Page 26 of A New Man
“You mean me and Nico… but more me cause I’m older right?”
Rachel grinned at the standing joke her and Rosie used often. “True, but he’s prettier cause he looks so much like me.”
Laughing, they hugged, and then Rachel moved to pick up her flowers. Lifting her gown’s sheer gauzy material, she stepped carefully, heading for the stairs and the room where her husband-to-be waited with all their family and friends along with the minister to perform the ceremony.
She took a few seconds to gaze around the flower-laden staircase and hallway that led to the large living room filled with the colorful spring blossoms they’d chosen to celebrate the occasion. Their beauty made her draw in a breath of enchantment.
Purples, pinks, and whites had been used as their color scheme and looked wonderful. But what made it all so special was the incredible scents those hyacinths, roses, azaleas and daffodils shared with the world around them. Rachel had never felt so special. Looking around their new house, the one they’d bought and worked on together, had made these last two years fly by for everyone. Now their home was ready and so were they. Time to move on. Time to start a new life. She could barely wait.
***
Holding back for a few seconds, Rosie picked up her basket and used these moments alone to talk to her father.I know you’re here, Daddy. Like you said you would be. And Dad, I get it better now that I’m older. You took all the blame for being bad and made me understand that I’m too good to be like you. Know what though… I think you’re wrong. In my heart, you’re a saint. A good man.
And I’ll never forget your last words. You loved me better than anyone else, and I’m okay with that too.
Hearing her mother’s whispered call, she smilingly reached for her basket of flowers, lifted her gown, and stepped out onto the landing in front of the bride. Then she started down the stairs to where the bridegroom waited, looking so handsome and proud.
Grinning, she walked towards Lance, beaming her approval.
***
Damon watched the proceedings through his misty window into the world, and one thought gave him the peace he’d craved. His daughter not only loved him, but she also seemed proud of him too.
It was as if through her eyes, he’d been recreated into a different person… a new man.
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