloe grins, as she links her one arm around her brother’s and the other with mine. “And FYI, the birthday boy is waiting for you, so you can eye-fuck each other later.”
My dad’s face lights up at the sight of Charles, and for just a second, I forget everything as my heart swells with happiness for my father.
There hasn’t been a single face he failed to recognize this evening.
I’m sure he’s feeling proud of himself.
“Hey, everyone, that’s my son-in-law.” My dad’s friends make room for Charles on the couch. “You all know him as one of the best businessmen in the country, but let me share a secret about Charlie—he’s the best son a man can ask for. I don’t worry about my Doodles.” Dad’s gaze finds me, and he beckons me over. “Hey, kiddo, what are you doing over there? Come here.”
He extends his hand, and in a heartbeat, I’m nestled between him and Charles.
“As I was saying, I no longer worry about my Doodles. I know this guy will take care of my daughter, her happiness, and her dreams even after I’m gone.”
“Dad!” I release a heavy breath, my lungs burning and my body trembling with overwhelming emotions. I’m on the verge of crying like a child when Charles’ hand gently rests against the small of my back.
When did his presence, his touch, become my anchor? The entire last week was a blur, going through the motions of life without much thought. Yet in this moment, my brain is acutely aware of everything.
His warm hand, the subtle circles he traces on my back—I missed him. I missed us.
“You’re making my wife emotional, Jason. I don’t like it,” Charles says in a lighthearted tone, but I catch the underlying seriousness.
Laughter ripples through everyone, even Dad, who affectionately pats my cheeks. “That’s why I love him so much. He’d fight for your happiness even with your own damn dad.”
“Did someone call for champagne?” Like a lifesaver, Kai appears, holding a huge tray of drinks.
Thank God, my poor heart can’t take any more of these emotional hits.
“A special drink for the most special man tonight.” He hands Dad a martini glass with clear soda and an olive. They share a wink. Before I can appreciate Kai’s presence in my parents’ home once more, he hands me a champagne glass like everyone else.
So much for being a lifesaver, Kai.
So far, I’ve managed to avoid drinks, either by discreetly leaving them on the table or surreptitiously tossing them into various indoor potted plants. I’d planned to apologize to all the flora for their imminent hangover later.
But right now, with all these people facing me, I have no clue how to get out of this.
“Cheers!” someone says, and before I know it, there’s a clinking of glasses, including mine.
“Hey, Daisy. You don’t like it?” Kai raises his eyebrow as I sit with my untouched drink.
Gosh, he’s watching too.
I’m about to bring it closer to my lips when Charles gets up, placing his empty glass on the table.
“Awesome, Kai. Can’t wait to have another one, my man.” He gives our temporary bartender a friendly pat on the back before extending his hand. “Mind if I steal Daisy for a moment?” he asks, but his tone is final. He’s not expecting anyone to interrupt him.
My breath stutters at the unexpected interruption. I rise on shaky legs, my brain debating for a second whether to stay or follow him, but ignoring Charles is not something I can ever do.