Keep smiling, Carol Cronin thought. Just keep smiling.
In just a week, she would be married, and it was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. Right now, she and Brad were surrounded by friends, relatives, and well-wishers as the rehearsal dinner was winding down.
I should be glowing with happiness, she thought. Everything's perfect. We have this wonderful hotel, great food, everyone's laughing and talking and having a good time. Except me.
Upcoming nuptials should be joyful, but Carol felt empty. Deep down she knew why, but was unwilling to admit it to herself.
"Are you okay, honey?" Brad asked.
"Just a little tired, that's all." She brushed a loose strand of blonde hair out of her eyes.
"Poor darling." He gave her a small smile. "You have so much to do, and I'm useless."
"Oh, don't say that. You've been doing plenty."
"Not having second thoughts?"
"Only about dessert."
He laughed, and rose to mingle with the guests. Carol toyed with the food on her plate, and decided she needed some air.
"Brad, I'm going up to my room."
"I could join you," he said, his eyes gleaming with hope.
Carol shook her head. "Not until the wedding night."
"I know, I know."
Carol left the banquet hall and strode toward the lobby. All eyes were on her, and why not? Golden tresses danced around her shoulders, a snug emerald gown clung to every perfect curve, and her neckline plunged to plenteous cleavage.
Carol glanced into the restaurant for a second and her jaw dropped. She stopped in mid-stride and took a longer look. Could it be? Carol took a closer look at the man sipping a glass of wine as he waited to pay for the dinner he had just finished. She walked over to his table.
"Dad?" she said softly.
"Oh, my God."
Carol had not seen Jerome Cronin since the trial seven years ago, when she was twenty. Prison had greyed the once-blond hair so like her own, and diminished his once gregarious personality, but he had kept fit over the years, and her heart thrilled at seeing him again. She wanted to embrace him, but he stiffened. And they had once been so close, as close together as two people can be …
"I'm sorry, Carol," he said. "I had no idea you were here, otherwise--"
"Please Dad, it's been so long," Carol pleaded. "I'm getting married next week. We're just finishing up the rehearsal dinner."
"That's wonderful, honey. I wish I could be there to give you away, but that damn no-contact order-- If anyone sees us together, I could get five years. I had no idea you were here. The only reason I am is because it's close to the airport. I'm leaving tomorrow morning."
"Dad, please! Who has to know? I don't know anybody here, it's all Brad's family and friends."
"What does he know about us?"
"I told him you were in prison, but I never told him why."
"Good girl."
"I love you, Dad. I never thought of myself as a victim, no matter what the prosecutor said."
"Oh, Carol, if only--"
Carol placed her fingers on his lips, silencing him. The very touch sent electric shivers through her body.
"I understand, Dad," she said. "But don't you at least want to see me in my wedding gown before you go?"
He smiled. "Of course, dear. Are you staying in this hotel?"
Taking his hand, Carol led her father through the lobby to the elevator. Once the doors closed, at last, they embraced, and as the car rose to Carol's floor, their fingers gently intertwined.
"I've missed you, Carol."
"I've missed you too, Dad."
Carol ducked into the bathroom to change gowns, memories of her affair with her father so long ago coming back to life. The authorities never listened to her, and she still cursed herself for keeping that diary her mother found, the diary that brought her castle in the clouds crashing to earth.
For seven years, there was no word. Her letters to him were returned, and she was not allowed to visit him. Carol never thought she'd see Jerry again, and now, the miracle had happened.
Carol stepped back out into the room. The white satin gown had a daring neckline that dipped low enough to show just a hint of cleavage, and the rest outlined her curves to the waist; from there the long, flowing fabric dipped to the floor so that when Carol moved, it appeared as it she were floating.
Jerry stared at her, rapt.
"Like it, Dad?"
"It's beautiful, honey. Just like you. Let me get a closer look."
With that he rose, took Carol's hands and she twirled for him, a twinkle in her dazzling hazel eyes, a genetic gift from her mother. They gazed at one another for a moment, and then their eyes locked.
"Oh, Carol …"
In that moment, they both knew nothing had changed. Carol's lips parted as her father drew her close, and when they kissed, time and tragedy melted away. How she had missed his kisses, his caresses! He drew her tongue into his mouth and gently mingled it with his own.
"My darling, my darling," Jerry whispered. "How I've dreamed of you!"
"Kiss me again, Dad."
Now the edge of his teeth nibbled gently down her neck as Carol pressed her body close to his. Jerry's dick, stiff, hard and hot, seemed to burn the fabric between them. Carol ground her rapidly moistening pussy against it, her breath coming in short, passionate bursts.
"Dad! Dad!" she cried.