Page 103 of Home in the Country
“Come on, Fallon, say yes. I already gave him the ‘bonus dad’ shirt,” Tanner says from my left, and I meet Otto’s gaze.
“Yes, you goof. I will marry you,” I pause, “today.”
He lets out awhoopand a fist pump and the crowd goes wild. Otto presses a quick kiss on my lips and lets go of my hand.
“See you up there. Let’s go, Big Rigg!” Briggs takes Otto’s hand, and the two of them walk tall up to where the chairs are parted. My father stands at the end, waiting for me.
Tanner holds out his elbow to me, and I take it before walking toward the guests at a slower pace.
“You knew all about this.”
“I did.”
“And we’re going to be okay?”
“I’ve only ever wanted us to be happy.” He nods toward where Otto is standing under a flower-covered archway. “He makes you happy, and honestly, I think that we both needed this.”
“You got him a shirt.”
“I did. He’s a great guy, and Briggs and I are lucky to have him too. I didn’t know what to expect coming here, but thank you.”
“For what?”
“For letting me be loved too. For choosing someone who not only welcomed me into his life but his family’s as well. For finding someone who loves Briggs as fiercely as he does.” We’re just a few paces away from my father when Tanner stops us and takes both my hands in his. “For not resenting me and giving me the strength and support I needed. For being my best friend. I love you.”
“I love you too,” I say as tears streak down my face, and I throw my arms around his shoulders for a hug. He holds me a minute longer and then pulls back and brushes away my tears.
“And now,”—he walks over to my father and places my hand in my dad’s—“thank you for letting me give you away.”
“Oh my gosh, stop talking before I have no makeup left.” I fan my face and the crowd chuckles. “Is it waterproof?” I hiss.
“We’re professionals!” Isla yells from the front which brings a new round of chuckles.
Tanner shakes my father’s hand and then pulls him in for a hug.
“Thank you for takin’ good care of our girl,” my father says. “You don’t be a stranger now, all right?”
“Yes sir,” Tanner says, but there’s a glassiness to his eyes as he kisses my cheek and then walks down the aisle toward the front.
I smooth my hands down the lapels of my father’s jacket and smile. “You look handsome, Daddy.”
“And you look beautiful.” His face takes on a serious expression. “Is this what you want? You say the words.”
I chuckle. “This is what I want.” His frown instantly transforms into a smile, and he holds out his elbow for me.
“Well then, let’s go get you married.”
THE END
