“And the baby?”
“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to be in his life. I won’t interfere with you and Thomas, but I want to know my son.”
I nodded and finally asked the question that had been lingering since he came back. “How did you know?”
“I didn’t. Not until I walked in and saw you. I can’t wait to meet him.”
Just then, the baby kicked as if returning the gesture. Without thinking, I grabbed his hand and placed it back on my stomach where he kicked. After a few seconds, he kicked again and my greatest wish was for a camera so I could capture the look of wonder on his father’s face.
“I think he likes me.” His grin was boyish bringing out his dimples.
“Yeah…”
“Maybe even more than you.”
“Hey, I’m carrying him. He’ll never love anyone more than me,” I joked smugly.
“I can relate.” He dropped his hand and stepped back. “I guess I’ll see you in two hours.”
And just like that, he was gone.
Two hours later, I was walking down the aisle. The wedding march played and I clung to my father. My mind wasn’t on the man to be my husband, the music, or the guests. My mind was fixed on putting one step in front of the other and on my heart… Well, my heart was somewhere else watching.
I didn’t need to see him because I felt him. He was close and he was watching.
I chanced it and looked back. Dash stood in the outer aisle between the first and second row, burning a hole through me with his stare.
I made it to the alter and stood where I was told and spoke when prompted. I recited my vows from memory rather than speaking from the heart. Thomas also seemed to be going through the motions though he seemed a bit more pleased than I did.
It didn’t take long before we were announced husband and wife. We kissed, but I didn’t feel it and counted the seconds until it was over.
I turned with Thomas to face the guests and a loud cheer went up in the air. I chanced another look at where Dash had been standing only he was no longer there. I no longer felt strong because he took my strength with him.
When it was time to walk down the aisle, I cried. I didn’t bother to conceal my tears because the guests mistook them for tears of joy. I looked straight ahead and refused to make eye contact with anyone.
The large, wooden doors opened up to the street and the sunlight beamed down, temporarily impairing my vision. When my eyes had finally adjusted to the sunlight, I was brought to a jarring stop.
Dash stood at the bottom of the stairs wearing a fierce expression. His hands were shoved in his pockets, but I could tell they were clenched. Behind him was the limo, my new mother-in-law insisted we get… with Keiran and Keenan sitting on top of the car as if guarding anyone against getting near it and looking far too smug. Lake and Sheldon with Kennedy in her arms stood off to the side trying their best to appear innocent.
I wanted to scream and demand an answer, but Thomas’ father beat me to the punch.
“What the hell is going on? Have you no respect?” Spittle flew out of his mouth and his face turned red and purple. “Pipe down, old man,” Keenan called out.
I let go of Thomas because I couldn’t bear to have him touch me with Dash watching so intently. I held on to the rail and made my way down the steps to stand in front of him. “What’s going on?” I whispered.
“I didn’t come all this way to not do what I came to do and leave empty handed.”
“Which is?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“I came for you and I’m not leaving without you.”
“No,” I protested. “You are not doing this.”
“I already am.”
“What about all that stuff you said about letting me be happy and marrying the man who loves me?”
“And I meant it. The only one who will be making you happy is me.”
“Have you forgotten that I just got married not five minutes ago?”