Say Daddy A Mafia Billionaire Romance - Shanna Handel Page 0,57

“Good. So, you have everything you need to leave right now?”

Dismay lines her face. “But... I’m not due to leave until tomorrow, and like I told you, I’m extending my stay. Victoria, what’s he talking about?”

Tori shrinks back in her chair, looking worriedly at her mother.

Standing from my chair, I go to Tori’s side. Hand on her shoulder, I lean down and whisper into her ear, “Just relax. Daddy’s got you.”

Mags demands, “What are you talking about?”

I reply. “Change of plans. I just texted my driver. He’ll take you back home now. I’ve got the hotel packing the rest of your belongings and we’ll make sure those get to you, too.” I gesture toward the exit.

Mags looks from me to Tori, then back to me. “What do you mean by this? I’m going to be your mother-in-law, your family, and. you’re kicking me out? This is an outrage. Victoria, tell him.”

Tori is suddenly filled with grit. She says, “Mom, you kicked me out the day I turned eighteen, and I haven’t heard from you since. Until, that is, you heard I was marrying Luke, a Bachman and a billionaire. Then you came running.”

“That’s not true! I lost your number, that’s all. As soon as I heard my little girl was getting married, I came right away to help you. To be with you and support you. To help you plan the wedding of your dreams.”

I say, “She’s my little girl now. And with the help of her new friends to plan the wedding, I don’t think we’ll be needing any from you.”

Tori looks at her mother with a newfound confidence. Her eyes are made of steel as she says, “I don’t think there will be a public reception, after all. This will be a Bachman-only event.”

Mags sits back in her seat, momentarily speechless. Once again, she looks from me to Tori, then back to me. Finally, she says, “Well, I’ve never been so mistreated in my life. How incredibly rude and selfish and—”

Cutting her off, I ask, “Would you like me to escort you to the car, or can you find your way there?”

Reading between the lines, she opts out of security dragging her ass out of this restaurant in front of everyone. Huffing with anger, like a teakettle boiling over, she stands from her chair. “Have it your way. But if I leave now, this is the last you’ll see of me.”

Good riddance.

I give her a nod. “So lovely to meet you, Mags. Goodbye, and good luck.”

Tori says, “Bye, Mom.”

She gives us both one last look of searing indignation and marches away.

Hopefully never to be seen again.

I don’t care who may be watching. I sit back down in my chair. I take Tori into my arms and sit her on my lap. Wrapping my arms around her, I smooth down her hair, whispering, “I’m your family now. You never have to see that dreaded woman again. Let Daddy take care of you, baby girl.”

She curls up against my chest, nodding through her silent tears. “Thank you, Daddy.”

I kiss her lips.

When she’s recovered from the ugly scene, we dine on pasta and salad, and devour the filet that sits unclaimed on the table.

We raise our glasses in a toast.

To new beginnings.

* * *

Victoria

The day of the wedding is finally here. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so nervous and excited all at once. I can’t wait to say our vows, exchange our wedding bands, then to take on the family name.

But I’m most excited to have his sword around my neck.

When a Bachman man pledges to lay down his life for his bride, he hangs a necklace around her neck—a charm in the shape of a dagger to represent his willingness to lose his life for hers.

Then we will be husband and wife in the eyes of the law, and the mafia. And Luke—my God, do I love calling that man Daddy, but husband has a kind of forever sound ring to it that I crave inside my soul.

After my mother left, I was surprised to find myself unencumbered by guilt. It was as if a boulder of self-doubt was lifted from my shoulders, leaving me free and happy, and ready to start my new life. Wanting to forget the old one completely, I focused on the wedding.

Knowing how I am, I’ll send her money, ensure she’s cared for. But I will probably never speak to her again. The woman’s done too much damage to my soul, and it’s time