Jake (Downton Cowboys #2) - Miley Maine Page 0,59

in my eyes sparks a glare of rage in his.

But at the moment, nothing can prevent me from taking it out on him.

“And if you try to do anything to ruin this day any further,” I warn, narrowing my eyes, “I promise you, Father, you will have two estranged daughters who will never forgive you.”

“How could you—”

“No, how could… you?” I interrupt him, leaning closer and enunciating in fury.

An ocean of pain fills his bright, blue eyes. But in the storm of my fury, I am in no state to be the one comforting him.

As I sit back, I look away at the side of the road, trying to regain my composure and regulate my breathing. My hand wipes away the rivulets of sweat on my forehead and I am confident that I have already ruined my makeup.

I cannot believe this is happening.

Trying to think rationally sounds like a ridiculous endeavor at this point.

“Honey, listen to me,” he intrudes on my attempts at gathering what is left of my poise. “It’s better if you hurt a little now than face a bigger catastrophe later.”

This is a catastrophe.

But I am out of energy to argue.

“Is that what you told yourself when you decided to betray a woman who did nothing but love you, and abandon the other?” I speak calmly, letting a bitter, mocking smile curl up one corner of my mouth.

He slouches his shoulders, defeated.

“Is that what you kept telling yourself for years as your daughter grew up without a father?” I continue, knowing full well that I am pouring salt on the wound he just tore wide open.

“That’s enough,” he hisses, glaring at me from the corner of his eye while he faces the road.

“You’re right,” I whisper, an overwhelming wave of sadness consuming me. “What’s the point?”

By the time we arrive at the church, I have tried to the best of my abilities to forge a well-crafted smile and add a fake sparkle to my eyes. It’s a trick an old school friend had taught me—think of your favorite happy song and play it over and over in your head.

In the midst of my misery, I mentally applaud that long lost friend for her brilliant gimmick.

I look over and Jake is right there waiting. I spot three men in suits standing near him, amongst whom is Frankie. They all look very much alike, and the resemblance only means that they are the rest of the Downton brothers. One of them is standing next to a lady, holding her hand. She is also incredibly beautiful.

That family has certainly hit the picture-perfect jackpot.

And here I am, struggling to stay on my feet as Dad takes my hand and helps me down from the carriage.

Music starts to play as my father takes my arm under his and begins to walk me down the aisle and toward the altar.

My husband-to-be looks splendid, much like a crown prince on his royal wedding day. His hair is brushed back and secured with a shiny product, reminiscent of film star styling. His tailored suit looks fresh and expensive, just as it should.

As we slowly approach, Jake’s smile grows bigger.

If it wasn’t for the bomb my father just dropped on me, I would be able to revel in the beams of adoration radiating from my man’s eyes right now.

He was married?

I still can’t believe it.

Why didn’t he tell me? What did he think it was going to change?

Did he know she was my sister?

No, that can’t be.

I knew it was all too good to be true.

“I’m a good man.” His words from before ring through my ears.

Then why?

Despite reeling from the cruel thoughts eating at my brain, I can’t help but mirror his loving gaze. After all, I am in love with this man with all my heart and soul. I strain to keep my smile from breaking and remind myself that it is perfectly acceptable for the bride to shed a few tears.

And so, I let a couple slide down my cheek.

Jake’s expression softens as he tilts his head, a tender look filling his gaze.

He has no idea.

Oh, beautiful Jake. What happened with her?

Father Douglas instigates the ceremony, with everyone’s eyes on us. They are all ears, too, listening intently with satisfied smiles as we pronounce our well-rehearsed promises of love and loyalty.

I am stunned at my ability to go through with it this far, looking happy and uttering perfectly toned, clear syllables. One part of me listens to Jake’s amorous reciting, while the other