Page 10 of One Night Diamond

“Don’t be scared. I’ll teach you.”

I follow her lead, a swell of emotions rising: pride, love, responsibility, and a mountain of protectiveness. Lilah is my daughter. My flesh and blood. There’s so much to make up for and learn about her. I want to know everything.

I catch Darla watching us from across the room. Anger starts to percolate under my skin. But when the light from the Tiki torches flickers across her face, I see her eyes are red and swollen, her face pale. Guilt starts to replace the anger. Then the advice from the ER doctor runs through my head.

Let your emotions settle down so your brain can catch up with your heart. There may be more to the story than you know.

The emcee for the Luau event jumps onto the stage. “May I have everyone’s attention, please? Some of you may have spotted a wedding on the beach earlier. Would you please give a warm island welcome to the new Mr. and Mrs. Bowman? Come on up here, you two. It’s time for your first dance.”

The crowd cheers. Lilah jumps up and down with joy. “Auntie Emily looks beautiful.”

“She sure does.” I agree.

“Do you think Uncle Jake will like me?”

“No.” I shake my head.

The smile falls from her face. “What?”

“He’s going to love you.”

The laugh that bubbles out of her makes me laugh, too. “You pulled my leg!”

“I did.” I wink.

Jake holds Emily close, the happiness on his face unmistakable. I hope it lasts.

The music starts, the photographer starts snapping pictures, and the emcee invites everyone to dance.

“You’re supposed to be dancing with mummy,” Lilah announces.

“Why is that?”

“You’re the best man, and mummy’s the maid of honor, silly.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s a wedding tradition.”

Wow, my daughter is smart. I look over at Darla. “So, you think I should dance with your mother?”

“Yes.” She gives me a gentle shove. “Hurry, or the song will be over.”

Not about to disappoint my daughter, I make my way to Darla. Her eyes widen as I stand over her and offer her my hand. “We have to dance together. Lilah says it’s a wedding tradition.”

“You don’t have to.” She mumbles. “I know I’m the last person on earth you even want to look at right now.”

“About that…” I bend down, pull out her chair, and help her to her feet. I rest my hand on the small of her back. “I think I owe you an apology.”

“No,” she shakes her head so hard I’m surrounded by strawberry shampoo-scented clouds. “I deserved it. And so much more.”

I give her a nudge forward. “Let’s just dance, okay?”

“Okay.”

When we reach the dance floor, I put my arms around her waist and pull her close. She’s trembling so hard that the fabric of her dress quivers under my hands.

“Breathe,” I whisper in her ear. “And smile. Our daughter is watching.”

Darla tips her head back. “I am so sorry.”

“I know.” My thumbs start stroking her back. “We’ll figure it all out.”

---