“Good to know,” he whispers in my ear. “Your mom told me about yours and her conversation last week. I want you to know everything she said, I second. If ever there have been two people who are meant for each other, it’s you guys.”
“I believe it.”
“You should. I’ve watched that boy watch you since you were twelve years old. I knew he had it in him to become the great man you needed. It’s hard for a father to let go of their girl, especially their only girl. ‘It’s hard to give her away, I loved you first’,” he smiles, quoting the song, “but the day Jackson asked for my permission to marry you, was the day I stopped worrying about who would take care of you when I’m gone.”
And cue the tears.
“I love you, Francesca.”
“I love you too, Dad,” I choke out on a sob as he pulls me in tight.
“Now let’s hope Adam will stop worrying, too.”
Our guffaws break through as the DJ announces the mother/son dance. There’s a hush throughout the crowd as Jackson takes my moms’ hand and leads her to take our place on the dancefloor. The four of us stop and give a quick hug before dad leads me off to the side to stand and watch them.
twenty-nine
JACKSON
Mom/Son Dance
My heart is perfectly calm as I lead Francesca’s mom to the dancefloor for our mother/son dance. There can be no replacement for one’s own mom, but Janet has done a pretty damn good job since I lost mine.
The opening lyrics for ‘You’ll be in my Heart’ by Phil Collins come through the speakers. She took my hand, she held it tight, and she protected me, just like the song says.
“She’s here with you, Jackson. She’s heard all your promises today and I can guarantee you that she is so happy knowing you’re in love.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and nod at her words in my ear.
“Did you know your mom and I talked about becoming in-laws?” I lift my head and seeing her eyes glassy, make mine water. I tilt my head back, letting out a laugh.
“Are you trying to make me cry?”
“Oh, Jackson, no I’m not trying to make you cry.” She laughs and leans in closer like she’s got a secret. “I did hear about the bet, though.” When my eyes go wide, she shakes her head still chuckling. “Your sister is something else.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“But yes, we talked about you and Francesca getting married one day. We’re mothers, we see these things. And what we saw in you two? We saw love.” A tear runs down her cheek, but she makes no move to wipe it away. “Her and I were great friends, and I made a promise to her that we would do everything we could to guide you.” Another tear runs down her cheek and now mine follow hers. “The night before she passed, I thanked her for giving you to us and told her I would protect you as my own.”
I wrap my arms around her and let my tears flow. If it weren’t for my shoulders shaking with silent sobs, no one would be any the wiser to our tears. I’ve held them in for so long, but this feels like home. Janet feels like home, and I know it’s because mom is right here with us, dancing with us, sending her love to us both.
“She was so proud of you, Jackson. And so are Frank and I.”
“Thank you for loving me and allowing me to love your daughter.”
“It was always going to be you, Jackson.”
thirty
ADAM
Best man speech
Istand from my seat at the table and take the microphone that the DJ has handed me and move to the side of Jackson who is seated with Francesca and the rest of our bridal party in the front of the room.
“Gage took a gamble asking me to be his best man today, knowing I would get a chance to stand up here and tell you all about him! For those who don’t know me, I’m Adam, Francesca’s older and smarter brother and also, the better-looking best friend of Jackson.” That gets a few laughs from the guests and some groans from Jackson.
“I’ve known this guy for twenty-five years, since we were eight years old and forced to sit next to each other in class. He was new and looked like Shrek, but he liked football, so I guessed he wasn’t that bad after all.” He flips me off as I smack his hand away.
