“It’s a happy day, Dad,” she said softly.
He glanced down at her, his eyes glassy with emotion. “I know, Berry. It’s just… I remember holding you in my hands when you were so small. You were mine to love and protect. Now I’m giving that responsibility to someone else.”
“I’m sure Ben would tell you that he’s not taking the role from you,” Amelia said. “He’s going to share it with you.”
Her dad gave a single nod. “And I couldn’t share it with a better man.”
That admission made Amelia’s smile grow.
“I was so disappointed when you broke up with him in high school,” he continued.
“Really? I didn’t know that.”
“I didn’t want to make you feel bad, but I wasn’t sure you’d ever find another guy who would treat you as well as Benji had.” He turned to give her a small smile. “And I guess I was right.”
Amelia heard the swell of music and turned to watch as her wedding party left the house one by one. First Shiloh, then Tracy, followed by Layla. Finally, her four flower girls and one ring bearer stepped out.
“I really am happy for you and Ben,” her dad said. “I’m glad that God led you two back together.”
“I am too. I can’t imagine life without him now.”
They’d gotten engaged on Christmas Day, and now, six months later, they were preparing to become husband and wife.
Those six months had included counselling for them as a couple and for each of them individually. Her health had stabilized, and as long as she stayed very aware of her body's needs, the flareups weren’t as frequent.
She’d still had a couple of bad stretches, but each one had taught her and Ben something.
“Ready?” her dad asked as the doors closed behind the flower girls. “We’re next.”
“Definitely.”
The woman they’d hired to organize everything held out Amelia’s bouquet. It was small but elegant.
Just as with her dress, the bouquet had been chosen with her limitations in mind. She hadn’t wanted a bouquet that was too heavy or bulky because that would mean she couldn’t hold it for long periods.
Her dress was also simpler than what she might have chosen had she not had a body that tired so easily. It was an A-line style with a sweetheart neckline. The shoulders and sleeves were made of lace appliques that also covered the bodice. The long skirt was light chiffon over a satin underlay, but it had no train.
She and Annie had worked together on it, and Amelia was proud of how beautifully it had turned out.
Her heart raced as they prepared to leave the house. The coordinator and her assistant opened the double doors that led out to the back deck and the lawn, where rows of chairs had been set up.
Beautiful sunlight greeted them as they stepped out of the house, bringing a smile to Amelia’s face. They were gettingmarried on the Burke estate, just as Ben’s siblings had done in years past.
Though there had been no budget for the wedding, she had kept her choices simple, going for an understated elegance. Above the rows of white chairs were drapes of sheer white voile material that created an ethereal look but also offered the practical benefit of filtering out the bright sunlight. A white tent stood off to the side where they’d have their reception later.
But right then, she looked beyond where the wedding guests were seated to where Ben waited for her. He stood in front of an arch made of tree branches and flowers, wearing a dark gray suit, his hair a tumble of curls that Amelia had told him not to tame for the day.
Standing up with him were Luca, Julian, and Cole. His nephew, TJ, was their ring bearer, and he stood proudly with the men at the front, watching as Amelia and her dad made their way down the aisle.
When her gaze met Ben’s, Amelia’s excitement deepened, but it also settled something within her. This was right. It was where they were supposed to have ended up.
The walk felt like it took forever, her dad keeping her to a slow, steady pace that matched the music. It didn’t, however, match the excitement and pull that made her want to run to Ben.
Once they reached the front, Ben left the men he’d been standing with. He held out his hand to her dad, who took it, then pulled Ben in for a hug.
“Take care of my little girl,” her dad murmured, just loud enough for the three of them to hear.
Ben looked her dad straight in the eye and nodded. “Always.”
