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Jagger released her and stepped toward her dad. His hand moved toward her dad’s shoulder. Her mom cried in surprise, ducking away as if Jagger might punch her dad. Her dad didn’t flinch, ready to take whatever Jagger decided he was owed.
Jagger’s hand clasped her dad’s shoulder. His voice was rough, but he said, “I … forgive you.”
Her mom let out a soft sigh. Belinda cried out in surprise.
Her dad’s eyes widened. Then he threw his arms around Jagger.
Belinda blinked, not sure if she was seeing clearly.
Jagger stood motionless for a beat, then gave her dad a couple quick pats on the back.
“Sorry.” Her dad pulled back. “Too much. I don’t expect you to hug me all the time. I know you’re a manly man.” He smiled. “Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you.”
Jagger nodded, then cracked his knuckles and said, “I feel like a load has been lifted off my back.”
“Me too, son. Me too.” Her dad gave them a tremulous smile and wrapped his arm around her mom. “We can talk more, but you two need time. We’ll just … Can you come to the house later? We’ll have dinner ready.”
“Sure.” Jagger looked at her. “Is that okay?”
“Yes.” She gave her dad a sassy smile. “But it’ll be a late dinner. We’re riding to the lake first.”
Jagger’s eyes widened, and he may have blushed. “Your dad doesn’t know …”
“I do,” her dad admitted. “Just … you know … save yourselves for the wedding, okay?”
Belinda was the one blushing now. “Dad! We just kiss. A lot. And really passionately. The most incredible kisses on the planet.”
Jagger laughed and looked at her dad quick before looking away. “We’ll stay in control, sir.”
“I know you will.”
“Besides,” Belinda told her parents. “We’re eloping.” She tilted her head and studied her future husband. He hadn’t really proposed, but … “On the beach in Kauai. Then we’re staying in the beautiful beach house we stayed in for the show. For at least two weeks. Your personal leave needs to be put to good use.”
Jagger laughed and wrapped her up. He swung her around, kissed her firmly, then set her on the ground.
Her parents quietly slipped away.
“Pastor. Mrs. Ralphs,” Jagger said, stopping them.
“Please,” her mom piped up. “It’s Sheldon and Aimee. Unless someday you want to call us Mom and Dad.”
“Okay.” Jagger seemed a little uncertain, but he continued, “We’d really like you to come with us to Kauai. For the wedding, that is. Then we can stay on different sides of the island.”
Her dad laughed at that. “We’d be honored to be there. When?”
Jagger looked down at her. “Tomorrow?”
“Oh, my,” her mom squeaked out.
“Can Shawn, Julie, and Hays come?” Belinda asked.
“I guess so.” He gave a long-suffering sigh. “Saturday? That’s four days to make plans and travel.”
“Perfect. Now let’s go to the lake.”
“We’ll see you soon.” Her parents hurried down the trail to the house.
Jagger turned Belinda toward him. “I’ve missed you,” he said.
