Sam nodded. “Nick told him once in a weak moment. He cued me in after Nick saw her in Cleveland. Harry won’t let her get close enough to do that to him again.”

“It’s amazing Nick came through it all as well as he did.”

“Isn’t it?” Sam glanced at the clock on the wall. Five minutes to four. Feeling euphoric and victorious and ready to marry the love of her life, Sam looked down at her dad. “Well, my friend, you and I have a wedding to get to.”

“After you, my love.”

Chapter 12

As the soloist Shelby had hired sang “At Last,” Sam stood next to her dad’s chair in the back of the church and watched Nick’s brothers, her nephews, nieces and sisters precede her down the aisle. She had yet to allow herself to look at Nick for fear she’d lose her cool if she caught his eye before she was ready.

“I like the song,” her dad said gruffly. “Perfect.”

“I thought so too. I’m glad you approve.” Sam bent at the waist to look him in the eye. “And I’m glad you stuck around so you could give me away today, but don’t get any ideas about punching out now that all your girls are happily married.”

The right side of his face lifted into a smile. “As it happens, I am too.” His Valentine’s Day wedding to his faithful nurse Celia had given them all something to celebrate. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve got plenty to live for, and I know it.”

Shelby approached them. “Ready?” She handed Sam her bouquet of dark purple orchids.

“Thank you, Shelby. For everything. I truly couldn’t have gotten through this without you.”

“My pleasure. You have a very handsome senator waiting anxiously for you.” Shelby gestured to the doorway. “Whenever you’re ready.”

Sam placed her hand on her dad’s shoulder. “I’m with you, Skippy.”

“Let’s go then.”

When they moved into the doorway, Sam took a deep breath and finally dared to look at Nick. Her throat closed at the sight of him. Tall, handsome and sinfully sexy in a sharp black tuxedo that emphasized his broad shoulders and muscular build. The orchid on his lapel matched her bouquet. Despite the sleepless night, he appeared happy and relaxed and maybe just a tad bit nervous. In fact, he looked so good standing with Graham, Harry, Andy and Scotty that Sam deduced he had no idea his mother was in attendance.

And there was no chance of him noticing now because he never took his eyes off her as she moved with her father down the aisle.