Page 158 of Until I Have You

Bonnie stands beside him, looking taller than ever.She’s grown so much in the past year, including losing a couple of her front teeth.That doesn’t impact her smile one bit, though.She’s wearing a blue dress that matches Theo’s tie, the two of them a beautiful pair.

And with me in the picture, I hope we’re a perfect trio.

Bonnie glances up at her father and says something, producing a handkerchief out of the pocket of her dress.

I could cry at her gesture of kindness.She’s such a sweet child, a product of all the best parts of my future husband.

Theo takes the handkerchief from her and dabs at his eyes.

“Good, he should cry,” my mother whispers in my ear.

I hold in a laugh.

My mother is in her finest form, irreverent and funny as ever.

We’ve gotten closer over the past year because I have a position with the Clare Marine Institute since my work on studying the puffins last year.I’m in Ireland more often, and I need advice more often too.

As we arrive at the end of the aisle, Theo and Bonnie step forward to receive me.

My parents each give me a kiss on the cheek before my mom takes my bouquet and Dad guides my hand to Theo.

“All yours,” Dad says.

“And mine!”Bonnie interrupts.

Everyone laughs politely.

Mom strokes her hand through Bonnie’s hair.“Yes, not to be forgotten, of course.”

Theo gives my father a pat on the arm, their eye contact saying much more than words ever could.

It’s taken time for them to adjust to how their friendship exists simultaneously with our relationship, but they’ve managed it.

Now, I don’t think any of us can fathom what it would be like if Theo and I weren’t together.

Theo takes my hand from my father, his grip so familiar, and yet sending chills down my spine like we’ve never touched before.

My parents step away to take their seats, leaving Theo, Bonnie, and me at the altar before the priest.

I bend down to give Bonnie a kiss on the cheek.

“You lookbeautiful,” she whispers.

“So do you,” I reply.“Thanks for letting me be with your dad.”

Bonnie grins.

I expect her to go to her seat beside my mom, but she remains standing between us.

“Before we begin the union of Theodore Wallington and Abigail Lyons,” the priest begins, “I believe Theodore’s daughter, Bonnie, has a few words.”

This is news to me.I throw a look at Theo.

However, he’s busy, reaching into his suit jacket and retrieving a piece of paper which he hands to Bonnie before stepping back, giving her the floor.

I quickly scan my family in the front pews, my eyes connecting with Sonia’s.

She merely smiles, a tiny knowing smile.

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