Natalie smiled at the photographer who’d just finished taking her photo in her wedding dress on the patio, overlooking the bay. Hopefully she looked okay in print because, honestly, she never liked her smile in pictures, always feeling like it came across as fake.
The photographer left her alone in the spare bedroom she was using for a bridal suite.
She checked herself in the mirror and realized that for once, she truly felt peaceful and happy. If Galen had a child out there somewhere, they’d figure out what to do, together.
Love mattered.
The door knob turned and Natalie swiveled toward it knowing it had to be her parents. Galen had promised they’d come.
It opened and even from the hall her mother’s clear blue eyes and her father’s serious brown gaze gave her a surge of confidence.
She rushed over and hugged her mom first. Her mother normally petted her hair but this time she simply brushed her neck to not mess with the updo. She let her go and waved to her father, who took off his glasses. “Natalie,” her mom said. “You look amazing. Your father wanted to talk to you.”
Right. She opened the door wide and gestured for them to come in. “You’re both welcome. I’m dressed.”
They walked in, her father’s face serious as he closed the door behind him.
Her spine had that “about to be in trouble” rumble at the base while she waited for him to finally speak his mind.
He pursed his lips, stared at her and said, “This wedding is happening very fast.”
Ah. She sat down, folded her hands in her lap and waited for him to sit across from her. Once he did, she kept herself still, and focused on her words. “I know, Dad. But it’s perfect so far. The patio is decorated like it took a year. The dress is great-”
A vein in her father’s forehead throbbed as he interrupted her. “But why are you rushing this?”
Neither one of them should worry about her. “Because we’re in love and I’m happy and we want to be together.”
Her father scooted closer to her and stared at her like he’d check her teeth for possible stolen candy at his store. “So you’re not pregnant?”
Natalie touched her stomach and her entire body felt awash with sensations as she asked, “What?”
“It’s the usual reason people rush, sweetie.” Her mother patted her father’s shoulder.
She shook her head fast, but she didn’t confide exactly what happened at her annual check-up. She lifted her chin. “No, I’m not pregnant.”
Her mother hugged her father from behind and smiled, “See. I told you my daughter was smarter than that.”
Her father in his black tux got up and kissed her cheek with a relieved laugh. “Okay. I just want you to be happy and if you’re happy with Galen Morgan, we’re happy for you.”
Natalie stood and opened her arms for a hug, which he gave without question. “Thanks, Dad.”
He stepped back and headed toward the door. “I’ll leave you and your mom alone and go check out this reception area. I’ll be back at four as I was instructed.”
Her mother’s hands trembled slightly, a reminder that she was not quite the pillar of strength she’d always been though her navy blue with sparkles dress complimented her. Her father slipped out as her mom said, “Good dear. See you soon.”
Natalie closed the door behind her and walked her mother back toward the cushioned chair. Escaping the hospital for the afternoon for her wedding shouldn’t be a drain for her mom, who had a bigger fight against cancer. Ana accepted her help but as she took her seat said, “Security was intense this afternoon. I had to show my license to carry and my ID.”
“You should be focused on you and being happy for me.” Natalie didn’t want her mom to worry. “You don’t need to always be working, Mom. Remember you’re supposed to be getting better in the hospital.”
Her mother laughed and patted her hand. “I know but old habits die hard.”
Hopefully her mother would never know all the real reasons for security right now. This wasn’t her parents’ concern. Natalie held out a necklace for her mother’s opinion as she said, “You and Dad have been happy all my life. I just want to experience half that.”
Her mother shook her head and then adjusted the pearl necklace Natalie already had on and gave it a pat of approval. “It hasn’t always been easy y’know. Your father and I have had our ups and downs, same as everyone.”
Her mother then picked up a simple pair of diamond studs from the vanity and held it to Natalie’s ear as she said, “I worked late. He worked days. He was there for you in the afternoons after school when I couldn’t be.”
Her mother handed her the earrings as Natalie said, “He owned his grocery store and could make the time. You couldn’t. We spent the afternoons waiting for you to join us for dinner.”
