Finn taps his jacket pocket and relaxes his shoulders a little. “No, I have the rings. Just missing my best man.”
“I’m sure he’ll turn up. You have about fifteen minutes before the ceremony, and the brides are always late for these things.” I place my hand on his shoulder and give it a squeeze. “Relax.”
He takes in a few deep breaths and straightens the lapels on his grey suit. “I just want today to go well for Shelly, you know.”
“Son, as long as you’re here, I don’t think Shelly will even care who else made it. She just wants to be married to you. She doesn’t strike me as the sort who cares about the wedding.”
His phone buzzes in his trouser pocket. “Where the fuck are you?” Finn whisper yells down the handset. “I’ve been calling you for the last hour.”
“I’m sick, man. You do not want me at your wedding, trust me.”
“What’s up?”
“Not sure, but something hasn’t agreed with me. I’ve spent all night in the bathroom.”
Finn nods. “All right. Well, if you need anything, let me know.” He slips the phone into his pocket and stares at me, chewing on the inside of his mouth.
“I need a best man, Dad. How about it?”
My throat closes up with emotion. I know he’s only asking because I’m here and it’s convenient, but it feels good to step up when he needs me. “I’d be honoured, son.”
He hands me the rings as the marquee fills with guests. “Thanks, Dad.” He fiddles with the collar of his jacket again. “I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye?—”
“You and your mum mean everything to me, son. You’re both the reason I worked so hard, but I realise now that working perhaps hasn’t always been the best use of my time.” I bat his hand away and straighten his tie.
“I know you’ve always done your best.” He wipes his palms on his jacket. “Mum says she thinks you’ve changed.”
“I want to be a better man for her.”
“If you hurt her again, I’ll never forgive you.”
My head nods in agreement. “I’ll never forgive myself.” I’m still ashamed of my actions all those years ago. The truth is, I didn’t deserve her back then, but I want to do things right this time. I just don’t know how when she lives halfway around the world. It’s like I’m at a crossroads, finally building a relationship with my son on my doorstep and a grandchild on the way. Do Isacrifice my time with them to move to England to be with the woman I love?
Love.
The word rings in my head like the ringing of wedding bells as the band plays.
Merry sprints down the aisle with Celeste, and they take their seats at the front. Her brows pinch as she looks around, then mouths, “Where is the best man?”
I whisper, “Sick.” Then turn to face the entrance as the curtain to the marquee is pulled back. Light pours into the tent, giving the bride a golden halo. Marley, all in cream, walks by her side looking every inch the proud father.
Finn’s never looked this happy. He’s completely captivated, eyes locked on his bride as she floats down the aisle. The string quartet plays softly, filling the air with a gentle melody, but it’s the sound of her entrance that steals the moment—the gasps of awe at her beauty and individuality as the soft clink of shells dangle from her shawl. Her lace dress, with its frills and flow, reminds me of the waves and fishtails, as if the sea itself dressed her for this day.
Pride fills my chest, knowing this girl’s going to be a part of my family. I couldn’t have wished for a better woman for my son. She believed in his dreams even when I was blind to see what he could achieve with his talents.
Merry dabs her eyes and I pull the spare handkerchief from my pocket that I brought for this very purpose.
She takes it, silently thanking me as the couple say their vows.
Gazing at my ex-wife, I’m transported back to our wedding. It was kind of a rush after finding out we were expecting. Maybe we were too young, but it didn’t feel like we were at the time. The world was our oyster, and we were ready to take on whatever surprises life had to throw at us. Merry wore a sophisticateddress that clung to every curve of her hips and showed off her round, pregnant stomach.
I’d never been happier, just like our son is now, beaming at his bride. I don’t know if it’s the Christmas magic in the air or the wedding bells, but my heart is light for the first time in years. I can see a glimmer of hope in our future. I’m not sure how we can make it work, but if this woman can make me feel things that have been dormant for years, that has to be worth holding on to.
“Wonderful service,” Marley says as he lifts his glass of prosecco as if to say cheers. The setting sun catches the glass, giving it a warm glow under the dusky sky.
“It was. They make a great couple.” I search the area outside the marquee for a server. “Have you seen the girl with the canapés? The little puff pastry things were delicious.”
“I just saw her floating around here somewhere.” Marley spins on his heel and weaves through the crowd.
