Page 139 of Fall I Want
The thought takes hold of me and wraps me like a warm blanket.
“Yep, I booked three hours for Autumn’s hair and makeup for a reason. Gives us enough time to fly to Denver, then helicopter to the little chapel on the hill at golden hour.”
“And the flower bouquets?”
“Chopped and wrapped in pretty ribbon. They’ll arrive with the pastor. Not that you needed any convincing, but it’s flowing so naturally that I have zero doubt that she’s The One,” Harper confirms. “Autumn is the real deal.”
My sister smiles then excuses herself. Seconds later, my fathersits in the empty chair next to me. My soon-to-be stepmother, Silvia, is asleep a few rows up.
My dad has two glasses of whiskey, one in each hand, and offers me one. I take it.
“I’m thinking about canceling my wedding.”
“What?” My voice is a hushed whisper.
His voice is low. “Watching you willingly shift gears without hesitation for Autumn made me realize I haven’t budged on our wedding plans. She doesn’t want to get married on the island.”
“Ah. Locations aren’t important, Dad. Only the way you feel. I’d marry Autumn in a back alley. All that matters is spending the rest of my life with her. It doesn’t matter how we get there.”
“I can tell how deeply you care for one another.” He sips whiskey and leans his head back on the seat. “I remember what it was like to be young and in love like you are now. I was obsessed with your mom and would’ve burned down the world for her. Two weeks. That’s how long we knew each other before I proposed, knowing she was the love of my entire life. Never wanted to let your mother out of my sight and vice versa.” He sighs. “She felt like home.”
I nod, remembering how in love they were until the end. Afterward, my father grew cold. For the first time, I deeply understand why he turned inward. If I lost Autumn, I’m not sure what I’d do.
“I’m really sorry,” I tell him.
He shoots back the rest of his whiskey. “Don’t be.”
“No, I get it now. I didn’t before.”
“Do you forgive me?”
“There is nothing to forgive.” My thoughts linger like a ghost, realizing my father was in pain for two decades, refusing to move on. He wasn’t obsessed with work; he escaped into it. “Do you love Silvia?”
My father glances at me. “Yes. She makes me feel whole again. I wasn’t for so long.”
“You should ask her what she wants. I switched venues in hours. You have days to figure it out. Take a risk. Who gives a fuck? I’ll be wherever you are.”
“Thanks.” He chuckles. “You inspire me to be a better man.”
My heart pounds a little harder. “Autumn changed me.”
“No. She just reminded you of who you truly are.”
Chapter 32
Autumn
Ideplane in my wedding gown, hair and makeup done. Zane and I took different planes, our version of not seeing one another before the wedding. The three hours away from him might kill me.
“Elegant,” my mother says, whispering as we load into the limo. From here on, I have no idea where we’re going, but I’m looking forward to the surprise.
“You’re all wearing orange.” I gasp, glancing around.
“Of course we are. Zane requested we did,” Mom says.
My parents, sister, Blaire, Julie, Oliver, and April slide into the car.
A few minutes later, it zooms away.
