He made his way down the white aisle to a seat on the groom’s side. The sun shone, and the absence of clouds reminded him of another wedding—and how there had been no pronouncement of husband and wife. Instead of angst, he felt only irritation that he’d stayed in a relationship longer than necessary.But you gave your word.
He swallowed. Today wasn’t about him or the fact he was here alone. Today, he’d celebrate Tuck and Piper, then go back home to the girls. For however long they’d be there. Maybe he should’ve offered to bring the kids with him and give Erykah a break.
No. She said she wanted you to have the break.
But in the short amount of time that Erykah and the girls had been staying with him, his heart seemed to have synced to theirs. Was Ash giggling over a face Cheye made? Did Erykah finally sign Cheye up for kindergarten, or would she put her in the hospital daycare? And Erykah Kennedy...
Well, there were too many thoughts for Chris to sort through, like how soft her cheek had felt against his palm.
Instrumental music pierced the air, and the attendees stood. Chris glanced at Tuck, who had a sappy grin on his face. Chris would’ve laughed if it weren’t for the awed expression on Piper’s face as her dad walked her down the aisle. As much grief as Chris liked to give Tuck for keeping his feelings hidden for so long, he couldn’t deny that the wait seemed to be worth it for both of them.
He listened as the officiant led them through the vows, ring exchange, and then finally...
“It is my honor to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Hale.”
Chris clapped with the rest of the guests as he stood. Hegave Tuck a slight punch to the arm as they passed down the aisle. His friend glanced over his shoulder with a grin. If Chris remembered correctly, the newlyweds would be doing pictures after the ceremony. They’d even asked Chris to participate, despite his absence from the limited wedding party.
“Hey, man. You look lost in thought.” Lamont patted Chris on the back of his shoulder.
He pushed away the loneliness beckoning to him. Just because Erykah hadn’t come didn’t mean Chris was truly alone. Besides, he tried to live a life of singleness with gratitude, believing God had saved him from what would’ve been the wrong marriage.Pull it together, Gamble.
“Yeah, a little.” Chris turned to the movie star. “Guess you’re next.” He forced his mouth upward.But what’s in store for me, Lord?
“I can’t wait.” A huge grin covered Lamont’s face. “I’d say yes today if I could.”
“Really? Nothing about marriage scares you?” They moved to the arbor set up to the side like an outdoor photobooth.
“Of course it does. I’m human. But my fears stem from my inadequacies rather than any issue with Nevaeh. I wholeheartedly believe she’s the right woman for me, but I’m worried I’ll fail her when it matters most.”
Chris could understand that. Right now he wondered if he’d failed Erykah by not convincing her that she had a place here. Would she retreat into her shell once more or, worse, go away?
He swallowed. “How do you think you’ll fail Nevaeh?”
“Being the spiritual leader in our home.” Lamont shrugged. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough in my own faith walk.”
“Man, that’s the enemy talking. I know for a fact you’re inthe Word every day. You pray multiple times a day. You make sure to rest once a week. You seek God’s wisdom often.” Lamont was a great example of discipline. Chris had no doubt he’d be on his knees for the duration of his marriage.
“I do do those things.” Lamont slowly nodded.
“Then trust that God will equip you to be the leader of your family. Trust you know what to do if a trial comes against you, your marriage, or whatever.” He nudged Lamont with his elbow. “God’s been showing you how to walk with Him in your singleness so you’d be prepared for leading another in marriage.”
He sighed. “Pretend I didn’t say this, but I feel better now.”
Chris laughed. Telling another guy what you felt inside wasn’t always easy. But Tuck and Lamont always kept it real and made vulnerability easier to swallow.Tell him what you’re dealing with.Only right now wasn’t about him.
He clapped a hand on Lamont’s shoulder. “You’ll be just fine, young buck.”
Lamont laughed. “Oh man, that sounds like something they’d say in those 1970s TV shows.”
“Way to make a man feel old,” he groused, but he wasn’t offended.
“Middle age isn’t so bad, is it?”
Chris thought about it. “Actually, it’s really not. I’m at a place in my life that I’m mostly content.”
“Mostly, huh? Is that why you looked introspective when I walked up?”
“Yes.”
