Page 58 of A Chance for Us
Oliver’s hand moves up my back, rubbing along my shoulders. I turn to him, feeling his sympathy with each stroke of his hand. It’s as if he’s telling me that it’s okay and he’s here. With tears in my eyes, I nod and step toward my father.
“I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you most, Princess. You and Oliver are perfect for each other, and I can’t tell you how much this has meant to me. To see it with my own eyes, just . . . joy.”
My chest grows tight because he saw what we wanted him to see. Oliver squeezes my shoulders. “Linda, my mother is over there and she mentioned needing to speak with you.”
“She did?”
He nods. “I can’t remember what it was about, but I know it was important.”
“Oh. Of course.”
He gives me a wink and then leads Linda towards his mother.
This man.
I know that couldn’t be easy because Linda doesn’t like to leave my dad and not be privy to the conversation.
However, I’m going to take advantage of this private time I get.
I help my father over to a seating area and take his hand in mine. “I’m sad,” I admit.
“You shouldn’t be sad on your wedding day,” Dad says with a wheeze in his voice.
“I think all brides are a bit emotional.”
“Happy tears, Maren.” He brushes away my tears and then cups my cheek. “I want only happy tears.”
How can I be happy when I know what’s to come? “I am happy, Daddy. Thank you so much for being here and dancing with me,” I tell him.
“Even if it was more like swaying?”
I laugh a little through my tears. “You were never a good dancer.”
“No,” he agrees. “I didn’t have moves.” My father’s hand settles on top of mine, and he closes his eyes for a moment. “I will never forget this day. The way you looked or the smile on your face, and even though my time is limited, this will carry me through.”
I look at our entwined hands, tears falling again as I struggle to control my emotions. “I’m glad that we had this.”
He lifts my chin with his free hand. “I’m glad you have him.”
Oh, Daddy. I don’t. I don’t have him.
I want to tell him, but I keep my lips clamped. This is what’s giving him the strength to let go. I have to remember that.
“I’m glad that you are my father. You taught me to be strong and fight for what matters.”
He smiles a little. “Well, you’re an incredible woman, and if I had any part in that, I am clearly a great father.”
“You most definitely are.”
My father looks over to where Linda and Eveline are chatting. “Walk me to Linda?”
“Sure.”
Arm in arm, my father and I make our way to the lobby. He’ll leave very early in the morning, and I pray I have the chance to visit him in Georgia at least one more time.
When we reach them, Linda is laughing at something. “You have a wonderful son. He’s just the sweetest man,” Linda says with her fake smile and deep accent.
