As my heart rate returns to normal, I snuggle into his infamous hug. It’s safe and warm and smells like home. “Not all of us are programed to function at the ass-crack of dawn, Dad. Some of us need coffee first. Then I can dish it back like you obviously deserve.”
I feel his laugh before hearing it. “Oh, Raven, I’m glad you think you can try.”
Yeah, I know I’ll never win against him. His years of training have made him stealthy. But he’s always fun to tease. “One day, Dad, I’ll get one over on you.”
Releasing me, he reaches for a mug of his own. “You always do keep me on my toes. In fact, I’m surprised to see you up this early after getting in so late.” Settling on the stool beside mine, he reaches for the bowl of fruit in the center.
Pulling one of his favorite lines, I shrug. “Couldn’t waste the day.” Grabbing the toast, I quickly spread butter and peanut butter on it. “Besides, my caffeine addiction takes priority if I’m forced to spend the day shopping and wedding prepping. I love Lanie to the ends of the earth and wouldn’t miss this for the world, but you and I both know I need this if I’m expected to function today.” To prove my point, I take a large gulp from my mug.
“How areyoufeelin’ about everything? I haven’t been able to check on you, and I’m certain that part is intentional on your behalf.”
Leave it to him to see through my crap. Yes, I’ve been busy, but I’ve purposely done so. I don’t like to burden my family with my problems. It’s just not who I am.
“I’m good, Dad. Between freelancing, my job at Pop’s, and helping Lanie with the wedding, I’m pretty busy.” I’m sure that’s not what he’s referring to, but nothing I said was a lie.
Raising a brow, I can tell Dad chooses his next words carefully. “I know this year was rough on you being at school on your own… and now that Sloane’s engaged, your culprit in crime isn’t around as much.”
“She’s been living out her dream. I couldn’t be happier for her. I love Jax, and he makes her happy.”
Again, not a lie. I miss her like hell, but it’s not like we’re connected at the hip. She’s always had her life, and I’ve had mine. Jax is perfect for her, even if he has her turning into a world-class traveler.
“What’s going on with this Finn?”
Gah, I should’ve known he’d find a way to bring him up. I mentally kick myself for not seeing this sooner.
Rolling my eyes, I sigh heavily. “Dad, you know I don’t do serious relationships.” Yeah, I’m sure that’s just what every dad wants to hear… not.
Before he can respond, I quickly point out, “Finn and I have only been out on a couple of dates.” Technically, again not a lie. “Please don’t make it out to be anything more than that. I need to be focusing on building my career, not getting serious with anyone.”
“I swear I had this same conversation with each of your sisters… and look wherethat’sgot them?” Grumbling, he shakes his head. “Two future sons-in-law in two years… that’s where it got me.” In a high-pitched mocking tone, he adds, “I’m focusing on my career.” Just like my sisters would have said to him. I almost laugh at his ridiculous tone… but know better.
“I swear… life was so much simpler when the four of you only wanted to play dress up and make-believe games with me, and I was the only prince you needed. Now, half of you are engaged… one of you getting marriedthis week… and another… well, it’s only a matter of time.” Returning his attention to me, he places a hand on mine. “You… well…You’ve always kept guys at bay… but…”
“Daaaad…” I cut him off, not liking where this is going. “I’m young and enjoying my life. I’m not ready for anything serious, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.” I wish I could just tell him the truth and ease his mind. That things between Finn and me have an end date, and he has nothing to worry about. But that would defeat the purpose of our entire arrangement.
With a pleading look, he asks, “Will you at least tell me when someone special comes into your life, so I know I should take things more seriously? I’ve never had to worry much about you, but I’m not ready to be blindsided either.”
On a heavy exhale, I squeeze his hand. “Trust me, Dad… if someone suddenly becomes important, it’ll blindside me, too. But I won’t needyouto run them off; I’m capable of doing that all on my own.”
“Raven,” he warns, clearly not liking my negativity. “You can’t cut yourself short.”
“First, you don’t want me to date anyone seriously, and now you do. You’re like a yo-yo here, Dad. Make up your mind… wait… scratch that. Let’s just let me be young and have fun andnottry making things more than they are. Deal?”
Shoulder checking me with a grin, he chuckles. “Deal.”
“Ohmigod,” Sloane cries out as tears form in her eyes. “Lanie, you look so beautiful. That dress is utter perfection. The way it fits you like a glove, and those details in the lace with the intricate beading is absolutely stunning!”
“Ryan’s gonna lose his mind,” I tease truthfully. “Though that poor man also gets gooey-eyed when you’re wearing mismatched pajamas and your hair looks like a haystack. You could show up in a sack dress, and he’d think you’re the most perfect person on the planet. But this dress… well, it’s beyond words… it’s… it’s… impeccable!”
Lanie gazes at herself in the full-length mirror, taking in the details of her dress, twisting ever so slightly to see all the different angles. It’s a white strapless lace ballgown, with a high-impact bodice that fits her like a second skin through her torso. The material itself is designed to shimmer in different lights, making her look even more radiant.
Twisting in my direction, she smiles. “Thanks. I knew this was the one the moment I tried it on. I couldn’t believe it dropped perfectly to the floor without any alterations. There’s noway I would’ve messed with all those details along the hem or at the waist. It would’ve ruined the design of the dress.”
“Did you actually need any alterations?” Lizzy asks, looking Lanie up and down.
“Uh…” Lanie giggles as she looks to her chest. “I had to make sure the girls stayed contained. I was worried about it being strapless, and they put some sort of contraption into the boning of the dress… I think that’s what they called it? I don’t know. All I care about is I can dance the night away, and there won’t be any wardrobe malfunctions.”
The room fills with laughter. “Well… we wouldn’t want that,” Lizzy says as she steps in to hug Lanie. “Dad would have a coronary, and I’m sure Ryan wouldn’t be far behind.”
