I can read between the lines. He doesn’t want to explain it to Frank only to have him think it’s a stupid reason to leave rehearsal. “Then let’s hurry so you can get back. I’ll track down a big box of Twinkies for him to apologize.”
“Why?”
“They’re his favorite.”
“They are? How do you know?”
Laughing, I shake my head and tug him toward the ballroom. “I pay attention.”
But when we reach the reception, my smile fades. Because my dad is dancing the father-daughter dance with Taylor.
And I realize I never got to do that with him.
41
JACE
I can seethe moment everything changes for Rory. One minute, she’s smiling, and the next, she looks like someone socked her in the stomach.
I follow her stare to see the bride dancing with an older man. “Is that your dad?”
She nods slowly.
I’m not the most intuitive man, but I can connect the dots. And then I feel like shit. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to do this with your father,” I whisper, hating that I’m the reason she didn’t get this same memory.
She forces a smile, but her eyes are glassy. “It’s not a big deal.”
Bullshit. It’s a big fucking deal. Her father is dancing with twatty Taylor, who slept with Rory’s long-time boyfriend. I finally notice the groom, the turd himself, dancing off to the side with some woman. “Is your ex dancing with his mom?”
“Yes.”
The DJ invites guests to join the two couples on the dance floor, and I turn to her. “Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a pretty decent dancer. Wanna join me for a spin?” When shelooks up at me with sad eyes, I kiss her. “Might as well make our own memories, right? One day we can say, ‘Hey, remember that time we crashed your ex’s wedding and had a fucking blast?’ We should also get a giant piece of cake for our trouble.”
She chuckles and wipes her eyes. “Jace Walker, no one told me you’d be so much fun.” She nods. “Let’s do this.”
“Of course I’m fun,” I mutter, making her laugh harder, as I take her hand. “Did you know I was voted class clown?”
“Shocking.”
“I know, right?” When we reach the dance floor, I pull her close. I’m surprised no one notices her, but it’s dark in here. As we sway to the music, I study the banquet table on the other side of the room. The pretty candles on the tables and the enormous wedding cake. All the gifts and well-wishers. Guilt swirls in my gut from all the things Rory didn’t get to enjoy when we tied the knot. I’m almost afraid to ask the question, but I bite the bullet. “Hypothetically speaking, is this the kind of wedding you’d want?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Weddings are so expensive. Who has this kind of money?” She might be saying no, but I hear the longing in her voice. “What about you? Did you always envision a courthouse wedding?”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Honestly, I never thought I’d get hitched. But I’m not sure this is my style. I think I’d like something on the ranch. Maybe string up lights outside in a giant white tent. Listen to a live band and have lots of our favorite food.”
A wistful smile spreads on her lips. “That sounds really nice. You know, I once saw a mini-cow at a reception. It had a garland and a sign that said ‘Congrats to the couple.’ It was so sweet.”
“Mini-cows? Now you’re talking. And the kids could play horseshoes on the lawn or maybe cornhole.”
She snorts. “What’s cornhole?”
“Get your mind outta the gutter. It’s a respectable game where you toss beanbags into a hole.”
“Okay, but what about croquet? I’ve always wanted to play that.”
“Sounds kinda fancy, but I’m down.” I smile down at my pretty girl, wanting to do something special for her. “We should do it,” I blurt out.
Her brows knit together. “Do what?”