Page 7 of Father of the Bride

He shook his head as he watched the palm trees whiz by his window. “Long as Brooklyn’s happy, I’m good.”

“So you’re gonna pout your way through the weekend, huh? Don’t think she won’t notice.”

He nodded. “Speaking of Brooklyn…”

“I already know.”

“I know it’s not your job, Mama. You always say you’re done raising kids, and I get that, but—“

“Dav. I already said yes. And it’s not a problem.”

He exhaled sharply, his shoulders dropping. “Thank you.”

Sunny wasn’t happy when she found out she was playing surrogate mother this weekend. It was nothing personal against Brooklyn. She was a sweet girl, at least from the three times Sunny had talked to her on the phone. But Davion was right; she relished the fact that she’d raised her kids. The idea of being a babysitter for a grown woman all week wasn’t her idea of a peaceful time.

“I imagine this is hard for her.”

Davion nodded. “She was crying to me last night.”

“Bless her heart.”

Sunny looked at her other two sons, one bobbing his head with his earbuds in, the other with his face in a book, and smiled wistfully.

No matter what happened with Orion, she was secure in the knowledge that they’d raised some amazing kids. Davion, the engineer. Amari, the pilot. And Sylvan, who would be headed to medical school in a few months.

They felt like the only things she’d done right in her life.

Sunny stared out the window as the car rolled to a stop, greeted by the sight of Brooklyn standing in the circular driveway wearing a pink sundress and a big smile. Sunny felt a short pang of guilt for ever feeling irritated by the idea of mothering her for a weekend.

They stepped out of the car and stretched as the hot sun beat down on their faces. Davion made a beeline for his bride, pressing a tender kiss on her cheek, which made Sunny smile.

“My father apologizes for not being here to greet you,” Brooklyn said. “He had to take an important call.”

“It’s okay. We’re just happy to be here,” Sunny said as she pulled the girl in for a hug.

She was a tiny little thing, but her hug was strong and tight. She pulled away, greeted Orion and the boys, then laced her arm through Sunny’s as she led them all up the walkway to the large stained glass double doors.

Sunny stepped over the threshold with the caution of someone entering sacred ground, while Orion let out a low whistle and Sylvan whispered, “Wow,” as his eyes flickered over the space.

Natural light flooded in from the massive skylight above and the floor-to-ceiling windows. Their feet stood on polished marble floors. High ceilings and an open floor plan made them feel small and insignificant, yet the room still maintained a cozy, lived-in vibe.

Sunny felt her tension melt away immediately. Something about the place felt so…safe.

Brooklyn turned toward her guests, all smiles. “This is our summer home. Welcome, and please make yourselves comfortable.” She looked around, searching for someone. “Sorry, I don’t know where Mars is, but we’ll get your bags to your rooms.”

Sunny waved a hand. “Please don’t apologize. We can carry our bags. No worries.”

Brooklyn nodded, her embarrassment palpable. She struck Sunny as someone who desperately needed things to go smoothly.

“How are you, sweetheart?” she asked softly.

“Stressed. But that’s normal, right?”

Sunny nodded. “It is.”

Brooklyn sighed. “Thank you for being here.”

“Of course. I’m here for whatever you need.”

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