Page 85 of Secret Redemption

Chapter Thirty-Two

Sitting at the dressing table, Ava slid the emerald and diamond studs into her ears, the delicate stones matching the pendant at her throat. A knock on the door had her calling out, “Come in.” Her father stepped into the room in all his military finery. Row after row of medals pinned to his chest showing the pride he felt for serving his country for so long, nothing compared to the tender look on his face as he stood and faced him.

Tears shimmered in his pale green eyes as he held his hand out to her. She took it as her father looked down at her. “You are beautiful, my darling girl,” he said as he twirled her around. Her wedding gown pooled out around her in a swirl of tulle and lace.

“Thank you, daddy,” Ava said softly as she came to stand in front of him. Her tears were close to the surface as they looked at each other. She had always been a daddy’s girl and this moment was one she would never forget. Excitement at the new beginning waiting downstairs and poignancy at the fact she was leaving the safety of her parents.

“From the moment you were born, you have filled mine and your mother’s lives with joy, with your kindness, and fun-loving nature, your spirit and tenacity. I could not be prouder of anyone.” Tears brimmed over as her father spoke. “All I ever wanted for you was a love like your mother and I have, and I know you have that. Zack will look after you and love you every bit as much as I do. And if he fucks up, like all men do, I trust you to put him straight. You found a good man there sweetheart and I know in my soul that he loves you.”

“I love him too, Daddy. I have since the first time I saw him.”

Her father nodded and held out his arm. “Let's go get you married then!”

Ava picked up her hand-tied bouquet of cream roses and lavender and took her father’s arm. The cream, lace, and tulle satin dress had a soft organza back that flowed into a long train that gave the trumpet style dress a true sense of romance and elegance. The sweetheart neckline was accented by illusion straps to give her curves the extra wow that Lucy had insisted she needed.

Her hair was swept up into an elegant chignon and secured with a tiny diamond tiara which Zack had given her from his mother. They hadn't met in person yet but had talked on Skype. It had been an awkward affair, and she had felt sorry for the couple who still couldn't get over the loss of their daughter and had all but abandoned their son for their own grief.

Ava shook the thought away as she stood at the top of the grand staircase of the Cunningham Estate.

“Ready?” her father asked.

“Let's do this,” she said with a smile.

The walk down the decorated staircase was slow as she relished every minute. They stood outside the ballroom doors that had been decorated with flowers and garlands by Mimi and Helen. Celeste, Lucy, and Skye were acting as her bridesmaids. The three friends who had become so much more than just friends in the short time she had known them, fussed over her, straightening her train and the veil that was pinned to the back of her hair.

“Oh Ava, you look so beautiful,” Celeste said tearily.

“Thank you,” she said taking her hand. “You are the sister I never had, and I love you. One day this will be you,” she said and hugged her friend.

“Okay you two, break it up or the dresses will be creased,” teased Lucy. “Are you wearing the shoes?” she asked with an arch of her brow.

Ava lifted her dress and twirled her ankle showing off the stunning diamanté stilettos that Lucy had given her. They were utterly extravagant, and she loved them, she even loved the He’s Mine written on the sole of the shoe.

“Good. You need the best shoes for the best day,” she grinned.

“Thank you, all of you, for standing up with me.”

“It's our honour,” Skye smiled, “And thanks for buying this stunning dress. Nate is a huge fan,” she said with a wink.

The dresses were stunning lavender tea dresses with illusion panels and tiny buttons all the way down the back. They carried small hand-tied bouquets of cream roses.

“My pleasure.”

Her father who had ducked inside the door to give them a second came out. “Okay let's move before he comes out to get you. That man is impatient.”

Her friends took their places, and Ava took her father’s arm as the music started up and the doors were opened by Drew and Nate, who winked at Skye. Then there was nothing except the man standing at the end of the aisle looking at her with so much love she felt tears prick her eyes. Kanan was standing beside him, Riley in his arms.

Zack was in full dress uniform and looked so darn handsome her mouth watered. Then she was there, and he took her hands in his as her father passed her over.

“You look stunning,” he said, and his voice was thick with emotion.

“Look after her Zack,” her father said as he shook Zack’s hand.

“With my dying breath,” he answered.

~~~

The vows had been an emotional blur, friends and family had watched as he had married the other half of his heart. His best friend by his side, his son held between his new in-laws and all his friends, and loving the attention.