One after another, Sammi’s nosy family members begin to approach me, fishing for details on today’s switch up. But if my manager Anika has taught me anything over the last few years, it’s how to dance around uncomfortable topics. I’m well versed in the art of saying a whole lot without really saying much at all.

“Whoo,” DJ Vibe wheezes into the microphone. “Y’all got me sweatin’ over here, ladies,” he teases, fanning himself dramatically. “But it’s time for a little change in pace. Can we get the bride and her father on the floor, please?”

There isn’t a dry eye in the building when Sammi and Mr. Wayne take center stage.

Swaying slowly in place, they hold one another close while Celine Dion’s, “Because You Loved Me,” rips them wide open. The tender ballad is Sammi’s way of thanking her father for all that he’s given to her throughout the years—his love and wisdom. His unwavering support. It’s a promise that once he’s gone, she’ll be okay…and it’s because he’s instilled the best parts of himself into her. However unready she may be, he’s prepared her to face this world without him.

The urge to go to her, to wrap my arms around her shuddering body and promise it’s going to be all right, is almost too much to bear. But it isn’t my place…not yet. This moment isn’t about me. Besides, I’ve never lied to her before. And I certainly don’t plan to start now. Losing this man is going to tear her world apart.

There’s no way to protect her from it, no matter how badly I wish I could. All I can do is be here when the time comes, in whatever capacity she’ll allow.

Chapter Four

“Where are we going?” I ask for the third time since the limo rolled out of the church parking lot. “I don’t know if I can handle any more excitement.”

Today has been awful and incredible. I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced the depth of lows and the height of the highs I have today.

My emotions are off the chain.

“You can,” he insists, turning to plant a kiss to the crown of my head, which is resting on his shoulder. Lyle grips my knee, giving it an affectionate squeeze. “Trust me?”

My new husband was not too keen on the idea of staying in the suite Trent had booked for tonight, insisting he knew of a better place we could spend our wedding night than some hotel. What it might’ve lacked in luxury, however, The Winchester more than made up for in location, being minutes from my parents’ house.