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“Now, son, I trust you, but this is my little girl we’re talking about…”
“Jack-“ Cole injected again, but it almost seemed as if Jack was too focused on what he was trying to say to hear Cole calling his name.
“And I just want to make sure you understand the weight and gravity of this big step you are both taking,” Jack continued.
“Jack!” Cole exclaimed. He had finally got his attention. “Jack, you have nothing to worry about.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’re little girl isn’t about to get married.”
Cole laughed. “No. Seeing as how I have no children; you are absolutely correct. But still – you have nothing to worry about. Don’t you remember the promise I made you, when I asked for her hand in marriage?”
“I do…” Jack admitted. He knew where this was leading.
“Do you remember that I promised to care for her, and protect her, and look after her every single day of my life without cease?”
Jack nodded.
“Well at the end of my life, when I am old and grey, you can consider that a promise kept. I love your daughter, and there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for her.”
A gentle smile tugged at the corners of Jack’s mouth. Nodding his head, he said, “And that is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Not only are you ready, but you’ve made me proud. You have always been a man of your word, and that is why I gave you my blessing. Plus, I have it on good word that you come from good stock.
“Daddy,” Tristan said with a smile as she crept into the room. “Are you grilling Cole again? You’ve known him since he was a baby.”
Jack smirked. “Just a little, honey. I have to keep him on his toes.”
In a joking manner, Cole rocked on his feet until his was standing on his tippy toes.
“Mission accomplished,” Cole said with a soft laugh.
“Oh, and Cole…” Jack added, keeping his eyes on Cole’s face to watch his reaction.
“Yes, Jack…” Cole added, giving Jack a look of wonder.
“For the record, I always considered you to be one of my kids… and I couldn’t be happier that you are joining our family.”
3
Early Afternoon
Morrow Manor
Fox Hollow, Pennsylvania
June 25, 2004
Cole and Tristan were married on June 25, 2004 in an intimate ceremony. On a beautiful sunny afternoon, two childhood friends and high school sweethearts took their love to the ultimate level. Tristan was walked down the aisle by her father Jack, who fought to choke back his tears, while his little girl beamed. Gathering at Tristan’s favorite apple tree in the orchard, and surrounded by their closest friends and kin, Cole and Tristan exchanged their vows and made promises they both intended to keep. As they sealed their marriage with a kiss, a jubilant cry sounded out, and Jack let out a sigh of exquisite relief.
There was something so unbelievably joyous about the day. Not only had Tristan married her longtime love, but two families that had supported each other through seemingly insurmountable odds were finally united as one. The Morrows and the Piedmontes embraced the happiness that this union provides. Each of them were reminded of how very fortunate they all were to not only have survived the terrors of the past, but also to be surrounded and supported by people who love them. They were reminded of the beauty of friends becoming family, of love enduring all odds, and the simple joy of embracing one another when times get tough and never letting go.
About AC
A.C. Williams is an International Best-Selling Author of romantic suspense and mystery novels. She resides in Pennsylvania with her family. She is the wife of an Army Veteran and the proud mom of their three sons. When she is not writing, she is immersing herself in music, reading to her heart's content, and traveling with her family.
She previously wrote under the pen name Addison Kline and is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association. While she loves to write in a variety of genres, A.C. always says "mystery is her game." Some of her other favorite sub-genres to write include romantic suspense, psychological thrillers, crime, MC and mafia thrillers.
Some of her greatest influences to date include Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Harper Lee, Gillian Flynn, Emily Dickinson, Jane Austen & James Patterson.
Visit her at www.acwilliamsnovels.com
