Oh shit, I’m all hot and bothered over my son’s stepson.
I must’ve made some sound because Declan’s eyes found mine, brows rising in question. I shook my head and gave him my best smile.
Fuck. I really hate weddings.
Declan had forgotten to write his vows and had to wing it, but nothing could shake him. His vows were that more special because he said them from the heart. When he came to the “until death do us part” phrase, his eyes glowed with his love for Owen.
My mood plummeted right about then. Not even August’s presence was enough to excite me anymore. I endured the rest of the ceremony, the teasing between the two men getting hitched, the exchange of rings, and the way Declan held Owen lovingly to him as they kissed.
They were so happy, but I knew quite well how fleeting that feeling could be. I hoped like hell Declan wouldn’t have to know the pain of losing his forever way too soon. The way I did.
I forced a cheer, smiled, and accepted the confetti that ended up on me from standing too close to the newlyweds. Before we could walk off, August’s hand came down on my shoulder.
“Let me.” I froze as he stepped way too near to me. He reached up in my hair and plucked out confetti. “There you go.”
“Thanks.”
I gave the young man a nod, then made my way from the podium where the ceremony had taken place. I had to take photos with the family. There was no getting out of it, but at least I didn’t stand next to August. I smiled absentmindedly and checked out the guests that were milling around.
I zeroed in on Poppy chatting up to the musician who played the violin. Her pregnancy made her glow, and she looked even more attractive than ever. The $16,000 designer dress, which she’d bought with my credit card, draped over her gently protruding belly. The splits in the flowing material rippling around her whenever there was breeze flaunted her bare, slender legs up to midthigh. The splits were nothing compared to the healthy cleavage on display. She’d filled out even more since being pregnant.
I hadn’t approved of the silver heels she wore. Maybe I was a little old-fashioned, but I was afraid that with one wrong move, she could fall and harm herself. And worse, the baby—the glue that kept us together despite the way she was fawning over and touching the young musician.
If I had any form of affection for her whatsoever, I might’ve been jealous, but I wasn’t that type of man. When women tried to make me jealous, I found it amusing, but Poppy wasn’t even trying.
This man would be the newest addition to her bed, but I didn’t care. The only thing I was interested in was the baby she carried and whether or not she’d allow me to be the father.
I wanted that baby more than I’d wanted anything in the last nineteen years of my wasteful life.
Chapter 2
Auggie
“May I cut in?”
Declan stopped kissing my dad long enough to scowl at me. Dad was as close to his newlywed husband as possible on the dance floor, where they’d done more kissing than dancing. They’d been on their best behavior throughout the first dance, but as soon as other guests joined them, they’d started to make out.
It would’ve been awkward if we weren’t all used to them being at it by now. It was sickeningly sweet seeing Dad so happy, and it was their wedding day. If there were ever a day for all the schmoopy stuff, it would be today.
I felt like a chaperone on prom night to interrupt them like this, but I could tell that any second now Declan was going to drag Dad away from the ceremony. Dad was way too whipped to stick out the evening.
“Damn, Auggie, you have the worst timing,” Declan said, his grip on Dad tightening possessively.
I snorted at him. “It’s not like I have much of a choice. You’ll be off soon, and I need a dance with him before you two ditch us.”
“Fine, I’ll have him to myself for two weeks, so I guess I can compromise.”
I shook my head as he slowly kissed Dad like they were going to be apart for hours instead of just a few minutes. Any doubt I’d had about this relationship working had disappeared in no time.