“How was my mother?” he asked.
Lifting her head, Ava looked at Langston and smiled. “You’re full of questions tonight, aren’t you?”
When he didn’t return the smile, she cupped his cheek with her palm. Her touch was warm. “Lang, your mother was fine. There wasn’t a problem at all.”
“Cool. I’m just not sure about her,” Langston admitted, a frown creasing his brow.
“Baby, don’t think the worst. Summer and Starr have me convinced that she’s really trying.” Leaning in, she kissed the frown from his brow. “I think they may be right.”
The same brow that was frowned was now arched in suspicion. “OK, where is the real Ava Peretti, and what have you done with her?”
Playfully Ava pounded on his solid chest. “Boy! Shut up!”
Langston chuckled. Squeezing Ava in a tight hug, he kissed her forehead. Ava was a good a woman. If the shoe was on the other foot and her mother had treated him so badly, he didn’t know if he would be as accommodating as Ava. He was blessed to have Ava in his life. And in less than three weeks, she was going to be his wife. “I can’t wait until you’re my wife.”
Kissing his lips, Ava agreed. “Me too.”
“You know we can always elope and go to Vegas like Kevin and Starr,” Langston teased.
“Now I know you’re tripping. Those nuts were pissy drunk and didn’t even remember getting married.” Langston chuckled when Ava rolled her eyes. “No, thank you. Besides, my parents would have a heart attack.”
Langston pouted like a five-year-old. Shaking his head, he asked, “No eloping?”
Wrapping her arms around Langston’s neck, and leaning her forehead against his, Ava answered, “No eloping.”
Softly touching her lips to his, Ava gently kissed her man. Three weeks couldn’t come fast enough. She was so ready to be Mrs. Langston Warrington III.
Epilogue
Saturday afternoon
Mid-December
Nervous excitement coursed through Ava as she looped her arm through Dominic’s while they waited for the wedding coordinator to give them their cue to walk down the aisle.
Dominic gazed over at his daughter. She was a beautiful vision in a vintage ivory satin wedding gown. Ava looked as if she’d stepped out of a 1930s Hollywood movie set. She was pure glamour and sophistication.
Dominic settled his hand on top of Ava’s. A single tear slid down his cheek as he continued to stare at her. “Just because you’re getting married doesn’t mean you’re no longer my little girl.”
Ava’s heart trembled. This was only the second time she’d ever seen her father cry. The first time was when she told her parents about the pregnancy she hid from them that resulted in her giving up their first grandchild for adoption. Back then his eyes held hurt and disappointment. Today they held love and tenderness. Ava stood on her tiptoes, gently kissing her father’s cheek. “I know, Daddy. I’m always going to be your little girl.”
Leaning over, Dominic kissed Ava’s forehead just as the coordinator gave them the signal that it was time to go. As she made her way down the aisle, Ava saw no one but Langston. He was so handsome in his black tux. It took everything in Ava not to run down the aisle to him. She had waited so long for this, and had gone through so many trials and tribulations to arrive at this place. Right at that very moment Ava knew in her heart it was well worth it. Their love had been tested through the fire and had come out stronger than ever.
Langston’s breath caught in his throat as he locked eyes with his bride. So many nights he’d prayed for this day to come, prayed to be given a second chance to recapture the heart of his first love. And now it was finally happening. Ava was going to be his to love—forever.
Key To My Heart (Love Conquers All) Page 24