Page 68 of The Wedding Driver
The wedding driver was going to take her for a ride around the bay on her wedding day. She wasn’t going to stand on the dock and watch him take some other bride.
It was her turn.
A fairy tale.
She had everything she had ever dreamed about.
And her grandfather had been able to attend.
“Hello, wife,” Foster whispered.
“I honestly never thought I’d hear those words come out of your mouth.” She palmed his cheek. “It’s music to my ears.”
“I love you.”
“I love you right back.” She turned and faced her family, along with Foster’s mother, Victor, and Denise. At first, Foster thought it might feel weird or that they wouldn’t want to be there, but in the end, they were still part of his family. She was happy to embrace them.
Her father was the first to race to her side and hug her. Tears filled her eyes and she smiled at her grandfather. His health continued to decline. It wouldn’t be long now.
“That was a beautiful ceremony,” her father said.
“Thanks, Daddy.” She kissed his cheek and made her way to her grandpa. “How are you doing?” She knelt at his side, taking his frail, pale hand.
“I’ve never been happier,” he said. “All my grandbabies are married. Two of them are pregnant and I know your turn will come soon enough.”
She and Foster had decided they needed a little more time to get used to how quickly their lives had changed before breaking their even bigger news, which is why they had decided to get married on the docks, leave on the boat for their honeymoon camping trip, and let everyone else party at the Blue Moon restaurant. That way they didn’t have to explain why she wasn’t drinking.
But she couldn’t keep it a secret from her grandfather.
She glanced over her shoulder and waved to her new husband.
“Hey, old man,” Foster said as he strolled across the wood planks. “Doesn’t my wife look amazing?”
“I bet he says that at least twenty times before the day is done,” her grandfather said. He held out his arms. “Help me to my feet.”
Foster leaned forward. “I can’t get her to call me husband.”
She laughed. “If you beg me, I might.”
“My innocent ears,” her grandfather said. “How long will the two of you be gone?”
“Two nights.” Foster held her grandpa up. “It’s still major wedding season and we both have a lot of work.”
“As you know, I moved into my son’s house,” her grandpa said. “My house is now empty and I want to keep it in the family. I want the two of you to have it. Consider it my wedding gift.” He waved a shaky hand. “I know that Foster has a house and he’s renovating it, but—”
“If Tonya wants to live there, then I’d be honored.” Foster smiled. “It’s a beautiful home.”
“And a great place to raise a family,” she added, tilting her head, staring at Foster, willing him to understand her wishes.
He nodded. “You can tell him.”
“Tell me what?”
“We didn’t tell anyone in part because we didn’t want to take away from Tiki or Tayla, but also because there’s been a lot going on in our lives.”
Her grandfather grabbed her arm. “Are you going to have a baby too?”
“Yes, Grandpa.” Her heart filled with so much love she thought it might burst.
