Page 83 of Stay With Me

She shoved the diploma into his hands and squished her cheek against his chest, which simultaneously expanded with total pride and adoration.

Fifty-five.

Sammie burst through the kitchen door with a basket of vegetables as she chortled.

“Honey, look at my tomatoes! They’re massive.”

Nick glanced up from his e-mail, as she rinsed one off, sliced it up, and set a plate down in front of him. She smashed her lips onto his before plopping into the chair next to him.

He nodded with approval, as he tasted it.“Massiveanddelicious. You’ve got quite the green thumb, sweetheart.”

She chortled again.“I’m going to work on planting more so I can start taking them to the farmer’s market next summer.”

“I think that would be a fine idea. This little town would be privileged to be able to enjoy your spectacular tomatoes.”

She beamed at him and pecked his cheek.“Did you see Ari’s e-mail?”

“I did. Dean’s list again. Pretty impressive.”

“The apple sure didn’t fall far from the tree.”

He chuckled.“I suppose not.”

She ribbed him with an elbow.“Wouldn’t it be adorable if you two went into business together after she graduates? You guys could start some kind of consulting firm.”

He slipped a hand around her waist and pulled her closer.“I think I’d rather continue to take it easy. I like getting to be here all the time with you.”

The corners of her mouth turned up in a soft smile as she gazed back at him.“You have no idea how happy that makes me.”

He combed her hair back from her face, pausing briefly as he noticed—maybe for the first time—how the tiny silver strands in her chestnut locks gave her an elegant, graceful appearance.

Sixty.

It took Nick at least two months to stop disliking Matthew.Or Matt,as Ari insisted that he refer to her fiancé.

It took another two months for him to stop brooding over the whole situation.

And finally, after a nine-month engagement, Nick admitted to himself that his little girl would be in good hands.

He stood with Ari outside the chapel, trying not to look at her, knowing if he glanced at her lace-framed face, he’d lose control of his brittle emotions in a most undignified manner.

MyGod.If there was ever a time when a man needed a glass of bourbon, this was it.

Eventually, the doors opened and a demure strain of violins filled his ears and he managed to keep his voice intact as he spoke to her.

“I’m so proud of you, sweetheart.”

She squeezed his arm and they slowly drifted down the aisle.

He also managed to say his one line without giving away too much of his emotional state.

“Who gives this woman?”the minister prompted him.

A discreet clearing of his throat.“Her mother and I do.”

Then he couldn’t avoid looking at Ari’s face, and for a moment, it was like that evening in March overlooking the lake many years ago.

He brushed his daughter’s cheek with a kiss, cordially shook Matt’s hand, and then made his way to the seat next to his own bride.