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" I explained why I couldn’t have that. I want the world to see I made a mistake by not owning our relationship in the first place. I want you to realize that. It's important to me."
His expression had softened. "I’m convinced and that's all that matters. Okay, fine." He’d taken the list and scanned it. "These ten don't have to be there. I don't like her and she’s a notorious gossip. leave her off." So, they’d compromised.
She turned at the knock on the door to see her Dad inside the doorway.
"What do you think?"
"I think, aside from your mother, you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen." His voice was thick with emotion as he came into the room, his hands outstretched. "Darling, you’re glowing."
"I’m marrying the man I adore and carrying his baby. It doesn’t get better than this." She took his hands in hers and pulled him in for a hug. "You’re warming to him, aren’t you?" Easing back, she gave him an anxious stare.
"He’s not an easy person to warm to, but he adores you. It amazes me how different he is around you. He’s very protective and looks like he’d slay a dragon to get to you."
"He would." She smiled whimsically. "I’d have lost out on the love of my life if we hadn’t gotten back together. We wasted so much time because I refused to tell you about him."
"I’m happy you finally did. It was my fault as well. I thought a man like him wasn’t good enough for you."
"He’s the best man I know, aside from you."
"I have something for you. I want to take care of the something borrowed and blue at the same time." Stepping back, he reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small black box.
Opening it, he removed a delicate looking pale blue brooch with diamonds surrounding the stone. “It belonged to your mother, something I was holding onto until the right time.” His hands trembled as he hooked it on and secured it over her left breast.
“It’s beautiful.” She whispered. “I wish she was here.”
“She would have been so proud.”
“She would’ve been reluctantly taken by Maxwell.” She smiled mistily. “She would’ve come to know him, and realize that beneath the tough veneer, he has a heart of gold. He cares about people and what they-“
“Hush, my dear. You don’t have to sell me on him. He loves you-“ Joseph shook his head in bemusement. “He’s completely bowled over and anyone can sense it.” Pulling her forward, he kissed her on the tip of her nose. “Now, let’s get you to that church.”
*****
He didn’t notice anyone else. Not the lofty chapel filled with people or the stained-glass windows letting in the light from the sun. Or the flowers on every flat surface. He didn’t notice any of it, only the woman, the angel coming toward him, it was just the two of them and he felt the lump growing bigger inside his throat.
He didn’t deserve her, he thought, his heart shuddering inside his chest. She was too beautiful, her smile too dazzling, her skin too flawless, the petite beauty coming toward him was going to be his.
He was tempted to check under his nails for dirt or see if the I suit fitted him as he’d seen it when the tailor had measured him a week ago. Was his hair brushed back from his face? Or were there tendrils hanging down?
He felt the tears burning the back of his eyes and had to shift his feet to hold back the emotion. Unable to help himself, he moved so he could get to her. He wanted to touch her and make sure that she was here with him. With a brief nod at her father, he took her hand and drew her towards him. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
“You took your time.” Lifting her hand, he kissed the smooth skin, closing his eyes at the scent of her.
“I’m right on time.”
“Are you?”
“Yes. You look very dapper.”
“There are no words to describe what you look like. Angelic and indescribable come to mind.”
“Those will do.” Her eyes swept over his handsome face.
“If you continue to look at me like that, we’re not going to make it through the ceremony.” He said gruffly.
“Then perhaps we should get started.”
