Page 93 of Father of the Bride

Dav pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “I know a good wife when I see one.”

Sunny pulled out her phone, delighted that they were making progress. But when she pulled up Mark’s number, she didn’t tell him that. She texted something else.

Mark stood on his bedroom balcony, staring across the ocean, his phone dangling in his hand. A breeze ruffled his shirt, the salty wind cooling the heat simmering on his skin.

He’d made some decisions.

Now, he was nervous.

When his phone buzzed, he closed his eyes, praying for a miracle.

Ok fine. I’ll marry you

He stared at the screen, reread it multiple times, then let out a slow, disbelieving laugh.

Miracle accomplished.

He dialed a number.

Daisy picked up on the first ring.

“Hey,” he said, his voice light as air. “Slight change of plans.”

Chapter 33

Wavescrashedsoftlyagainstthe shore as the orchestra played a soft, swelling rendition of “At Last.” The late afternoon sun made everything shimmer, especially Brooklyn’s veil as she glided down the aisle on her father’s arm.

Mark walked slowly, savoring every step. Brooklyn’s hand rested on his forearm, trembling slightly, but her face was calm.

She glanced over at him, flashing a smile. “I’m okay,” she whispered.

“I know. And you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

Brooklyn’s eyes filled, but she didn’t cry, not even when she passed the front row and saw the framed picture of her mother placed lovingly on the empty chair. She swallowed the lump in her throat, but she didn’t break. Instead, she blew her mother a kiss, her chin held high.

Mark glanced over at the photo, too, giving it a respectful nod before placing Brooklyn’s hand into Davion’s.

The groom’s eyes were wet.

“Take care of my baby,” Mark murmured.

“I will,” Davion promised.

The ceremony began under a lush arch of pink and white roses. Pastor Bell stood tall in his ivory robes, a warm smile on his face as he guided the couple through their vows. Brooklyn’s voice was steady, though her eyes glistened. Davion’s hand trembled as he slid the ring onto her delicate finger. They both said “I do,” unwavering in their commitment, completely sure for the first time all week. Then they sealed it with a long, joyful kiss that made the crowd erupt in cheers.

Pastor Bell raised his hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Davion Dixon!”

The cheers went up again as the bride and groom walked up the aisle, their smiles wide and bright.

But Pastor Bell didn’t move.

“In all my years,” he said with a grin, “I’ve never done what I’m about to do. But I’ve learned something in this business—the Lord’s business—and that’s this; when love insists on something, you don’t stand in its way.”

He turned to Mark. “Dr. Bennett. Will you join me up here?”

Mark, already misty-eyed, took his place next to Pastor Bell. The orchestra struck up another tune—“Ribbon in the Sky.” Heads turned and hushed murmurs sounded as everyone wondered what was happening.

Behind Mark, Amari and Sylvan grinned like kids on Christmas, slapping Mark on the back, jumping with excitement. Then, Mark locked in, and all eyes followed his to the back of the aisle.

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