Page 50 of A Chance for Us
Then the part of me that holds all my compassion reminds me that he’s in pain. Each day is a fight, a struggle that is sucking the life out of him.
“I wish . . .”
“I know,” Daddy offers. “But you have a wonderful man to be here for you.”
Not only am I about to start sobbing because of the fact that my father is dying but also because I’m a big fat liar.
He stands, and when he starts to weaken, I rise, catching his arm to steady him.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“There is nothing that will keep me from doing this. It’s my honor to walk with you today.”
“The honor is all mine, Daddy.”
He kisses my cheek and then tucks my hand in his arm.
Devney pops the door open right on time, a huge smile on her face. “You two ready? It’s time.”
As we stand in the line, ready to go into the ceremony, I feel so much all at once it’s hard to contain. There is sadness because it’s fake and this isn’t really my wedding. Happiness that I am able to give my father this moment, which is something I hope brings him great peace. Disappointment that I don’t actually have someone in my life like Oliver.
He’s going to stand beside me and give my family something they desperately need, and I don’t deserve someone as great as him.
The music begins, and his nieces go first, and then Oliver’s sister follows. She was a late add because it really didn’t make sense not to have Stella be a part of it when she’s his twin. Devney looks back at me with a smile before going through the door, letting it close behind her.
The music shifts, and it’s our turn.
The doors open, allowing me to see the inside for the first time. It’s absolutely stunning. White chairs line the silk runner in front of me. Huge, blush-colored flowers cap every row with long strands of greenery sweeping along the floor. The guests are all standing, but they all fall to the background when my eyes find Oliver.
“Ready, Princess?” Daddy asks when I don’t move.
I can’t look away from Oliver, and I’m unsure of why I suddenly feel so incredibly vulnerable.
He gives me a wide grin and then winks.
I smile, unable to stop myself. “I’m ready.”
Each step with my father holding my arm feels like a gift. I catalogue each step, every tightening of my hand on his arm, and commit it to memory. I glance up at my father who has tears streaming down his face and he smiles at me. That lift of his lips is all I needed to know I did the right thing.
I will never forget a single second of this walk with him.
All the dreams I had of being a little girl and getting married could never measure up to this.
We reach the end of the aisle way too soon. Oliver steps forward, his eyes a little glossy.
Daddy raises my veil and then kisses my cheek. “I love you so much.”
“I love you more.” My vision is blurry from all the unshed tears.
He turns to Oliver, placing my hand in his. “I give you the most valuable thing I have. I hope you know that.”
“I do,” Oliver says with a strength in his voice.
When my father steps back, Oliver and I release a sigh as we step up to where Mark stands.
“Dearly beloved,” he begins, “I am your faithful servant of all things weddings, and it is my great honor to be here today where I am able to send my blessings to everyone.”
“Oh, here we go,” Jackson mutters from his seat behind us.
