Page 135 of Vow

“Soon?”

“As soon as we find the right man to retrieve her safely.”

What else could she say?

The only thing that felt appropriate was simply, “Thank you.”

Dante waved a hand. “It’s a little thing, that’s all.”

Haven didn’t think it was so little … nor would it be easy, or safe. She didn’t know a lot about cartels, but what she knew was enough to tell her this wouldn’t be easy at all.

For Val, though …

Well, it might be worth it.

“Also, my wife mentioned something,” Dante said, bringing Haven’s attention back to him for a moment. “Your father is stuck somewhere, huh?”

“Engine problems.”

Dante frowned. “I’m sorry.”

“Shit happens.”

“At the worst possible times.”

That made her laugh. “Right?”

Because where was the lie?

“I was hoping,” Dante continued, “that you might give me the honor of walking you down the aisle. I want to welcome you into our family, Haven, and make it very clear that this is where you belong to anyone who might be wondering where I stand. And what better way than to be the one who walks you to your future?”

Haven stared at the man, quiet and still. “Really?”

“Really. If you would allow me to. It would be the greatest honor for me to do this for you, Haven.”

Well, then …

“Okay,” she said.

• • •

Dante peered around the grand hallway that led into the main ballroom. All the sheer tulle hanging from the ceiling only accentuated the vaulted aspect. Soft lavenders and pale pinks melted together in all the decorations.

It was beautiful.

“They really came together for this, didn’t they?” he asked. “Our wives certainly know how to decorate this place.”

Haven agreed. “It’s something else.”

“As long as you like it.”

“I do.”

And she was so grateful.

The music changed in the ballroom—the muffled noise filtered out beneath the cracks of the closed door. Haven took a deep breath, and relaxed. It was almost time.

Dante smiled down at her. “Ready?”