AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We run into our father on the trip down the hallway. I freeze as soon as I see him, nerves dampening my palms with sweat.
“Oh, good. I wasn’t sure what time you girls were going to arrive.” He gives me a nervous glance that seems to be my only greeting.
“I told you we’d be here by one, Dad,” Hallie replies, giving him a hug. I stand by, feeling more awkward with each passing second.
“Well, something always seems to go wrong at weddings, and nothing has yet.” My father frets, glancing upward like he’s expecting the roof to cave in at any moment.
“Everything will be fine,” she says soothingly.
“I guess I’m a little nervous.” My dad fiddles with his cufflinks.
“That’s normal. Totally normal. Everything is going to be perfect. And Sandra is wonderful.”
“Plus, she seems like a low flight risk,” I add.
Hallie sends me a sharp look for that comment, but my father chuckles. Makes an actual sound of amusement.
I can’t recall the last time that happened. Probably because we barely speak.
“I know–I know I put you girls through hell back then. If I could go back and do things differently, I would. I hope this can be a new chapter. A fresh start for our family.” He pauses, and when he speaks again, his voice is thicker. “You two mean the world to me. I hope you know that.”
The words are meant more for me, but Hallie is the one who responds. “Oh, Dad.” She hugs him, and I watch them share a moment I’m meant to be included in.
She forgave our father a long time ago. All three of us know that. I’m the one entrenched in the past.
Holding grudges.
Forcing friction.
Because I believe people should be held accountable for their actions. Because actions have consequences. Because I’ve prioritized scoring goals over being daughter or sister or granddaughter or aunt of the year, and this trip has thrown that into glaring clarity.
My father releases Hallie and then takes a hesitant step toward me. Then another. And another. He wraps his arms around me and gives me a small squeeze. I lift my own arms to touch his back, but don’t tighten them.
It’s barely a hug, but it’s something.
“Marcus! There you are!” A harried-looking woman wearing a pantsuit appears at the end of the hallway. “We need to go over some reception logistics.”
She must be the wedding planner.
“Go handle that, Dad. We’ve got to get ready for photos,” Hallie instructs. Then she starts striding down the hallway.
“See you later, Dad,” I say, and then I literally have to sprint after Hallie since I have no idea where exactly we’re headed. “Sheesh! Are you training for a speed-walking competition?”
Hallie snorts. “Says the girl who runs five miles a day.”
“I thought we got here ridiculously early to avoid having to rush. What’s with the sudden hurry?”
“Well, we have to make sure Sandra’s not gassing up a getaway car.”
I sigh. “Hallie, it was a joke! I’m not allowed to have a sense of humor?”
“We’re in a church, not a comedy club.”
I fake gasp. “Is that why there are crosses every two feet?”
Hallie slants me an unamused glance as she stops outside a carved wood door. “I hope you got the sarcasm out of your system. Sandra will take anything you say seriously, and I’m sure she still feels badly about last night.”
“Fine,” I mutter as we head inside a room that finally makes me feel like we’re in the current century.
