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“Without a doubt, my love. Without a doubt,” Parker said as he swept Cadence up in his arms and they rejoiced over their happy news. The future had never looked brighter.
“I only want to say I do once in this lifetime. When I exchange those vows it will serve as a promise to my husband and to God to love him for a lifetime.”
Cadence Johnson
Chapter Ten
Parker stood at the front doors of Seaside Street Church and looked out at the gorgeous afternoon. The sky was a perfect shade of blue and there wasn’t a cloud anywhere in sight. The sun’s rays beamed down on him like a sign from up above. Not that he needed any divine intervention. Today was shaping up to be one of the most wonderful days of his life. He knew Cadence was his destiny.
God had blessed them with a perfect day to get married. He let out a chuckle. In the grand scheme of things, it really didn’t matter at all since he would get hitched to Cadence in a blinding snowstorm or a raging hurricane if need be. But having great weather would allow Cadence to pose outside for the wedding photos. Parker simply wanted his bride to be happy. Every woman should be a princess on her wedding day.
Parker felt incredibly blessed. He knew that come what may nothing would ever separate them again. They would be raising their son in a loving home and hopefully adding more children to their family. They had been through the fire and sifted through the ashes to resurrect their love story. Truly, it didn’t get any better than this!
His brothers were all gathered around him wearing their finest rented tuxedos. They were laughing and joking with him as they milled around the front steps leading to the church.
“Going to the chapel and you’re going to get married,” Jason began singing in a rich, bluesy tone.
“Going to the chapel and you’re going to get married,” Shayla sang in her lovely soprano voice.
“Going to the chapel of love,” Daniel sang in an off-key voice.
“Don’t give up your day job,” Micah said to Daniel, bursting into hysterics.
Daniel continued to hum along with the song. He was in his own little world and oblivious to Micah’s ribbing.
Guests were beginning to arrive, decked out in all their finery. It made Parker feel so grateful to be in the midst of such loving friends and family members.
Parker sucked in his breath as he saw a familiar figure walking toward the church.
Claire, Keith’s widow, walked up the stairs of the church. For the first time since Keith’s death, Claire actually looked happy. With her titian-colored hair and blue eyes, Claire was an eye-catching woman. She and Keith had been so in love and devoted to one another.
“Claire. I’m so happy you could make it to the wedding,” Parker said, his voice full of love for his dear friend. He pulled her into an embrace. Seeing Claire reminded him of how deeply he missed Keith.
As the hug ended, Claire reached out and clutched his hand. “Thank you for reaching out to me, Parker, and giving me the information about Keith’s death. It never felt right that Keith drove off the road after falling asleep at the wheel. I feel so blessed to finally have answers about his death.” She let out a deep breath. “And I intend to make sure Mason Price never sees the light of day again.”
“You deserved those answers, Claire. I’m sorry you had to wait so long to receive them.”
“I think this will help me move on with my life. I’ll always love Keith, but it’s time to start fresh.” She brushed away a tear. “I wish you and Cadence the best of everything.”
Parker watched Claire as she made her way into the church. In a perfect world, Keith would be here today serving as one of his groomsmen. It deeply saddened Parker, but he was determined to live his best life possible, not only for himself, but for Keith as well.
A loud cry went up from his father. His Donahue cousins had arrived! Blue, Remy, Ryder, Brandon and Mac had all shown up with their beautiful wives—Sarah, Gabrielle, Tess, Rose and Delilah. Brandon’s son, AJ had shown up also, along with Tess’s brother, Seth. Wyatt had a game with the Boston Bombers while Nick was helping hold down the fort at Sweet Treats. His aunt, Maggie, could no longer successfully travel due to her dementia. Uncle Alec was taking care of Aunt Maggie. He never left her side. His devotion served as a testament to marriage. With his own parent’s marriage crumbling, Parker looked to Maggie and Alec as sweet inspiration. Alec had given Maggie the same unwavering and steadfast dedication that he wanted to give to Cadence.
“Hey, cuz,” Remy said, reaching out and giving Parker a hug. Parker grinned. Remy was one of the m
ost charming and suave people Parker had ever met in his life.
“Hey, Remy,” Parker said, clapping his cousin on the back and turning toward his stunning wife to greet her.
“It’s so good to see you again, Gabi,” he said, leaning down and placing a kiss on her cheek.
“We’re so happy for you,” Gabi gushed, her brown eyes twinkling. “May you enjoy a lifetime of love.”
“I’m one lucky man,” Parker confessed. He couldn’t stop grinning. After so many years of struggling to find a glimmer of joy in his life, this happiness felt like manna from heaven.
Jude walked up beside him. “You sure are, son. Don’t ever forget it either. You’re blessed.” Parker could see the raw emotion shining forth in his father’s eyes. He knew this day would bring up a host of memories for Jude of his own very special wedding day to their mother.
“I won’t ever forget, dad. I promise,” Parker said. And he meant it. No matter what life tossed at them, Parker knew he was in it for the long haul. And Cadence was too. They’d already learned the hardest lesson of all when they’d been separated through lies, manipulation and deception.
