Justice

Chapter Twenty-Three

Jessie stared at her father while Senator Jacob Hills regarded her silently. His blue eyes were unreadable as they remained in Justice’s office. Jessie had asked Justice to step out so she could privately talk to her father.

“So,” she finished. “I love him and he loves me. We are going to try to keep a lid on this until we get back from Reservation. Justice is taking a few weeks off to give us some time to spend alone.”

Jessie searched her father’s face for any sign of emotion but couldn’t pick up a single one. Whatever he thought or felt, he kept it to himself. The man was a master at doing that. It’s why he was so good at his job.

“Say something.”

“Are you sure about this?”

She frowned. “I called you to come here because I want you to give me away at my wedding. I’m marrying him, Dad. I love him and he’s everything to me. I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. Say so now if you don’t want to do it because I’m getting married in ten minutes. Justice was adamant about marrying me before the honeymoon.” She smiled. “I didn’t give a damn myself, being with him is enough but he wants to do this right.”

A smile cracked Senator Jacob Hill’s lips and his gaze softened. “I’m glad to hear that. I’d be honored to have him for a son and be proud to walk you down the aisle.”

Jessie threw herself at her dad. They hugged tightly, him more so than her.

“Can’t. Breathe. Need air,” she hissed.

He released her, chuckling. “Sorry. Where is Justice?”

“He wanted to tell you about the two of us himself but I kind of threatened to buy him socks if he didn’t let me do it alone.”

Her father laughed. “That’s an effective threat?”

She laughed. “The man doesn’t own socks and hates them.”

“Let me go shake his hand and welcome to the family. Ten minutes, huh?” He glanced at his watch. “You could have at least given me a little hint that there was going to be a wedding. I would have dressed better.” His gaze roamed over her. “Jeans, Jess?

You’re really getting married in jeans?”

“Justice loves me. I asked nicely and he agreed we could get married in them.”

Jacob laughed. “You got him out of a suit and tie? He’s marrying you in jeans?”

She grabbed his hand. “Come on. He’s been worried that you’ll try to talk me out of it. He’s afraid I’ll change my mind. I told him that wasn’t going to happen but he’s still learning that I stick to my guns.”

Justice waited down the hall, looking tense. Jessie winked. Justice visibly relaxed.

He pulled his hands out of the front pockets of his jeans. Jessie noticed the jeans and black tank top he wore. It was the outfit she’d met him in. He looked so hot and sexy in those clothes with his hair down that she licked her lips. The urge to drool was there.

The two men shook hands and her father gripped his shoulder. “Welcome to the family, Justice. You are going to have your hands full with this one.” He released him.

Justice chuckled. “I look forward to it every day.”

Jessie laughed at seeing that aroused glint in Justice’s eyes, knowing his thoughts had turned to sex. They exchanged the joke when their gazes met. Justice reached out and pulled Jessie into his arms to tuck her in front of his body.

Tiger stepped out into the hallway and peered at the three of them. He blew out air loudly and smiled. “So everything is good?”

Jessie’s father laughed. “I’m happy that Jessie and Justice are getting married. Was there ever any doubt I would be?”

Tiger nodded. “Hell yes. The minister is here. Are we ready?”

Jessie turned her head and peered at Justice. “I’ve been ready.”

“Me too.” He hugged her before reluctantly releasing his hold. He looked at his soon-to-be father-in-law. “We’re honeymooning at Reservation for two weeks but plan to have a more public wedding soon. We realize this is going to be a press nightmare.

We wanted to do this small, private one right now and go away together before having to deal with however your people take it.”

“Well, I will be the first one in front of them telling them how happy I am when you do announce it and how I couldn’t have picked a better man for my only daughter.”

Justice cleared his throat. “Thank you, Jacob. I’m deeply honored and I will kill or die to protect her. She makes my life complete. Her happiness goes before my own, always.”

“I know.” Jacob Hills blinked at tears. “Damn. Don’t make me cry.” He laughed.

“Let’s get you two married so you can leave for the honeymoon.”

They all walked outside. Jessie saw that her father was a little confused at the line of golf carts waiting by the doors. He looked to her for an answer.

“Is it an outdoor wedding?”

“There’s only one place to party at Homeland. Have you ever been to the bar?”

“No. I haven’t.”

She grinned. “You’re in for a treat then. There is going to be dancing.”

His features brightened. “I love that. I learned how to waltz for that ball I was invited to at the White House next month.”

Everyone in the golf cart laughed except Jacob Hills. He frowned. “What’s so funny?”

“These are actual fun parties, Dad. No politics are allowed and ditch that tie.”

“You’ll have fun,” Justice assured him, taking Jessie’s hand and kissing it. “We’ve planned a nice wedding for everyone to enjoy.”

Her father glanced at Justice. “I’m sincerely glad to have you for a son, Justice.

Whatever you do, don’t take your phone or laptop on your honeymoon.” He laughed.

“The only work you should be doing is making sure you keep my daughter out of trouble.”

Justice grinned “I intend to spend all my time getting to know your daughter extremely well. I swear she’s my priority and work is going to scale back so I have plenty of time for us to be together.”

Jessie grinned. “I’m going to teach him how to relax and have fun.”

He met her gaze, she knew he was remembering the night she gave him a massage on the back of the couch, and he softly purred.

“Did you make that sound?” Jacob gaped at his future son-in-law.

Jessie laughed. “Nope. That was me,” she lied. “I do that sometimes because it’s fun.” She gave him an innocent look. “Come on, you fell for that? My future husband is a total badass, not some kitten.”

Her father laughed and turned away, following Tiger to one of the carts.

“Jessie,” Justice whispered, making sure no one heard. “Thank you.”

She looked up and winked. “You owe me.” Her gaze lowered down his body and paused over the front of his jeans before she met his gaze again. “I’ve always got your back and your front.”