Romans & histoires Father Of The Bride Part Two

“Just wait, Mr Chairman, I will get everything back to its place very soon.” “Today, as you all can see, I’m very much glad with what is happening here today. My only son is getting married. Of course, I am a happy father. I must thank each and every one of you for being here and most especially to the bride’s family...come, come, come please, Chairman Nicholas...” Dad stood and went up and the two exchanged some words I couldn’t hear and then a tight embrace as though they had known each other all their lives. I just scoffed within me, it was all for the media. They were businessmen after all. “As you all can see, the bride’s father is as happy as I am. I think he shed a tear or two...”

"Flynn! You knew!" "I didn't!" I exclaimed and put my hand up in surrender. "I just knew a few hours ago that I was a father!" This wedding was turning into a disaster. The guests were whispering, still wondering what the hell was going on. I felt like I was in a soap serie. "Let's get you two married first and then we will sit down and talk." My dad said as he pointed at Rodrigo and Ximena. "You two. Rodrigo go back to the priest so Ximena and I can walk down the aisle for the second time."

“Son, I can’t tell you how much I’ve prayed for this day.” “I know, Dad.” “I’m proud of you. You’ll make a great husband.” Salvatore nodded and drew his dad into a one-arm hug. The mothers joined them. Nancy wanted to sit with the congregation and Aiden would escort Julia in the parents’ procession. Time seemed to slow as the family and bridal party made their way down the aisle. Salvatore fought the urge to tap his finger on his cuff link by holding his hands tightly together like the young woman in black had instructed him. He realized he didn’t even get her name.

Our relationship may never be acceptable to the people we love, but I do get my opportunity to dance like the bride just a moment later when the song ends. “All right everybody!” comes the deejay’s booming voice. “It’s Father’s Day tomorrow, and to celebrate, we’ve got the Daddy/Daughter dance for all the fathers and the daughters in the crowd. Come on up here, Bob! Let’s get you and the beautiful bride to kick it off.” The crowd claps and cheers as my dad’s red-faced partner gets up from the bridal party table. The new groom steps away from Sarah and shakes Bob’s hand before they switch off, then the lights lower and a slow ‘80s song with the words father figure in it starts playing.

He insisted on presiding over his own wedding. "From the moment I first saw Anna, I've imagined this scene countless times," he said. "I believe that the nurse who comforted me outside the operating room deserves the very best wedding. That's why I spent two months giving her all of this. It's not that it took me two months to decide to marry Anna. It's just that preparing a wedding takes two months." The audience burst into applause, deeply moved by this "ordinary yet great love." I sat in the very last row, watching the affectionate man on stage and the delicate, charming woman beside him. If I didn't clap along, it would seem out of place.

I start walking back toward the resort, thighs sticky, mind racing. That’s when I hear it. Two male voices coming from the other side of the thick foliage, low and urgent. “…the father wants the merger sealed before the reception. The bride doesn’t know the full extent yet.” My blood freezes. The groom’s father. I inch closer, heart pounding. The second voice — deeper, colder — replies, “She won’t find out until it’s too late. As long as the bridal party stays occupied and compliant, everything stays on track. Especially that pretty little assistant of yours. She’s the perfect leverage.”

My father looked smaller than I remembered, tucked into the high-tech bed of the private suite Adrian had provided. "Amara?" he croaked, his eyes fluttering open as I took his hand. "I’m here, Dad." "I saw... I saw the news," he whispered, gesturing weakly to the TV on the wall. "The wedding. You and that Wolfe boy." My heart squeezed. "It happened fast, Dad. He... he really cares about me." The lie felt like ash in my mouth. "He’s paying for everything. The best doctors, the shop... you don't have to worry anymore."

They are not the best but I still love them both dearly. Father held out his arm and I entwined mine with his. Isabella handed me my bouquet of white lilies then we walked through the double doors and into the chapel. I fidget and almost skip a step at the flashes of camera that came over us all at once. Father must have sensed this as he bent down slightly to whisper in my ear. Somewhere in the back of my head I can hear the organist play Here comes the bride. "It only gets awkward at first. Try to smile and you'll be fine" he said.

From there, she’d remind him of their life before, all the luxury and freedom, without kids or custody battles. “Lily will notice if I suddenly reappear,” Vivian said. “Good,” I replied. “Let her worry. Let her doubt him. Once the social worker sees that tension, it’s over.” “And then I get Julian,” Vivian said. “And I get Lily,” I finished with a smile. “Exactly how it should’ve been six years ago.” My phone buzzed. A message from Mother: Phase Two is ready. Be at the estate now. Perfect. “I need to go,” I said, standing. “My mother needs me.”

Marcus opened his mouth. But nothing came out. Because she was already turning. Walking away again. This time slower. This time not running. Just leaving. The waves kept crashing. The sky kept darkening. And the wedding party…still laughing, still celebrating on the beach below…had no idea the stranger had been there at all.