“You’ve got to be kidding!”
Jason cringed when his father interjected, “Since when did you become the authority on relationships? The kids are in love, they’re consenting adults, and they can get married any time they damn well please.”
His mother held onto his arm and gave a little tug as if trying to lead him out of the room, but he didn’t budge.
Mac crossed his arms. “But you see? You just called them kids. They’re only in their twenties. Who knows what they want at that age?”
“Theydo,” his dad bellowed.
Merry faced her father squarely and held him at arm’s length. “I want you to hear me right now, and hear me good. Iknowyou want the best for me. Well, this is it. Marrying Jason Falco is what’s best for me.”
Mr. MacKenzie’s eyebrows rose. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
“No! I’m not pregnant.” She sighed. “I knew you’d think that.”
Time to step in again. “I have to leave for spring training in February, Mac. We’d like to be together and the only way that will happen is if we’re married.”
Her father faltered. “Well, at least you’re not talking about just shacking up…”
“He has his reputation to think of,” Merry said.
“Whatever happened to that reporter who was causing you so much trouble?”
Jason smiled. “There’s a happy outcome to that story.”
Merry raised her eyebrows. “Really? Have you heard something recently?”
“Yeah, I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet. The administrator called and said she would be completing the rehab program soon and that someone named Kevin would pick her up.”
“Oh, that’s good. I had the feeling he was sick of her. It looks like he’s giving her a second chance.”
“Yes, and there’s more. She wanted him to return the envelope I left for her, unopened.”
“Wow! It seems like she’s really embracing the program.”
Jason nodded. “You can feel very proud of your daughter, Mac. She could have written off the woman, but instead she recognized her alcohol addiction and saw that she received good care for it.”
Mac beamed. “I’ve always been proud of my Merry. She deserves the kind of devotion she shows the rest of the world. That’s why I think she ought to make sure that this is what she wants. Maybe you can visit—”
Merry scrunched her eyes shut and raised her voice. “Stop, Dad. Just stop. We’re getting married January twenty-second. Now, do you want to walk me down the aisle or don’t you?Because I have another father I can ask.”
Dear God, don’t tell me she’s talking about Sly.
An uncomfortable silence ensued with Mr. MacKenzie’s hurt evident in his eyes. At last, he said, “Well, I guess you really have found your independence. You don’t need me at all anymore.”
“I never said that, Dad. Idoneed you. I need you to believe in me and trust that I know what I’m doing. I need you to know that you raised me well and that it’s time to let go. I need you to love me, unconditionally.”
He nodded.
It occurred to Jason that maybe he was worried about paying for a big wedding. He certainly wasn’t a rich man. But he was proud. How the heck should he approach that subject? One glance at his father and the answer,In private,popped into his mind so loudly it was almost audible.
“And to answer your question, of course I want to walk you down the aisle. I think I’ve earned that right, and I don’t want to give it up to anyone.”
Jason heard Merry exhale. “Thank you, Dad.”
Jason’s father smiled and raised his glass. “Now that that’s settled, I’d like to make a toast to the happy couple.”
Everyone echoed his sentiments, clinked glasses, and Matt said, “Hey, what about me?”
