Page 81 of Write Me For You
“June,” Daddy whispered, and he had to wipe at his freshly shaven face.
He walked up and took hold of my hand. His breathing was shaky, as he said, “I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful in my life.”
“You look real handsome, Daddy,” I said, and fixed a yellow rose on his lapel. “Have you seen Jesse?” A flutter of nerves gathered within me. I wasn’t nervous in a bad way. If I could have, I would’ve run down the aisle and become Jesse’s wife that very second. I wanted this so badly.
“He’s good,” Daddy said. “He’s already at the chapel.” Daddy playfully rolled his eyes. “I’m pretty sure he got ready there last night and has been waiting for you by the altar ever since.”
I smiled so wide my jaw ached as I raised a brow at him. “Is he wearing his Longhorns cap?”
My daddy laughed. “Darlin’, if he’d have been wearing that too-worn cap, I would have pulled it from his head and burned the damned thing to ashes.” Daddy still hadn’t gotten over how Jesse had worn it to propose to me.
I laughed, and Daddy sobered. “He looks great, darlin’. He’s just waiting on his beautiful bride to arrive.”
“Then let’s go,” I said, and I linked my arm in my daddy’s.
Mama kissed my cheek. “You’re the most stunning bride I have ever seen,” she said, then straightened her shoulders. “I’llget to the chapel and see you both in there.” Mama kissed Daddy, then left us alone.
“Shall we?” I said to my daddy.
I went to move, but Daddy stepped in front of me. He met my eyes, and a lump lodged in my throat at the mixed emotions I saw there. “June. I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life,” he said, his voice breaking on the last word.
“Don’t make me cry, Daddy,” I said weakly.
He flicked away a tear on my cheek with his thumb. “Let me say this, baby, please.”
I nodded. I had to give him this moment.
“Me and your mama, we waited so long to have you. Kids, they just weren’t in God’s plans for us, or so we thought. So when we found out your mama was pregnant with you, you were all our wishes come true.”
I breathed deeply and slowly, trying to keep myself from falling apart. “We were never able to give you a sibling, so instead we tried to give you the world. We loved you as best we could, darlin’. You are the bravest, sweetest human on earth, and it has been an absolute privilege to be your father.”
“Daddy…” I said and couldn’t stop the tears.
“Today, walking you down the aisle to the boy I’m pretty sure God designed perfectly for you…well, baby, it’s the greatest honor of my life. And for as long as I live, I will cherish it. I will always cherish you for showing me what unconditional love is and making all my dreams come true.”
I threw my arms around his neck and held him close. I couldn’t imagine how hard this moment was for him and my mama.
Pulling back, I laughed weakly at us both. “We’re a mess.”
Daddy shook his head. “You’re perfect, darlin.”
I took a deep breath and checked my face in the mirror. It was okay. The makeup artist had done a good job of making itwaterproof. Turning back to my daddy, I said, “In case I never get to tell you, you and Mama have been the most precious people in my life. I have loved every second of growing up with y’all. And…” My breathing hitched, but I managed to say, “And even from heaven, I will miss you. So very much.”
My daddy held me then, and I soaked in every moment. Eventually he pulled back. “We had better get you married, baby,” he said, voice hoarse.
I linked my arm with my daddy’s, and we walked down the hall to the chapel. Neenee was waiting at the entrance, and she gasped when she saw me. From behind her, Lucy and Emily came barreling toward me, and I melted at the sight of them in their little white dresses. Both had baskets full to the brim of yellow rose petals. Susan was watching them, so Cynthia could be with Jesse inside the chapel.
Emily and Lucy stood before me. “Y’all look so adorable,” I said, and was met with two very proud faces. My heart skipped when, in their eyes, I saw Jesse looking back at me. Their blond hair was curled and clipped up with flowery barrettes.
“You look real pretty, Junebug,” Lucy said, and warmed my heart.
“Thank you,” I said, and Susan came and took their hands.
“You do, darlin’,” she said and kissed my cheek. “That boy in there is gonna be so overawed when he sees you.”
Neenee gave a nod to the pianist at the front of the chapel, and my favorite piece of classical music, “River Flows in You” by Yiruma, began to play. Susan guided the girls down the aisle, and Neenee took my hand.
“You look beautiful, June.” She gave me a kiss on my cheek and said, “Count to twenty, then come on through.”
