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These moments are eternal. Women have hands over their mouths as Pop limps toward us. What else can I do but stand tall and give him an encouraging nod?

Every muscle stiffens when I notice him pause again holding his handkerchief. Is that blood on it?

My God.

Capri squeezes my arm. I think she noticed it too.

He takes his first step up toward the altar – leg wobbling.

C’mon, Pop.

The unthinkable happens.

Pomf!

He collapses to one knee, evoking an auditorium of gasps.

I rush down to help him up.

“Fine. I’mFine.Little leg lock, that’s all,” he scowls.

When I see Capri rush to his other side to help heave him upright, a tear escapes my eye. The care in her. She respects and loves my father. What a lucky fucking man I am.

I shoulder the tear away quick.

“C’mon, Pop, you’re alright,” my voice is hoarse with emotion.

“What I wouldn’t do for a cigarette right now.” He cackles. Once we’re a few feet away from the podium, he kisses Capri on the cheek. “I knew you were a good one.” He taps her face lightly, then turns to hesitantly bow for the audience.

I can’t believe it. The old timer gets an ovation. He’s even got me clapping.

The space around my eyes is all wet.

What a fucking disaster.

Capri slides her hand into the loop of my arm as we move back to center stage.

Pop adjusts his mic. “Couldn’t help myself. Had to make it all about me,” he rattles, and the audience laughs.

“He’s good with a crowd.” Capri raises her eyebrows. “Would’ve made a fine lawyer.”

I scoff. “Don’t ever say that in front of him. We don’t need his head any bigger.”

“Padre, I hope you’ll forgive me.” Pop shuts the bible in front of him. “I know I said I’d be reading an excerpt from Luke, but a dying man has some words for his son and daughter-in-law.”

The priest holds an endearing smile, bowing his head for Pop to go ahead. “Just please keep it kosher.”

The audience chuckles again.

“I’ll do my best.” Pop brushes his shoulder, then faces the crowd. “My family and friends.” He extends his hands toward them. “It’s a good day. Just look at them. I don’t think I ever saw a more beautiful couple in my life. Let’s give them a round of applause, shall we?”

The praise feels good. It being directed from my father makes it even better.

Itisa good day.

“Capri, you’re just too good to be true. I knew it from the first time I saw you as an adult. Like an angel that fell from the sky.”

The crowd ‘aws’