My Dad's Rival

I clear my throat.

“I’ve wanted to marry you since the day we met. But I was scared of moving too fast and scaring you away. But I know now that you’re not afraid of anything. You’re so strong, brave, and so beautiful. You’re everything I’ve been searching for in a life partner. And having you in my life has made everything become so much clearer. I see now that you were the missing piece in my life. You’re my soulmate, my reason to keep on living. You’re everything and more. You’re mine, and I intend to make sure everyone knows it for the rest of our lives together.”

I take the ring box out of my pocket. I bought the ring a few days after I met her, knowing that it wouldn’t be long before I was down on one knee proposing to her. She gasps as I show her the diamond ring. It was one of the most beautiful and expensive ones available, and I knew when I saw it that it was perfect for my bride-to-be.

She has tears in her eyes as she stares down at me in wonder.

“It’s real,” I tell her. “You’d better believe this is real. I love you so much, Lucy, and I can’t bear to spend another day without you as my fiancé. Will you do me the honor of promising to become my wife?”

She doesn’t hesitate for even a moment before she nods, her face breaking into the biggest most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. “Of course, I will,” she says breathlessly. “Yes. Always yes.”

Feeling joy surging through me, I take the ring out of the box and slide it onto her finger. It fits perfectly, glittering on her delicate finger like it was meant to be there. I stand and take her into my arms, and kiss her like it’s the last time, my hands tangled in her hair, my lips rough on hers.

I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life. I thought I’d missed the boat when it came to love, but she’s proved me wrong. She was worth the pain, worth the wait, worth the torment of being alone for so long. Now, we can finally begin our life together, right here, right now.

Our kiss deepens and I sweep her off her feet, just like I have so many times before. I lay her down atop the rose petals, undressing her as I kiss every inch of her body, leaving her in just her bra and panties. It feels unreal, knowing we get to do this every day for the rest of our lives. I get to wake up to this beautiful woman and go to sleep at her side. I get to touch her in places that no other man ever will and explore every inch of her. She’s so damn perfect, and I want to celebrate her body. The body that showed me what sex should feel like. The body that is now carrying my child. The body that made me feel love for the first time in my life.

How did I get so damn lucky?

“I love you, baby,” I growl against her skin.

“I love you too, Wyatt. More than anything in the world.”

Fireworks go off in my chest as the words cross her lips and my cock jerks to attention, desperate to be inside her. I tear at her panties like an insatiable beast, making her moan in the process.

I plunge deep inside her in one swift, smooth motion, driving home into her warm wet heat, meeting no resistance. She writhes beneath me, taking my full length, a smile playing on her lips. This beautiful creature is mine for life. We have so much to look forward to, so many good things coming our way.

I want to remember this moment, and every other that’s yet to come. Because she’s all that matters, all that will ever matter.

EPILOGUE

SEVEN MONTHS LATER…

Lucy

“Today is the best day of my life.”

My dad smiles at me and cups my cheek. “Honey, I think you’ve been saying that ever since you met Wyatt.”

I smile back because it’s true. Every single day I’ve spent with Wyatt has been a beautiful adventure. Especially since my dad came around to the idea of me and Wyatt as a couple. He was away for six months and returned last month in preparation for my wedding today. I’m seven months pregnant, and he’s getting a little emotional about becoming a grandfather. I also think he might be just a tad excited about walking me down the aisle too.

“But for real, Dad. I can’t wait to see him. I can’t wait to walk down the aisle and promise myself to him for the rest of my life.”

I spent last night away from Wyatt for the first time since we met. It was hard, tossing and turning in my hotel room alone, wishing he was beside me, but Wyatt is traditional. He didn’t want to see the bride before the wedding. We’ve had plenty of our share of bad luck and we didn’t want anything to ruin this.