Page 129 of Holiday on the Rocks
The door opened and light streamed in from the hall as my father entered. I jumped up and he hugged me.
“Allie, I’m so sorry, honey.”
I buried my face in his chest and although I swore I had to be out of tears, I was wrong.
A few hours later Kristina, Lexi, and Rachel walked in carrying flowers and bags. My mom hopped up and hugged everyone.
“Girls, I’m so glad you’re here.” She looked over at me. “You all have been Allie’s rock forever.”
Lexi walked over and pulled me to my feet. “Well, it’s time to get Allie into her wedding dress.”
“Dress?”
She laughed. “You told me the story of your Goodwill dress. And sure as shit, we found one at the Goodwill right here in Colorado, and I believe it’s perfect.”
“Thank you.”
A knock at the door and my heart stopped as John Dawson entered. Tall, like his son, same green eyes, but the hair that used to be salt and pepper, was just salt now.
My father stood and shook his hand, and my mother gave him a hug. “We’ll give you some time alone.”
My parents led the girls out of the room. “We’ll be outside when you’re ready.” She reached out and took John’s hands. “We’re praying for Levi.”
His eyes welled as he nodded, and she gave him another hug.
Once the room cleared, he spoke softly. “I talked to the doctor last night and got on the first flight I could.” He scooted a chair close to Levi and sat down. “I can’t believe this.”
“I know.”
“I let my son down so many times over the years. I was nothing but a mean alcoholic when he was growing up. But then he shows up and makes me go to Brazil with him a few years ago.” He looked at me. “It was his willpower that got me sober.”
He ran the back of his hand over his eyes. “A man like that deserved a lot better than me.”
I leaned down and put my arm around his shoulder. “But he wouldn’t be the man he is without you. The things you and he went through made him strong and brave.”
He patted my arm. “But when it was you in the hospital bed, I broke a part of him by making him go. You both were young, but for me and your family to pull the shit we did, it was wrong.”
“But we found each other again.” I wiped my eyes. “He asked me to marry him yesterday.”
His head whipped in my direction.
I nodded. “I’m marrying your son today.”
“You are?”
I nodded. “Even if he doesn’t wake up, the minister is coming and will marry us.” I looked over at the most perfect man in the world. “So when I go to heaven someday my husband will be waiting for me.” I forced a smile. “We’ll have our forever then.”
He stood and pulled me into his chest and we both cried. Tears for past mistakes, wasted time, and lost futures.
There was a knock at the door, and my dad walked in.
“The minister just got here. The nurse set up a little room for you to get dressed in if you’re ready.”
Thirty minutes later the girls had helped me into the white dress that was understated and classic with zero puff or bling. Straight white satin with spaghetti straps over the shoulders giving a little Grace Kelly flair. They did my makeup but didn’t even bother with the mascara as I seemed to be tearing up every two minutes.
Rachel stood back. “You look beautiful.”
Lexi put the simple white veil on my head before holding up her blue Air Jordan’s. “Something borrowed.”
