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“Hey there, Parker. I can’t believe you’re walking down the aisle.” Mac appeared in front of him. He clapped him on the shoulder and smiled at him. Of all his cousins, Parker shared a special closeness with Mac. He’d helped Mac find his biological sister, Callie, which had led to an incredibly emotion reunion. They were now as thick as thieves, even though Callie lived in Savannah, Georgia and Mac resided in Breeze Point, Cape Cod.
His siblings joined in on the fun and greeted all of their family members. It felt like a mini Donahue family reunion. Parker was tickled his cousins had made the effort to come all the way to Florida for his wedding.
Jason leaned in to Parker. “I think it’s time you headed inside. Cadence, her dad and her bridesmaids should be arriving soon.”
Parker gleefully rubbed his hands together. “Let’s do this. Where’s our little ring bearer?”
“He’s sitting in the dressing room with Mom and Cadence’s mother.” Jason let out a chuckle. “Last time I looked they were playing a game.”
“Bless her for keeping him occupied,” Parker said.
“Nervous?” Nash asked as he walked up, placing his arm around Parker.
“Not at all,” Parker said. “When Cadence walks down that aisle, she’ll be walking toward her forever husband.”
Parker—with his brothers and Shayla at his side—walked toward the front of the church. He shook hands with Pastor Ezekiel Jackson. “Thanks for performing the ceremony, Pastor Ezekiel. It means a lot to us.”
Pastor Ezekiel grinned. “It’s my pleasure. I’ve watched you Donahue kids grow up here in Pelican Bay. It’s my pleasure to see you settling down with your lady love.”
As the processional music rang out in the church, Parker felt a burst of adrenaline coursing through his veins. As Cadence’s bridesmaids walked down the aisle, looking beautiful in shell pink dresses and holding vibrant bouquets, Parker craned his neck for any sighting of the bride. He was eager to see her gliding down the aisle.
Next up was Logan. He was fidgeting with his little tuxedo jacket and fumbling with the pillow he was supposed to be holding. Parker heard oohs and aahs ring out in the church. There was nothing like a cute kid to steal the show. The moment Logan saw him he sped up his pace and walk straight to his side. Logan wrapped his arms around Parker’s legs and hid his face. The pillow had been left by the wayside. Parker felt overwhelmed by Logan’s attachment to him. He’d already started calling him Daddy on a regular basis, a title he would never get sick of if he lived to be one-hundred-years old. He scooped up his son and pressed a kiss against his temple. His mother got up from her seat in the first pew and reached for Logan, who went willingly into his Nana’s arms.
The wedding march began to play, getting Parker’s undivided attention. He shifted impatiently from one foot to another. Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of her, looking resplendent in a white gown and veil. He let out a gasp as he saw her standing at the back of the church with her arm looped through her father’s. Raw emotion grabbed him by the throat.
“Steady there,” Jason said in a low voice.
“I’m good,” he whispered past the huge lump in his throat. “I feel like I’ve been waiting for this day for all of my life.”
“It’s called destiny,” Jason whispered back.
Cadence walked gracefully down the aisle with a beautiful smile etched on her face. She locked gazes with Parker and never looked away. Not even for an instant. Even though the church was packed with guests, it felt as if it were only the two of them. One heart. One soul. One lifetime to be shared.
When they reached the altar, her father handed Cadence off to him. “I love you, my precious girl,” Garrett said, choking back tears. “You’ve always thought of others. Go grab your brass ring.”
“I love you too, daddy,” she said, leaning over and placing a tender kiss on his cheek.
When Cadence faced Parker, her face was lit up with joy. It radiated from inside her. Parker reached for her hands and squeezed them. He wasn’t sure it was humanly possible, but it felt as if his heart might burst out of his chest.
Nerves suddenly took hold of him. How could he put into words the joy he felt on this sacred day? How could he convey how grateful he felt to be loved by a woman who had sacrificed it all to keep him safe? He took a steadying breath. It was all there in her eyes. He didn’t need to feel nervous. Love had brought them back together, and it was the monumental force that would keep them united for the rest of their lives.
“Cadence. You took my breath away the very first time I saw you. Nothing has changed in that regard. You still leave me breathless.”
“I feel the same way about you, Parker. You look so handsome,” she murmured.
“I tried my best,” he said with a wink. “Can’t have the bride getting all the attention.”
“I think Logan got his fair share,” Cadence said, the corners of her mouth tilted upwards in delight. They both chuckled about their impossibly adorable son. It would be fun, Parker thought, to raise this amazing child. And perhaps give him a sibling or two.
Pastor Ezekiel grinned at them, seeming to enjoy their intimate banter. He nodded in their direction, letting them know he was about to proceed with the wedding ceremony.
Parker listened raptly as Pastor Ezekiel spoke about he and Cadence’s love story. He felt his eyes moisten. Cadence wiped away tears at the testimony he was offering. It was incredibly moving and heartwarming. When they recited their vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the church.
“I promise to love you for the rest of my days, Parker Donahue,” Cadence said, her voice filled with conviction. “And if the road ever gets bumpy, I’ll make a point to remind us both of the road we’ve already traveled. If we hold fast to our faith and the vows we’re exchanging today, we can get through anything. As long as we’re together.”
“Cadence, my life is so much richer with you and Logan in it. I love my huge Donahue clan, but it wasn’t enough to make me whole. You were the missing ingredient. I promise to always believe in us and our love. I vow to keep you safe and protected from all harm. I pledge my undying love and devotion to you and our son.” He winked at her. “And any other little Donahues that might come along,” he added with a chuckle.
Cadence blushed as the church erupted into warm-hearted laughter.
