AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You really can’t think of a reason they’d get married quickly?”
“To spite me?” Dad’s actually confused.
Wendy extends the gift. “Maybe this will help.”
Mom snatches the present, rips the paper off, throwing it at Dad, and stares at the picture Wendy designed, trying to use terms he loves. It says:
Project: Grandparents
Status: in negotiation
Deadline: September
“We’re going to be grandparents. Isn’t that exciting?” Mom squeals then puts her arm around Dad, who stares at the picture silently.
The rest of us stare at him.
“They’re sharing their lives with us. Be grateful.” Worry tinges Mom’s comment.
Dad takes a breath and when he lifts his head, I swear his eyes are a little shiny. He recovers quickly. “Maybe I shouldn’t have written you all back into the will. You’re doing your best to give this old man a heart attack.”
I think that was a joke. My eyes scan everyone else. No one’s sure.
“Congratulations,” he says, and we breathe a collective sigh of relief. He shakes my hand then Knight’s and Nova’s before turning to Wendy.
He wraps her in a hug. “If they don’t take good care of you, let me know. I’m going to try to be a better father.”
“Thanks, Dad. That won’t be a problem. They treat me better than anyone else ever has.”
Epilogue
Axel
DadescortsMomdownthe aisle. It was Wendy’s choice to have it this way, just like her first wedding. Fear ripples through me at how close we were to losing her that day.
The wedding planner nudges my shoulder. “That’s your cue.”
I take a deep breath before moving my foot forward. It’s not that I’m nervous or have cold feet like other grooms. It’s the disbelief that I’ve learned how to be more myself through Wendy, my little sister, my love, and soon-to-be my wife.
Knight and Nova fall into step behind me, just as Wendy wanted it. The three of us make our way to the front. We drew our order out of a hat because we couldn’t find any rational way to choose, and the aisle wasn’t large enough for us to fit side by side. So, not only am I first, but as I take my place at the front of the church, my brothers flank me. I get to stand directly in front of Wendy.
Thankfully she doesn’t have horrible morning sickness like her friend Cindy. That wedding day got messy.
The bridesmaids enter, pulling me back to the moment, and I’m surprised by my jealousy. They’ve seen Wendy today. They know how divine she looks in her wedding dress, which we were expressly forbidden from seeing.
I glance down the line of women: blue hair, a pinup girl, an arm in a sling. She has quite the assortment of friends.
The music shifts toSomebody Loves Youby Betty Who.
I turn my attention to the back of the church where the bottom of a full white dress appears in the entryway. How big is her skirt?
Why did she stop? Worry races through my mind that she could be backing out, getting cold feet. It wouldn’t matter that she’s pregnant, she doesn’thaveto marry us. It’s her choice.
I glance at Nova, who looks as if he’s about to vomit. Maybe today won’t be much cleaner than Cindy’s wedding.
But as I’m watching my brother, his expression relaxes, and pure joy covers his face.
Returning my attention to the back, I understand. Wendy rounded the corner. She’s more beautiful than ever.
