Page 103 of Wedlocked
“That’s why I’m giving it to her. So she knows I’m going to love her my whole life.”
Emmett was quiet a moment. Usually, his quiet was annoying, but now it was tense and made the back of my neck tight.
“I know you love my daughter.”
“I do,” I said plainly. “More than anyone.”
“Marriage is about a lot more than love.”
I pushed the ring back into my pocket and crossed the space between us. I might have been nervous, but I wouldn’t back down. I’d never back down when it came to my little siren.
“I know that. It’s about being there for each other no matter what. The way she was there for me when I first came to Westbrook. They way she believed in me, tried to protect me when no one else would.”
Nearby, Bodhi made a sound, and I flicked a glance in his direction. “This isn’t about you, Bodes. This is about me and Landry.”
He nodded. “I know.”
I met Emmett’s dark, unflinching stare once more. “I know we’re young, but I am committed to Landry, and that will never change. I know it won’t always be easy, but I swear I’ll always put her first and do my best to take care of her. She’ll never doubt that I’m all in with her.” I dragged in a breath. “And I’m asking you for your blessing because I respect you and your relationship with her. It would make her happy to have your approval. But…”
Emmett made an amused sound. “There’s always a but with you.”
“Because he’s an ass,” Bodhi said.
Emmett’s lips twitched.
“But,” I said, still serious. “I’m not asking your permission. This is what I want, and I’ll still ask her even if you don’t approve.”
“I really wonder what my daughter sees in you,” Emmett deadpanned.
“That’s easy,” Bodhi said, slipping up to Emmett’s side and looping his arm through his. “She sees you.”
Emmett blanched. “Seriously, Goldilocks?”
“Not like that,” he scolded. “Such an old pervert.”
Emmett growled, and Bodhi smiled. “I mean Rush is strong and loyal. He’s also a leader and a protector. Those are all qualities you have, Em. It seems natural Landry would be drawn to them.”
I didn’t bother to tell the room my dick was bigger. No point in embarrassing my future father-in-law.
What’s that, bro? You know whose is bigger because you’ve “seen” both?
Who’s the old pervert now?
“You guys going to finish college before you get married?” Coach asked.
I shrugged. “I’ll see what she wants.”
“You gonna move her to California?”
He knew that was what I planned after graduation. “You know I want to work with my dad at the Corvette executive level.”
He pursed his lips.
I rolled my eyes. “You know you plan on coming out there too so Bodes can design his underwear.”
“Lingerie,” Bodhi snapped. But then he whipped his face up toward Emmett. “You really want to go back to Cali for me?”
Emmett glanced at the blond latched to his arm, everything about him softening. “I need to work on my surfing.”