“That’s the only thing that’s gotten me through this latest crisis.” He dropped his forehead to rest against hers. “You’ve got to be so tired of my family issues by now.”

“Not at all. It’s a small price to pay to get to be married to you.”

“Thank you, baby.”

A soft knock on the door indicated their guests had arrived.

“Ready?” she asked.

“Let’s do it.” He went to admit his mom, Charlie, Katie and Shane, who spoke in whispers because they knew Holden had just gone to bed and would put up a fuss if he heard them. They stayed quiet through dinner, after which Laura checked on Holden and said it was safe to speak normally.

“Thank you for the lovely dinner,” Sarah said, refilling her wineglass. She had a serenity about her these days that was hard to miss, and Owen couldn’t wait to let her know that she’d soon be free to marry the man she loved.

“You’re welcome.” He glanced at Laura, who reached for his hand and gave it a subtle squeeze under the table, fortifying him to take the next step. “So there was a reason other than dinner that I wanted to get together tonight.”

“Well,” Katie said, “we know you’re not going to tell us you’re pregnant.”

Their laughter diffused the last of Owen’s nerves. “Very funny. Actually, I wanted to tell you I heard from Dad.”

Stunned silence greeted his statement. Owen went on to tell them about the remarkable conversation he’d had with Mark. As he spoke, Sarah raised her hand to her heart, and Charlie put his arm around her. Katie stared bleakly at the far wall while Shane moved his chair closer to hers. Such was the Mark Lawry effect on his family members.

“He’s full of shit,” Katie said fiercely. “He realized he’s all alone in the world, and this is what he’s doing about it.”

“I don’t think so, sis,” Owen said, knowing his opinion would matter to her and the others. “I think it’s the truth. If you could’ve heard him… He was different than he’s ever been with me. Still gruff and domineering, but contrite, too. And what he said about me and the boys getting help if we ever feel that way toward our wives and children… It felt like genuine parental concern to me.”

Katie crossed her arms, her face set in a mulish expression that told Owen she might not come around right away. That was okay. It had taken him a couple of days to wrap his mind around it. He turned his attention to his mother, who seemed as stunned as Owen had felt upon hearing his father’s story.