Love Burns
Page 33
Paul turned to Livie, warm anxious love crumpling his face. “Olivia, I’m sorry. I’ve made so many mistakes trying to do what’s best for you. You’re my baby girl, but you’re right, I need to remember that you’ve grown into a lovely, talented woman. Forgive me. I’m very proud of you and always have been. Rebuilding was the right decision, for you both.”
“Oh, Daddy.” Tears gleamed in her happy eyes.
Dave offered his hand. “I love her. I will always stand by her.”
“I’m counting on it.” Paul shook his hand, the former threat in his grip replaced by welcome. “Welcome to the family.”
“Hello, folks. I hope you all are having a great time today,” the DJ announced. “If you’d please gather around for the bride and groom’s first dance? And can our bride and groom please join me here on the dance floor?”
Paul patted Livie. “That’s my signal to find your mama. We’ll meet you there.”
Livie and he took their place out on the dance floor. Although they’d picked a slow and easy song, Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall in Love,” and he’d secretly taken lessons to ensure he’d get this first dance together right, he had lingering concerns.
He slipped his hand to her waist and, as he looked in Livie’s eyes at the first sentimental notes, he forgot every worry. While his gait remained uneven, dancing with Livie was as effortless as loving her.
“I’ve always known Daddy loved me, but that was the first time ever he said he was proud of me.”
“I’m so glad, sweetheart.”
She brushed her lips over his mouth. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Helping me learn to be strong.”
“You’ve always been strong. You’re amazing. I love you.” After the crash, the doctors had pulled his body back from death, but Livie had pulled him into life.
The last sweet notes slowed, and they finished in the middle of the dance floor, meeting in a deep, melting kiss.
When they broke the kiss, Dave whispered in her ear, “I learned something from you too, sweetheart. That I could stop running—” He kissed her and grinned. “And just learn to dance.”
A word about the author…
Babette James writes contemporary and fantasy romance and loves reading nail-biting tales with a satisfying happily ever after. When not dreaming up stories, she enjoys playing with new bread recipes and dabbling with paints. She lives in New Jersey with her wonderfully patient husband and extremely spoiled cats. A teacher, she loves encouraging new readers and writers as they discover their growing abilities. Her class cheers when it’s time for their spelling test!
http://www.babettejames.com
Thank you for purchasing
this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.