Page 4 of The Secret to a Southern Wedding

Cyril’s brows drew together. He glanced around the bar even though he knew they were alone. He could count his staff on two hands and have plenty of fingers left over. A Couple of Beers employed a few locals as bartenders and served several craft and traditional beers on tap along with whatever seasonal beer Cyril brewed up in the back. He didn’t have to worry about a bunch of people overhearing, but his business partner and friend, Joshua, would arrive any minute. Joshua knew their story, but Cyril still wasn’t comfortable talking about their past with an audience.

He leaned closer to his dad. “What does ‘told her enough’ mean?”

“It means that I told her your mom died and we moved to Peachtree Cove a few years afterward for a fresh start.”

Cyril waited for more. When he got nothing, he scratched his head, tipping back the camel-colored fedora he wore over his short, faded hair. “Dad, there’s a lot more to that story.”

Preston grunted and waved off Cyril’s words. “I know that, but the rest of that story only causes problems. I don’t want her to look at me with the same suspicion that our family and friends gave me. That part of the story is over. We’ve finally got closure and I don’t want to bring it up anymore.”

“You can’t just brush aside everything else.”

Preston shook his head and scowled. “Why can’t you just be happy for me? I never thought I’d find a woman who would make me feel the way I felt with your mom. I’ve finally found someone and I’m finally ready to look forward to the future.”

Guilt arm wrestled with the worry in his heart. “I am happy for you.”

“Then act like it,” Preston said in a stern voice.

Cyril held up his hands defensively. Guilt won every time. “I’m acting like it.”

“No, you’re not. You’re questioning me.”

“I just want to make sure you’re good. You know I’m here for you. I’ve always had your back. I’m being cautious.”

“Don’t worry. I’m good. Besides, Linda’s got demons of her own in her past that she doesn’t want to talk about. I understand that more than anyone. We both agreed that we’re starting over and not looking back. Trust me, son. I know what I’m doing. I just want you to be happy for me.”

Cyril looked into his dad’s eyes and sighed. He hadn’t seen his dad this excited about anything in years. If he were being honest, he’d opened the bar hoping it would make his dad remember the good ole days. Back when Cyril’s uncles and Preston would sit in the backyard of their home and talk late into the night about any and everything. Cyril and his cousins would hover in their periphery, soaking up the advice of the coolest men they knew. He’d learned a lot about life, relationships and family watching his dad interact with his brothers-in-law.

Relationships that were violently broken with the unexpected death of Cyril’s mother. Sides were chosen, ties severed and damaged almost beyond repair. A Couple of Beers was a nod back to that happy time. But even that hadn’t made his dad smile the way he had since meeting Ms. Linda Kemp.

“I’m happy for you, Dad,” Cyril said honestly.

“For real?”

Cyril nodded. “For real. Whatever you need just let me know.”

“Will you be my best man?” his dad asked with a hopeful smile on his face.

Cyril placed a hand over his heart. He never thought he’d hear those words from his dad. Never thought his dad would ever get married or love again. To see the joy and excitement on his face after years of pain and heartbreak brought a swell of emotion through Cyril’s chest. “Of course, I will.”

He reached out a hand and his dad slapped it. They clasped hands and his dad rose so Cyril could hug him over the bar. When they pulled back his dad looked away and quickly wiped his eyes. Cyril smiled and grabbed one of the glasses from behind the bar.

“How about a drink to celebrate.”

Preston waved a hand. “You know it’s too early for me.”

“That’s why I’m only giving you a taste.”

Preston narrowed his eyes and pointed at Cyril. He tried to glare but ended up laughing. “What you put together now?”

“It’s the last of my winter blend. I’m going to put it on sale so I can make room for the spring blend I’m working on.” He went to the tap and poured a small amount of the cinnamon-infused lager he’d brewed for the winter.

“Look at us. You’ve got the bar. I’m getting married. Who would have seen this seven years ago?”

Cyril shook his head. “I always believed things would work out.”

“You never doubted me once?”

Cyril handed his dad the glass. He held on when his dad would have taken it and met his eye. “Never once.”

---