Page 66 of Surrender

I smiled softly as I watched them make up. My baby needed that more than she would ever admit. With the drama now behind us, I just prayed that we could finally all move forward.

My heart was so full.

My father was finally home from the hospital and doing well, although, he was hardheaded as hell. He insisted on being here while Jacob and I moved into our home. We’d hired moving companies to do the bulk of the process, but we also had furniture being delivered today.

With my father finally home, I was able to refocus on the tasks we had ahead. The movers and furniture company brought everything over and placed them in their respective rooms. Now, it was the task of unpacking. Mr. Lewis, Jacob, and Jess ran out to get us food while my mother and Mrs. Mitchell tasked themselves with putting our bedroom together.

Since he couldn’t climb the stairs without getting winded right now, my father was comfortably planted on the couch in the living room, opening boxes for me to unpack.

“You need anything, Daddy?” I asked.

“No, baby. Come here a second, though.”

I stopped what I was doing and went to sit beside him. He wrapped an arm around me and pulled me into him. I smiled as he planted a kiss on my forehead. After not having his affection for so long, I was happy that we were back on track.

“This is a beautiful home,” he stated.

“Thank you. I fell in love the moment I saw it. Jacob didn’t hesitate to make an offer.”

“I can tell that man spoils you.”

I giggled. “He does, and I try not to be too spoiled, but he makes it hard. He’s so thoughtful.”

“You’re really happy, Kay? That’s what matters the most to me.”

“I’ve never been happier. You know what I love most about him, Daddy?”

“What?”

“He reminds me so much of you. His love for me imitates your love for Mama. It’s pure and unconditional. He came into this marriage knowing what he wanted, and he’s stood on that from the very beginning. I feel deep in my spirit that I found my soulmate.”

He nodded. “Watching him with you, I can see that. You have this glow about you that I’ve only ever seen in your mother and sister. The way he loves on you… it’s all I could ask for. I hate that it took me so long to get on board.”

“Well, Daddy, it’s not every day your daughter marries a stranger.”

He chuckled. “You’re right about that.”

Since he had accepted my marriage, he had a lot of questions about Arranged Hearts. I showed him everything I’d researched before I did my application. He even spoke with Kelcy. It was safe to say that he trusted my judgment a little more after that, and it was a relief.

“I have something I want to do for you both,” he said, sitting up.

The look on his face caused me to sit up too.

“What’s that?”

He grabbed my hands. “I know it doesn’t make up for it, but I want to give you the experience you didn’t have the first time. On your first anniversary, I want to throw you a vow renewal.”

Tears filled my eyes as I looked at him. “Daddy.”

“You deserve those memories, Kachelle. I know they won’t replace your first wedding, but it’s the only thing I can think of to make this right.”

“I appreciate that, Daddy. Make sure you get your suit ready.”

He chuckled. “I’ll be looking casket sharp.” He pulled me in for a hug and kissed my cheek. “I love you, baby girl.”

“I love you, too.”

We shared a long, sentimental embrace until the front door opened Jacob peeked around the frame with a grin.

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