Page 175 of Dirty Husband
How can it be time? I don't know if he's here. What if he's not here?
I suck a shallow breath through my teeth. Struggle through my exhale.
The officiant pulls the door open. And there's my dad, in a clean black suit, smiling the world's widest smile.
"Jasmine," he says in Vietnamese. "You look even more beautiful than your mother did."
My heart melts immediately. "Yeah?"
"So much like her." He offers me his arm.
I hook mine with his. "Is he…" I can't ask if he's here. That gives too much away. "How does he look?"
Mai shoots him azip itlook.
For once, he listens to her. He steps back to allow Mai and Quyen to go forward. My bridal party. Walking with his.
But that must mean—
People wouldn't be walking if he wasn't—
The music wouldn't be playing if he wasn't—
Or maybe this is some elaborate prank. This whole thing was a ridiculous game. Can I truly make Jasmine beg?
Maybe Shep is the monster he claims to be.
Maybe—
Maybe—
"You're up, Miss Lee." The planner stresses theMissas if to sayremember this. It's the last time you'll use it.
I squeeze my dad's arm as I step forward.
Insane doesn't even begin to cover it. I'm completely and totally incapable of knowing my limits.
Why did I dare Shep?
Look what happened last time I dared him. He may not be stronger than I am, but he's a million times more stubborn. If he's sure about getting his way—
He won't be—
Is he—
Oh my God—
Dad pats my hand as we turn the corner.
And there he is.
Shepard. Standing at the end of the long aisle. Waiting with an expression of utter contentment.
So many people are here, but I don't see them.
I only see him.
I practically float down the fucking aisle.
