Page 58 of Father of the Bride
But Mark was busy wondering who Davion was talking to like that. His soon to be son-in-law was a fine young man, but Mark didn’t tolerate disrespect toward women. His sons knew firsthand.
Davion was about to find out, too.
He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the sound of another man’s deep voice ringing out.
“Am I too late?”
A hush rolled over the table, subtle, but immediate. Heads turned. Conversations trailed off mid-sentence.
Mark looked up and saw him standing behind Sunny’s chair.
Luke.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dark skinned with close cropped coils and a jawline that could cut steel. And he was younger…probably mid-30s, if that. His gray sweatpants were a cliche Mark didn’t find funny, and his muscles popped against his thin white t-shirt in a way that made Mark’s chest tight.
Sunny had said he was just a friend, but there wasn’t a damn thing about that nigga that looked friendly.
Mark stood, playing the host, not missing the way every woman at that table stared at his new guest.
“How you doin’?” he said, sticking out a hand. “I’m Mark. Welcome to my home.”
Luke smiled, and Mark thought, damn, even this motherfucker’s teeth are perfect. She said she knew him from work. Was he a model from a commercial?
“Thanks for having me,” Luke replied, his handshake firm like he was trying to prove a point. “My apologies for being tardy to your breakfast.”
“It’s all good.” Mark signaled to Mars, who quickly snapped to attention, grabbing a chair and rushing it over. “Enjoy yourself.”
But not too much, he thought.
Eyes followed as Luke took the seat Mars placed next to Sunny and rested his arm casually behind her.
“Everybody, this is Luke,” she announced. “My date for the weekend.”
Murmurs sounded around the table, making Sunny smile.
“Sorry for interrupting,” Luke said. “I caught an earlier flight. I just couldn’t wait to see her.”
“Aww,” said, well, everyone except Mark. Because that was a little too convincing to be fake.
“Nice to meet you, Luke. What do you do?” Jules asked, obvious and completely unashamed.
“Air traffic control,” Luke answered.
Jules nodded, then whispered to Carmen, “That’s six-figures. Low end, but doable.”
Brooklyn rolled her eyes at her friend. “It’s nice to meet you, Luke. I’m the bride. The absolute most important person at the table.”
Everyone chuckled at that, while Sunny grimaced.
“Sorry, yes, that is our bride, Brooklyn, and next to him is my son, Davion.”
Dav nodded at Luke. “Good to meet you, man.”
“Congratulations to both of you,” Luke said politely. “I’ve heard nothing but good things.”
Mark bristled, wondering how often they talked. “So…” he said a little louder than he meant to. “How did you two meet?”
Sunny cut her eyes at Mark, but he just stared and waited for the answer.
