Epilogue
Preacher
It takes a lot to make me nervous, but right now I’m sweating like a sinner in church.
“You okay, old man?” Alexandria looks up at me as I nod.
“Yeah.” I clutch the bouquet of wildflowers harder than I need to. This is the first time we’ve gotten together with her family since things settled down. I’m not sure what Chris actually thinks about me dating his daughter. Especially given my new status as a single father.
“They’re excited to meet Alexandria and see you again.” Queenie smiles up at me, and I fake enthusiasm. After everything she’s been through, she deserves this reunion celebration. With the past firmly behind her, and the accusations dropped, she’s safe, and working through the trauma she’s experienced. I need this moment to go well, because the two women at my side are my life.
“Right.” I nod, flashing her a smile as we walk toward the mansion with the perfectly manicured lawn and flashy sports cars. Twining our fingers, she guides me around the house to the backyard and walk through the gate. The smell of grilled meat and corn float on the breeze. The sun reflects on Chris’ dark brown, bald head as he closes the lid of the large, silver grill and walks forward to greet us.
“I’ve been waiting to see you in person.” His voice is stern, and his dark gaze sits heavily on me.
The girls disband like a synchronized SEAL team, headed toward the woman setting foot up on a table against the outside wall beneath the patio.
“Well, here I am.” I stand up straight as he stares me down.
“I have one thing to say to you.” His jaw ticks and a vein bulges in his forehead.
I brace myself for a right hook.
“Thank you.” He holds out his hand. I shake it, shocked when he pulls me to him in a hug. “You brought my daughter back to me safe and sound. I can never thank you enough for that.” He claps my back.
“I’ll always take care of her, Chris.”
“I believe you. It’s the only reason I’m not chasing you out of here with a gun.” He steps back. “You’re not the man I pictured for her, but you’re the one she’s chosen. And she’s stubborn like her mother. The miniature of my queen.” He glances over his shoulder. “It’s hard to watch your little girl grow up. You’ll learn all about that soon enough.”
“Might need some advice along the way,” I admit sheepishly.
“My door is always open.” An understanding passes between us. We’re two men who want the best for their girls. “It’s a lot to handle at once.”
“I have broad shoulders for a reason,” I counter.
He nods. “I’ll have my eyes on you.”
“I’d expect nothing else, my friend.” The tension eases, and I relax with the initial contact done.
Queenie laughs, and my heart squeezes at the sight of her unadulterated joy. It is a beautiful thing.
“We should join them so you can deliver your flowers.”
“I wanted to make a good impression on my future in-laws.”
“Did you ask her?”
“No, but it’s only a matter of time, Chris.”
Alexandria looks toward me for reassurance, and I wink. Relaxing, she resumes her conversation. Slowly, she’s adjusting to her new life, and I’m seeing the damage her mother inflicted. I want to wring her neck, but instead I filed for full custody and took the girls out for dinner when Penny signed the paperwork with no contest. We’re finding our way and creating a new life together.
Chris snickers. “Does she know that?”
I think of our lengthy conversations about our future. “I’ve made my intentions very clear.”
Queenie catches my gaze and sends me an imploring look that makes me chuckle. She’s worried about rescuing me. I wink, and she waves us over.
“We’re being hailed. Most important thing to remember with Banks women is happy wife, happy life.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“You’d better. Queenie has a temper when she’s set off.”
I laugh, eager to experience everything my enchanting flower has to offer. Life’s given me a precious gift, and I don’t intend to waste a moment of it.