Page 105 of Shadow of Doubt
“Not just four months,” Russ said. “There’s all the after having the baby hormones to deal with.”
“Are you kidding me?” She pretended to faint into her chair. “Just kill me now.”
Laughter rang out, and Brooklyn shook her head. She hoped she and Colin did get together for so many reasons, but it would be fun getting to know this blended family too. Never a dull moment, she suspected.
Jessie got up on stage again. “So this was supposed to just be for kids, but Brooklyn said she wanted a turn, and Dad said I had to let her.”
Laughter returned, and Jessie looked bewildered, so Brooklyn hurried to the stage to help with her unease. She took the mic, and Jessie went to sit on Reid’s lap.
Brooklyn looked at her dad. “I haven’t met everyone here yet, but for those who don’t know, I’ve been away from my family for three years. I had to go into hiding and couldn’t have one bit of communication with them. Not a word. So when the girls told me about the program, I asked if I could choose a song for my dad. I cheated a little and chose one that was a hit in the year I was born. I pickedI Will Be Here For You,by Michael W. Smith.”
She smiled at her dad. “It basically talks about being there and being able to trust in you. And you always were there. Will be again, now that we’re free to see each other. Mama too, but this is your day. And there’s not a more trustworthy man I know. So be patient with me while I butcher this song. But know that it comes from a place of complete love.”
She sang the song, trying her best to remain on key and more importantly, not lose it in front of everyone. She left the stage, and her dad gripped her in a fierce hug. “Love you, too, daughter, and I will always be there for you. No matter the physical distance between us.”
He released her, and she sat, looking upward to keep her tears at bay. Colin scooped up her hand in his to hold it tightly.
Jessie announced that Brooklyn was the end of the program. The crowd got up cheering and shouting. Reid took the stage and drew Megan up with him. ”A special thanks to our daughters for arranging this event, and to my lovely wife, Megan, for running the sound. I am the most blessed man on earth, and this right here tells you why. There’re still burgers and dogs and lots of food, so dig in. And what say we do this again next year?”
The rapt applause spoke to the crowd’s agreement.
Colin leaned over her to look at her mother. “Do you mind if I take Brooklyn for a walk?”
“Mind?” her mama asked. “I can see you have something special planned, so go for it.”
He tugged Brooklyn to her feet.
She smiled at her parents. “Be right back.”
“Take your time, sweet pea,” her mama said and turned to look across the table at Russ and his family. “We have all the time in the world to catch up, and I know getting to know this lovely Nikki is going to be fun.”
Colin moved at a rapid clip, leading Brooklyn through the crowd, who were complimenting her on her song. Once he reached the edge of the pavilion, he ducked into the trees, drawing her with him.
“Alone, at last.” He grinned and circled his arms around her waist.
She leaned in to him. “I’m glad to be alone with you, but I really shouldn’t leave my mama and daddy for too long.”
“I get that, but I thought we needed to talk about me declaring my love.” Unease darkened his eyes. “I don’t want to scare you away. It’s really fast, I know. You didn’t have to say it if you don’t mean it.”
“I do mean it.”
“Oh. Oh, right. Good. Great.” His broad smile sent chills through her.
“What would you think about dating, then?” His timid tone was back.
“You’re sure you can continue to care for your mom and start dating?” She searched his gaze. “I mean, Dev told me that’s why you’re not dating now.”
“He’s right, but yeah. I guess I just needed to find the right person to know when it’s the right time to forget about all of that nonsense and trust God.”
“Your mom told me your dad was a firefighter, and I’ve never gotten a chance to tell you my dad is too.”
He arched an eyebrow. “What are the odds of that?”
“Long, I imagine. But I only mention it to say I understand what it’s like to have a parent go to work each day, wondering if you might lose them.”
“Until you do.” His eyes closed, and he swallowed.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Colin. And for bringing this up now when we were talking about such happy things, but I thought you should know.”
