Free Fatal Destiny by Marie Force Page A

be something. Might not.” In two years of hunting her father’s shooter, Sam had learned to not get her hopes up—or his.
    “You’ll keep me posted.”
    “Absolutely.” She found it odd that he didn’t want the details on the leads. “Something bothering you, Skippy?”
    “Why do you ask?”
    “You seem a little, I don’t know… off… maybe.”
    He looked away from her. “I’m fine. You’ve got plenty to think about this week without fretting about me.”
    Sam reached out to squeeze his right hand, the one spot that retained sensation. “I always fret about you, and you know that. Tell me what’s on your mind—and don’t say it’s nothing. You can pull that shit with everyone else, but not with me.”
    He grunted out a laugh. “The chip off my old block.”
    “Exactly.”
    “I’ve been thinking a lot about you this week.”
    Not at all sure she was prepared for the direction this conversation was taking, Sam continued to hold his hand. “What about me?”
    “I don’t know if I say it enough or if I’ve ever said it, but you know I’m so proud of you, don’t you?”
    Definitely not prepared . She cleared her throat. “Of course I know that.”
    “And that you’ve found the perfect guy for you. I couldn’t have picked anyone better for my little girl.”
    “I’m so glad you like him. Means a lot to me.”
    “I’m just sorry that I can’t… you know…”
    She really didn’t know. “What?”
    His sharp blue eyes were filled with despair that broke Sam’s heart. “I never told you how much I hated giving you away to Peter. I couldn’t stand him. But Nick… I sure do wish I could give you away to him. I’m sorry I can’t.”
    “What are you talking about? Of course you’re giving me away. Who else would do it?”
    “But I can’t—”
    “Yes, you can. I have a whole plan worked out.” And it dawned on her that she probably should’ve shared it with him. “I was thinking I’d put my hand on your shoulder, and we’ll go in like that. If that’s okay with you.”
    “If you’re sure that’s what you want.”
    “Dad… Come on, I can’t do this without you. It’s exactly what I want.”
    Right before her eyes he seemed to brighten. “Okay then.”
    “I wish you had talked to me about this rather than stewing in silence.”
    “I didn’t want to bother you.”
    Sam got up and rested her head on his shoulder. “Just because it seems like everything is changing, some things will never change. You got me?”
    “Yeah,” he said gruffly. “I got ya. Love you, Sam Holland.”
    “Love you too.”
    “Could I ask you something else?”
    She rested her hands on his shoulders. “Anything.”
    “Is your mother coming?”
    “Not this time.”
    “Did you invite her?”
    Sam shook her head. “I wanted you to be able to enjoy yourself.”
    “And after the scene I made at your first wedding—”
    “That had nothing to do with why I didn’t invite her this time. I don’t want her there.”
    “I hate that you girls never see her.”
    “That was her choice, not ours. She should’ve thought of us before she cheated on you.” She kissed his forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow if not before.”
    “I’ll be here.”
    “You’d better be.” She left him with a smile and went into the living room where Celia was wiping up tears.
    “I should’ve known it had something to do with the wedding,” she whispered.
    Sam hugged her. “It never occurred to me that he’d be worried about giving me away. I should’ve talked to him about it sooner.”
    “Your plan is perfect, honey.”
    “I’m glad you think so. Nick will drop off Dad’s tux on Friday.”
    “Sounds good. Thanks for coming by.”
    “Like I told him—nothing is changing. I’m right up the street any time you need me. My future husband saw to that.”
    “Which is just one of the many reasons we love him.”

Chapter 7
    Drained from the conversation with her father and beating herself up for not talking