Page 25 of New Year, New Baby

Plus, my dad’s flown in from Dubai, and he bends to press a kiss to my cheek.

“Congratulations sweetheart,” Burt rumbles.“I have to admit that this is not what I expected when I asked Hunter to take you in for your senior year.But if you’re happy, then I’m happy.”

My dad is incredibly handsome with salt and pepper hair and flashing blue eyes, dressed in a grey suit.More than a few ladies have been eyeing him ever since he strolled into the garden, and I don’t blame them because Burt is rich and powerful.He was recently named CEO of the oil and gas company he works for, and is likely as wealthy as an Arab sheikh now.

“No, it’s fine, Dad,” I say.“You needed to move to Dubai for your job, and it paid off because you got promoted and are now the CEO of a huge conglomerate.I should be the one congratulating you.”

A half-smile dances across my dad’s lips.

“You’re too kind, Nova,” he rumbles.“How did I get a daughter with such a great personality?”

“Because you raised her right, Burt,” Hunter rasps, suddenly materializing beside us.“But I’ll take over from here, my friend.As Nova’s husband, of course.”

Then, the gorgeous alpha male sweeps me away to stand before the altar, and our vows are said.I weep a bit at the “death do us part” phrase, but it’s okay because Hunter cries too, and I know we’re both thinking of my mother.Somehow, I know Betsy’s with us, looking down with happiness and joy in her expression, while blessing us with her goodness and grace.

But afterwards, when it comes time to throw my bouquet, I look around for Adora but can’t find my friend.Adora is such a funny girl.She showed up earlier, looking like a goddess in a gorgeous pink dress that showed off her bounteous assets.Even crazier, I sensed electricity between her and my dad, of all people.

“Nova, Burt is so hot,” she whispered to me beneath her breath. “Oooh, wow.”

I fixed my pretty friend with a look.

“Adora, this is my father we’re talking about. Please stop.”

My friend just shrugs, looking adorable with a tiny piece of cake smeared on her cheek. “Just saying. Hot is hot, girlfriend, and your dad is agorgeoushunk of man.”

I giggle, but inside I have to admit that my buddy’s right. Burtisa looker, towering above the other men surrounding him. He appears debonair and very powerful at once, his perfectly-cut suit showing off a chiseled build.

Still, I’m grossed out because this is my father we’re discussing.

“Hands off, Dora,” I say in a mock-warning tone. “I don’t want any shenanigans going on at my wedding. No way are you hitting on my dad now, of all times!”

“Of course not!”Adora giggles, her cheeks flushing pink. “I would never!”

But it comes time to toss the bouquet, my buddy is nowhere to be found. Come to think of it, neither is my dad, and deep in my soul, I suspect those two are up to something. After all, I found love with a much older man ...and maybe my friend will too!

THE END