The time they’d spent together ran through his mind like the best movie he’d ever seen, from the day he’d first laid eyes on her at her cousin Janey’s wedding to finding her outside the Surf the next morning in the pouring rain to scooping her up off the bathroom floor when she’d been felled by morning sickness during her pregnancy with Holden. He’d been by her side when she gave birth to Holden and on the day they discovered their “surprise” pregnancy was twins. She’d stood by his side through the nightmare of his mother being beaten by his father and provided unwavering support through his father’s trial.

Every minute he’d spent with her had been the best time he’d ever spent with anyone, and he couldn’t wait to have forever with her. They’d already had good times and bad, sickness and health. Today they would make official what had been in their hearts for nearly a year now.

Frank extended his hand to Owen.

Owen shook hands with his new father-in-law. In the time they’d known each other, Frank McCarthy had been more of a father to Owen than Mark Lawry had ever been.

Then Frank joined Laura’s and Owen’s hands, kissed his daughter and stepped up to the front of the assembled group. “It is my very great pleasure to welcome you all today to witness the marriage of my gorgeous, wonderful, sensational daughter Laura to the love of her life, Owen Lawry.

“Owen, I could not have handpicked a man better suited to my daughter. You’ve cared for her and Holden with unwavering love and tenderness, and I thank you for that. I sleep much better at night knowing my daughter is well and truly loved by a man I admire and respect.”

Frank’s heartfelt words had Owen blinking back tears.

Laura squeezed his hand and smiled at him, settling his emotions as only she could.

“Owen and Laura have chosen to recite their own vows. Owen?” Frank reached for his grandson, and Owen transferred Holden into Frank’s outstretched arms.

Laura handed her bouquet of orange flowers to Grace and then joined hands with Owen.

“I wasn’t expecting your father to make me cry,” Owen said, releasing her hand to brush at a tear on his cheek.

“He took me down earlier,” Laura said.