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“Hey kid...” he began, after a somewhat awkwardpause. He took another swallow of champagne. “I just want to say—I’m glad shehas you but it was still hard to give her away. I won’t be around much longerand I’m,” his expression took on a distant gaze. “relievedto know that my only daughter is happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her,and I know that she is. She’s ecstatic, in fact. And that’s because of you.Sway loves you, and I can see how much you love her.” He smiled. “So...I wanted to welcome you to the familyson. If Rachel was still alive I know she would have loved you and I’m sureshe’d say the same.”

“Thank you, Charlie.That means a lot.”

“I can’t thank youenough for what you...” he paused and I knewwhat he was about to say. I think he also knew not to actually say his namearound me. “Did to...just, thankyou.I also know you’ll take care of her. She’llalwaysbe my little girl. So I’m entrusting her to your care now. Understand?”

“Ofcourse.You don’t have to worry about that.” I told him with confidence. “I will takecare of her.”

I could see tearsglistening in his eyes, and looked away so that he wouldn’t feel comfortablethat I noticed. Before I knew it, he yanked me into a tight hug and then pulledaway. “It was an amazing thing watching you battle these last few months andeven greater seeing you holding that championship trophy as a rookie. I’m proudof you son.”

“Thanks,dad.”We both smiled.

After another briefmoment, I discerned that he had said everything he was going to say and that itwas time for me to give him a minute alone. “Um—Sorry, Charlie, but I think Ihad better go change. Emma has us on a tight schedule.”

“Of course,” heharrumphed

I smiled and headed forthe bathroom, to ditch the tuxedo for something more comfortable for the night.

I had barely finishedwhen I heard Emma yelling for me. When she appeared, Sway once again took mybreath away.

Emma had chosenperfectly, of course—a silk jersey wrap dress in violet that best set offSway’s coloring. Her hair; let loose from its pins and now hung in gentle wavesover her shoulders. Her rapturous smile made her eyes sparkle. She reached formy hand as soon as she approached me.

The crowd parted to letus through the doors. I wrapped an arm around Sway’s waist. “Are you ready?”

“I am,” she repliedsimply, confidently. “Are you?”

“I am,” with a softgroan against the side of her head.

We paused for effect atthe door while I kissed her once again for the benefit of the crowd and my momwho hadn’t stopped taking pictures. Applause and a shower of rice followed usto the carriage. Spencer doing his best to make sure as much of it as possiblebounced off my head.

It was beautifuloutside, the sun had set and the snow continued to fall. The trees that linedthe pathway to the carriage were lit up with thousands of white Christmaslights.

The only problem withthis whole scenario with the carriage was that no one thought it would besnowing. Washington doesn’t see snow all that often, so for it to be snowing onour wedding day was not planned for.

Sway was ecstatic whenshe saw the snow. How she didn’t notice it was snowing earlier was beyond mebut I had to laugh as her wide eyes took in the serene views.

We paused in front ofthe carriage, agreeing it wouldn’t work, when Sway took my face in her hands. Ismiled down at her. “Would it be totally inappropriate of us if we did a snowangel right now?”

“No, no,” I told hermotioning toward the snow. “snowangel away,”

So we did the most inappropriatething you could do in wedding attire. We made snow angels.

“I love you, honey.” Itold her leaning in for a kiss, snow falling against her angelic face.

She smiled back at mebut didn’t say anything as though her eyes were flashing with memories. “Youshould, I’m carrying your child.”

I laughed against herlips. “Thank you,”

Sway shivered. “Yeah...you’re welcome but my ass is gettingcold. Let’s go.”

23.ShakeDown – Jameson

Shake Down – The firsttest with a brand new engine.

“Slow down honey...we can’t...oh god...don’tstop...”

Fuck, fuck...oh god...I wanted this just asbadly.

“Sway...please...” I reached for her hands that were once again, reaching forme. I pinned them above her head against the pillow she rested on. “Slow down.”