The man didn’t break from his gaze, but he also didn’t answer.
Zeke prayed as hard as he’d ever prayed. He loved Mia. He’d do anything for her. Even beg her father if need be. Sadly, begging wouldn’t work. So he stayed straight and tall. He held eye contact. And he wasn’t ashamed to admit that … he prayed.
ChapterEighteen
Mia kept her smile on as she mingled with the guests at the charity banquet her mum had dragged her to. The Davenports’ mansion was decked out with hundreds of real pine trees and thousands of decorative wreaths spread throughout the entry, dining room, and ballroom. They were each decorated individually, every designer trying to outdo the rest. They’d be auctioned off and the proceeds given to various charities. It smelled incredible and looked like she was in an indoor winter wonderland. Christmas heaven for sure.
Dad was late. Big surprise. Some issue with work had detained him. She really did love her dad. He’d been very kind with her and apologetic about the awful FaceTime call, and they’d tolerated each other during the bit of time she’d seen him… until the row a couple of days ago. Her blood still boiled, and she was very grateful she’d stood up for Zeke. Her Rambo was her choice, even if he wasn’t her dad’s.
She thought of Zeke and her smile became more genuine. The original forty-eight hours had stretched into almost nine days now. She didn’t blame him at all; she just wished he was here. He’d sent texts when he could, but he couldn’t give her any information or details. She understood that, so she simply stayed positive, teased him about touch therapy, and prayed he’d come for her soon.
Her mum and dad had listened to all her stories from her time in Colorado, with Joseph and Holly interjecting their two cents as well. Her mum had been delighted and could hardly wait to meet Captain Zeke. Her dad had seemed to tolerate all of it. A couple days ago, he’d pulled her aside and told her some sad things about Zeke’s childhood, where he’d come from, and how elite of a warrior he was, which meant he could never be soft and loving like Mia needed. Mia had told him off for researching Zeke and for doubting him. She’d told him Zeke was the best man in the world and the only man she’d ever love. He had condescendingly said her flavor of the week would be a different man far before Christmas bells rung.
They hadn’t spoken much since that row a couple days ago and sadly, Joseph and Holly had flown home as well.
If only Zeke would come, kiss her deeply, remind her how much he loved her, do touch therapy, meet her mum, be cordial with her dad, and then they could fly to Colorado.
Mia had no idea what their life would look like beyond this Christmas, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that Zeke was in her life. Their relationship could progress as slow or quick as he wanted. She only wanted him.
“Would you like to dance?” Blaine was at her elbow, as he often was.
“No, thank you,” she said, keeping her smile. Blaine had proven to be a good man, if somewhat pompous like her dad. Blaine was definitely nothergood man. She had the awful feeling her dad was encouraging him. “Shall we go check out the desserts, though?”
She was trying to be friendly, but being in Blaine’s arms made her cold and disjointed. Was that how Zeke felt when other people touched him?
“I’ll take what I can get.” Blaine smiled smoothly and offered his elbow. She took it. “You’re an absolute vision tonight.”
She tried to act happy. She did a little dance and said, “Don’t I know it? I’ve had twenty women beg me to sell this dress to them.” She’d created this formal gown the day she’d arrived home, praying she could wear it for Zeke. The tailor had delivered it today. The fitted off-the-shoulder cream satin dress was flattering and comfortable because of the high-quality weave. Sadly, Zeke wasn’t here yet.
Blaine smiled blandly. “Always the designer.”
They reached the dessert table. Mia was eyeing a chocolate raspberry tart when she heard a stir go up in the banquet room. She turned to see what all the fuss was about but couldn’t see much more than women fanning themselves and men edging closer to their dates or wives. What was going on?
Then she saw them. Two men strode into the room, and they both looked like they owned the world. Her dad … and Zeke.
They strutted confidently through the ballroom, nodding and responding to hellos, but they were obviously on a mission and crazily enough, they looked united.
Mia wanted to scream for her Rambo, but she was feeling faint. She leaned against the table and heard Blaine curse, too loudly, but she didn’t care what he said or how people turned to glare at him. She was one hundred percent focused on her man.
Zeke was dressed in his dark blue naval uniform, clean shaven, but his hair was longer and curled slightly around his face. His bluish-gray eyes were searching the room, but before he could find her, she heard the strangest call from her dad’s lips.
“Abi!” Her mum’s name came out strangled and full of love and hope.
Her mum was running, running across the room to her dad. He rushed to her as well, swept her up in his arms, and kissed her. They drew everyone’s attention, including Mia’s and Zeke’s. She didn’t know what to make of it. Her prim and proper duke-ly father making a scene?
“Are you all right?” her mum gasped, drawing back slightly.
“I love you, Abi.”
“I know.”
“No, you don’t know. I love you for everything you are and everything you do for me, for Mia, and for everyone around us. I’m done wasting my time and energy on things that don’t matter and leaving you home night after night wondering when I’ll be done with work. From now on, I’m focusing on you.”
The entire room gave an audible sigh, gasp, or grunt depending on their gender.
Mia felt tears prick her eyes. Her dad was finally seeing how lucky he was and declaring it to the world. It was ruddy beautiful. What had prompted such a display?
Her gaze was drawn back to Zeke. He stood about ten feet from her parents. He was watching them with a slight smile on his face, but then his gaze swept the room again and it settled right on her. His face broke into a grin, and then he was running toward her.