Page 235 of The Path to Loving Him
Looks like I’ll have this moment captured from all different angles.
Instrumental music filters through the windows, setting the mood. It’s the perfect day for a wedding with blue skies shining over the bay, the inn decked out in flowers, and chairs out on the lawn, looking toward the ocean.
“You ready?” Hattie asks.
“No,” I answer.
But it’s too late.
The doors open, the sunlight from the windows behind her filters in, and it takes a second for my eyes to adjust, but when they do, I can feel the sting of tears instantaneously as my girl, my little fucking girl, stands in front of me in a white gown and veil, ready to get married.
“What do you think?” Mac asks as she does a small twirl for me.
“Wow,” I say, tears falling down my cheeks, my throat so tight that I can barely get the words out. “You look beautiful, kiddo.”
“Doesn’t she?” Gabby says as she moves around Mac and right to me. She kisses my jaw. “That’s our little girl.”
“I can’t believe it.”
I move closer to Mac, her young life flashing before my eyes—images of her on the swing under the oak tree, laughing as I pushed her as high as she could go. Watching her prance the Chewys around the house. All her drawings and paintings lining the walls. Her first tooth that she donated to the tooth fairy because she felt bad taking money. Her first softball game. The first time she pitched a no-hitter. Her first date with a squid of a boy who I’m so glad lasted one date and that was it. Her prom. Her first heartbreak. The day she accepted a full-ride scholarship to Brentwood University. The day she brought Garrick home to meet me. Her graduation. Her first-ever coaching job. The tears in her eyes when she told me she was engaged.
And now . . . this moment.
“Okay, no tears. I don’t want to ruin my makeup,” Mac says.
“We’re allowed to tear up,” Aubree says.
“Yeah,” Wyatt says, sniffling off to the side. “With the number of times I allowed you to treat me like a freaking horse, I get to have this moment.”
Everyone laughs while Mac rolls her eyes. “You’re going to use that for the rest of your life, aren’t you?”
“Damn right.”
Hayes steps up and presses a kiss to Mac’s cheek. “I’m going to get into position. See you down there.”
“Thank you, Uncle Hayes.”
“I’ll let Maggie know we’re ready,” Abel adds.
Hayes winks at Mac and takes off. He’s playing the guitar for the processional. I’ve purposely listened to him practicing so I could mentally prepare myself and not be a blubbering mess.
“I’m going to go to my seat so I can get comfortable for the cry fest I intend on having,” Hattie says.
“I’ll join you,” Aubree says.
They both walk up to Mac and give her a hug. Hattie cups Mac’s face and says, “Your mom would have loved Garrick. He’s perfect.”
“Thank you,” Mac says. Her lips quiver but no tears.
Aubree takes her hand. “Love you, sweetie.”
“Love you, too.”
And then Hattie and Aubree take off together.
Wyatt is next, still with his tissue box in hand. He gives her a long hug and then whispers something in her ear. I don’t know what he says, but she nods and offers him a shaky smile.
When he leaves, the room grows silent.
