“Once you’ve all eaten and taken your baths,” Glenda said.
“And if you all behave and get in bed like your aunt tells you,” Jack said, his voice having her pause mid-step at the bottom stair. “I’ll be sure to buy you all a special treat tomorrow.”
“My, don’t you look dashing,” Glenda said. “You almost remind me of my dear late husband, Danny, God rest his soul. He hated wearing what he fondly called monkey suits, but when he did, he sure was something.”
“Um, Jack?” Paul asked. “Do you think if you have time later that you can show me how to make a tie like that?”
A tie? What was he talking—Oh. Right.
“I’d be happy to,” Jack said without hesitation. “What’s the occasion? You have a big date or something?”
This earned immediate giggles from the girls.
“No way,” Paul said almost scornfully. “I mean for my aunt Benny’s wedding. She wants me to be dressed up in a fancy suit. You know, like yours, not the stupid ones that you just pin on. I tried to practice on Natalie’s scarf, but it’s so hard, and my dad said he would help me but…” he trailed off, and Daisy’s hand fisted as she wanted to punch Leo at the hopelessness in her son’s voice.
“How about this. Once you get your tux, you and I will sit down and I’ll show you how to make the proper knot. And worse comes to worse, I’ll be there myself to do it for you.”
“Thanks,” Paul said, his voice chipper again.
She knew that she should probably say something, step in so that Paul wouldn’t hold too much stock in a promise that Jack can’t keep. But…let him have this.
And who knew. Maybe Jack would surprise her.
There was a crash like a glass had tipped over, and then a flurry of activity as her aunt seemed to be getting control of the situation.
Better just bite the bullet and get this over with.
Taking a breath, Daisy tried to steady her breath as she entered the room.
“Mommy! You look so beautiful,” Natalie said, her eyes wide with wonderment, a sentiment that was quickly repeated by the others.
Except Jack.
He looked as surprised as she felt as she took a moment to take her measure of the stunning figure he presented.
How was it that an already gorgeous man could have his sexiness factor quadruple when placed in the elegant if simple lines of a black tux? Clean-shaven again, Jack was pure perfection with his sandy brown hair slicked smoothly back and those eyes flashing so brilliantly blue. But it was the grin—that confident, easy grin that was growing wider as he looked at her that made it impossible for her to breathe.
Or stand.
“My stars. You are a vision, Daisy Sorensen.” There were actual tears in her aunt’s eyes as she spoke.
Daisy smiled and flushed slightly under everyone’s inspection. “Thank you. Now, everyone promise me you’re going to listen to your aunt Glenda and be on your best behavior.”
“We promise,” they said.
“That goes for you, too, Lil,” Jack said, turning to address his daughter who was staring at them both, almost uncertain. “You’ll help Glenda out for me?”
“Yeah. Sure.”
He leaned down and gave her a peck on the head as Daisy did the rounds with her own kids. They met in the middle of the room, Jack staring at her a little too intensely before he held his arm out. “If you’re ready…”
She slid her arm through his, enjoying the strength—and balance—that he provided as they walked to the front door and the car waiting beyond. From behind them, Glenda called out, “You two enjoy yourself and don’t give a second thought to the kids. We’ll all be just fine.”
Officer Rogers was standing outside the Suburban, holding the door open for them. Once she and Jack were seated, Rogers shut the door and walked around to the driver side.
As the car pulled from the driveway, Jack leaned over, his breath a whisper against her ear. “You look stunning, Daisy.”
“It’s the dress,” she said, glancing down at the fabric, not able to quite meet his eyes.