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  Sierra stepped forward, giving Marisa a few blessed moments to collect herself before facing him.

  She reached out, drawing him into her arms. “Luc, I’m so sorry about your father.”

  He looked over her shoulder, staring at Marisa. “Thanks, Sierra. I’m glad you made it.” He stepped out of her embrace and faced Marisa. “Thanks for coming.”

  She refused to meet his eyes. “I’m sorry for your loss, Luc.”

  He reached out to take her hand in his. “You don’t know how much it means to me, having you here.”

  Her gut instinct told her to run, fast and far, but etiquette dictated she stay rooted to the spot.

  “Having you in Florida meant everything. You encouraged us to say things to each other that we probably wouldn’t have been able to say otherwise. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for that.”

  She nodded politely. “I’m glad I could help. It looks like seats may be hard to come by; we should probably go inside now.”

  “I’ve reserved the first few pews,” he said quietly. “Would you sit with me?”

  Her heart rallied, knowing she would never be able to sit beside him without reaching out to comfort him. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  “Please, Marisa,” he pleaded. “I know I don’t have the right to ask, but I need you by my side today. I need your help to get through this.”

  She imagined for a moment what it would be like if their situations were reversed and she had lost her father. She had no doubt Luc would be there to hold her hand, lend his shoulder, dry her tears. “Okay, sure, whatever you need.”

  Luc claimed the podium, trying to find the words to honor a man who’d been a stranger to him most of his life. He’d listened to his father’s friends and esteemed colleagues regale the mourners with tales about his father the philanthropist, advocate, public servant, and dedicated leader. They spoke of his strength, courage, wisdom, and intelligence.

  Luc cleared his throat, looking for friendly and familiar faces in the vast crowd of people. “I’d love nothing more than to tell you that my father was my best friend. Unfortunately, I can’t do that. While I was growing up, he was too busy working to spend time with me. I used to resent the fact that we didn’t have a close relationship, but I’m beginning to understand why he made the choices he did. He was doing what he thought was right, and his tireless efforts changed lives. He lived life on his terms and I’m proud to say he left a remarkable legacy.” He took a deep breath as he struggled to continue. “I want to thank those of you who shared your stories today; you helped me to get to know my father. I only wish I had taken the opportunity to get to know him before it was too late.”

  He walked down the steps and fought the urge to follow the path of the red carpet out of the building. He needed space, distance, fresh air. But he saw Marisa’s reassuring smile and found the courage to reclaim his seat beside her for the conclusion of the service.

  When the pastor asked if anyone else would like to speak, Nikki stood up. When she seemed hesitant, her grandmother smiled and squeezed her hand.

  She took a deep breath and claimed the podium. Adjusting the microphone with trembling hands, she unfolded a crumpled sheet of paper. She cleared her throat as her eyes scanned the large crowd.

  “I just got to know my grandfather a few years ago, and I’m so grateful that I did. He was an amazing man: funny, sweet, and affectionate, but he was also a bit of a tyrant.” She smiled when several people chuckled. “He expected a lot from me. He insisted I get good grades, choose the right friends, and follow my passion wherever it might lead. Most people tell me the odds of making it in the music business are slim to none, but my grandfather believed in me. He found the best vocal coach, piano, and guitar teachers to work with me. He taught me to believe in myself and follow my dream, and I’ll never forget that life lesson. There’ll always be in a void in my life without my Grand-dad...” She paused to look at Luc. “But he also taught me that there are no coincidences in life. His death brought my father into my life, and I can’t help but think that was his way of encouraging me to make peace with the past so I can embrace the future.” She smiled at the photo of her grandfather, her eyes filling with tears. “Thanks, Grand-dad. I love you and I’ll miss you every single day.”

  Luc was overwhelmed as he watched his daughter make her way back to the pew.

  His mother slid down so there was an empty place beside him.

  Nikki smiled at her grandmother and claimed the empty seat beside Luc. She looked up at him and smiled.

  “Your granddad would be so proud of you,” he whispered. “I know I am.”

  She reached over and grabbed his hand. “Thanks, Dad.”

  His heart swelled at her casual use of the word. It was the first time he’d ever been called dad and he knew no matter how many times she said it, he would never tire of hearing it. He vowed to spend the rest of his life earning that title by being someone she could count on, someone who encouraged her to follow her dreams and loved her unconditionally.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Luc spotted Jared Turner sitting at a table alone. He came up behind him and gripped his shoulder. “Thanks for coming, Jared. It means a lot to me.”

  Jared pointed to the chair beside him. “Have a seat, Luc.” He extended his hand. “I was awful sorry to hear about your father. He sounds like my kind of man.”

  Luc would never have drawn any similarities between Trey’s father and his own prior to today, but he began to realize both men were cut from the same cloth. They were both strong, opinionated, compassionate men who were willing to work tirelessly in pursuit of a goal. “Thanks, Jared.”

  Jared crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, regarding Luc carefully. “I haven’t had a chance to thank you for bein’ there for my daughter the night she broke up with Tim. Sounds like it was an ugly scene?”

  Luc wanted nothing more than to forget that night. “Yeah, it was. I’m just glad I was there.”

  “So am I, son, so am I.” Jared looked across the room. “Beautiful daughter you got there.”

  Luc tried to quash the unfamiliar burst of pride. He had no right to derive satisfaction from a child he had no part in raising. Shana and her real father deserved the credit, not him. “I think so too.”

  “She seems to have a good head on her shoulders too.”

  Luc shook his head. “That she does.” He knew Jared well, knew he must have a dozen questions about Nikki and where things stood with Marisa. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I never told anyone I had a daughter.”

  Jared fixed him with an intense stare. “I never pegged you for a coward, Luc.”

  Luc felt sick knowing he’d disappointed the man who’d been a father figure to him for years. “I’m not gonna deny it, I took the easy way out. I wasn’t ready to be a father. Hell, I didn’t even know how.” He sighed and clasped his hands behind his head. “I was afraid of screwing things up, not being the kind of father Nikki needed, so I left.”

  Jared stared at the girl in question. “Guess it’s a good thing she’s got a big ol’ heart.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I watched the two of you at the service today. It’s obvious she wants you to be a part of her life.”

  “I pray to God you’re right, Jared.”

  He chuckled and slapped Luc on the back. “Just don’t screw it up this time, son.”

  “I won’t, sir.”

  “So much for all that b.s. about not wantin’ to be a daddy, huh?”

  Luc smiled. “Never thought I’d see the day, but I guess I’m finally ready.”

  “Gotta ask, where does that leave my little girl?”

  Luc knew the time had come to do something he should have done a long time ago. He leaned forward so no one would overhear their conversation. “Sir, I’d like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. Would you give us your blessing?”

  Jared’s face split into a wide grin as he slapped h
is knee. “Well, it’s about time, boy.” He extended his hand. “I’d say welcome to the family, but you’ve been a part of our family for more years than I can count.” He covered Luc’s hand with both of his. “I look forward to makin’ it official. That’s assuming my little girl says yes.”

  Luc smiled, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. He knew what he wanted, he just had to convince Marisa that he was finally ready to take the next step in their relationship.

  Jared turned around in his seat, scanning the large crowd. “Speakin’ of my little girl, where is she?”

  Luc checked the table where she had been sitting with their friends. “I don’t know. Let me go find out.”

  He turned back to his future father-in-law. “Thanks for having faith in me, Jared. I promise I’ll take good care of her.”

  “I know you will, son.” He chuckled and shook his head. “’Cause you know if you don’t, I’m gonna have to hunt you down.”

  Luc laughed as he made his way back to his table. “Hey, guys, anybody seen Marisa?”

  Josh, Lexi, Sierra, Trey, and Avery looked at each other, appearing uncomfortable.

  “Uh, she left, buddy,” Trey said.

  A sense of dread assailed him. He’d allowed himself to believe that Marisa supporting him today meant that she was willing to give him a chance to make up for the mistakes he’d made.

  “What do you mean? Where did she go?”

  Trey shrugged. “Home, I guess.”

  “Damn it.” Luc gripped the chair with unnecessary force. “I can’t go after her until all the guests leave. Why would Marisa take off without saying anything to me?”

  Trey threw his napkin on the table beside his plate. “She was pissed off at me for keeping your secret.”

  Luc scrubbed his hands over his face. “I’m sorry, Trey. I didn’t mean to drag you into this.”

  Before Luc could learn anything more about Marisa’s sudden departure, his daughter approached, smiling shyly at his friends. He put his arm around her and drew her into his side. “Nikki, I want you to meet my friends.” He pointed at Trey. “This is Trey Turner and his wife Sierra.”

  Trey stood to shake Nikki’s hand. “Nice to meet you, darlin’.”

  “I’m a huge fan,” Nikki said, pumping his hand enthusiastically.

  “Really?” Trey smiled. “You mentioned you’re a musician. What kind of music do you favor?”

  “I like all kinds of music, but I’m a country girl at heart.”

  “Seriously?” Luc asked, surprised by the admission.

  Nikki rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why you sound so surprised, Dad.”

  Luc laughed and squeezed her shoulders. “Well, it just so happens...” he said quietly, hoping he wouldn’t be overheard, “that I’m startin’ my own label. We’ll have to get you into the studio, hear what you’ve got.”

  She clapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. “Ohmigod, are you serious?”

  Luc laughed. “Damn straight. Not that I’m makin’ any promises. If you’ve got talent, I’ll see what I can do to help you.”

  She reached up to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Ohmigod, I have to go and tell Mom about this.” She waved at everyone seated around the table. “Nice to meet y’all.”

  They laughed and waved back.

  “Sweet girl,” Avery said, winking at him. “Hard to believe she’s your daughter.”

  Luc watched Nikki run up to her mother and share the news. He prayed she was talented. He couldn’t stand the thought of breaking her heart by having to reject her.

  “I don’t know if that was the smartest or stupidest thing you could’ve done, man,” Trey said, reclaiming his seat.

  “What do you mean?” Luc asked, though he knew Trey had the same reservations he did. They knew firsthand how difficult making it in this business was, even with talent, connections, and commercial appeal. His daughter may have the right connections, but only time would tell whether she was the complete package as an artist.

  “If she’s got what it takes, you’ll be her hero. If not, you’re the guy who stole her dreams. Not an enviable position, my friend.”

  Luc’s gut clenched at his friend’s words. Trey was right. Any progress he’d made with his daughter could be undone with just a few words. “Guess we’ll just have to hope for the best,” he muttered.

  Trey chuckled. “Sorta like you been doin’ with my sister? How’s that worked out for ya, Luc?”

  “Shut up, smartass.”

  By the time Luc said good-bye to the last mourner, he was emotionally and physically exhausted. Yet he knew he wouldn’t be able to rest until he’d seen Marisa.

  Nikki approached with her mother and grandmother in tow. “The service and reception were beautiful, Dad. Grand-dad would’ve loved it.”

  Luc smiled and opened his arms to his daughter. He was grateful that, after such a short time, she was willing to grant him that privilege. “Thanks, Nikki. Your Grand-dad deserved a proper send-off.”

  Evelyn smiled at him and stroked her granddaughter’s hair. “I know Nathan would’ve loved it.” She winked at Luc. “If your father loved one thing, it was being the center of attention.”

  Luc smiled, grateful that he and his mother were finally able to acknowledge his father’s short-comings without feeling bitter or resentful. “I guess we should all think about getting a good night’s sleep. It’s been one helluva week.”

  Nikki pulled back to look at him. “I was gonna ask a favor. You don’t have to feel obligated to say yes or anything.”

  He could tell his daughter was apprehensive, and he wanted her to know, from this moment on, there was nothing she couldn’t ask of him. “You won’t know unless you ask, Nikki.”

  “Right, well, Mom and I are staying at the hotel tonight. We have an early flight back to Florida in the morning. So I was thinking maybe...”

  Shana chuckled at her daughter’s reluctance. “Just ask him, Nikki.”

  “I was thinking maybe I could spend the night at your place? I thought I could sing and play for you, then maybe you could give me some feedback about...”

  Shana laughed. “She’s not gonna rest until she knows whether you think she has what it takes to make it in the music business, Luc.”

  Luc was conflicted; he wanted nothing more than to give his daughter hope, but he owed it to her to be honest. He was terrified that if he criticized her, it might hurt their tenuous relationship. “Why don’t you give me a few minutes to talk to your Mom, okay, Nik?”

  She bit her bottom lip as her gaze darted between her parents. “Okay, sure.”

  Shana laughed as she watched their daughter walk away. “She’s afraid I’m gonna blow this for her.”

  Luc took a deep breath. “How do you feel about this, Shana? I mean, the music business can be brutal. Is this really what you want for her?”

  She sighed. “It’s not about what I want, Luc. This is something she’s wanted forever.” She smiled and shook her head. “She’s been rehearsing in front of her bedroom mirror since she was six years old. When Nathan came into her life and suggested she actively pursue her goal of becoming a singer, it changed her.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “Before she was shy, reserved, but once she started singing in front of people, she came alive.”

  Luc was afraid to voice the question, even more afraid to hear the answer. “Is she any good?”

  Shana grinned. “I’ll have to let you be the judge of that, Luc. You’re the expert. I’m just her mom, so I’m a little biased.”

  “And you don’t think I will be?”

  Her eyes darkened as she regarded him carefully. “No, you’d never put your reputation on the line to help our daughter make her dream come true. You’re all about the bottom line. If Nikki has talent, you’ll use her; if not, I know you won’t hesitate to cut her loose.”

  He grabbed his chest. “Ouch, that hurt.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “I’m so
rry, am I wrong?”

  He hated to admit that she was right. He wouldn’t tell Nikki what she wanted to hear just to strengthen their relationship, and if she was as talented as he prayed she was, he wouldn’t hesitate to sign her to his new label. “I’ll make you a deal, but keep in mind, this is very premature. I haven’t even heard her sing yet.”

  She crossed her arms, waiting. “What kind of deal?”

  “I don’t want to profit from our daughter’s talent. If she has what it takes, I’ll sign her, but she keeps my cut of the profits.” Luc extended his hand. “Deal?”

  She appeared hesitant. “Why would you want to do that?”

  He shrugged. “You wouldn’t allow me to provide any financial support while Nikki was growing up. This is the least I can do.”

  “You signed over your parental rights a long time ago, Luc.”

  “I don’t care what a piece of paper says, Shana. She’s still my daughter, our daughter, and I want to try and make things right, if I can.” He held his hand higher. “So, do we have a deal?”

  She smiled and accepted his outstretched hand. “Okay, we’ve got a deal.”

  “Is your husband gonna be okay with this? I don’t want him to think I’m trying to step in and take his place. He raised her, I get that. I’m not trying to disrespect him.”

  Shana’s mouth dropped open. “The Luc Spencer I knew would never have considered anyone else’s feelings. That guy saw something he wanted and went after it, no matter who got hurt in the process.”

  Luc sighed. “I did what I had to do to get where I am, but I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I’ve hurt a lot of people, including our daughter. She didn’t deserve that, and I owe it to you both to make things right.”

  “Well, to answer your question about Liam, he loves our daughter as though she were his own. He knows there’s been a void in her life because you haven’t been a part of it. If you and Nikki could forge a healthy relationship, he’d be happy for her, for both of you.”