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It was showtime.

My hair and makeup were as good as they were going to get. I had no idea what Slash would wear for the ceremony. But we’d figure it out.

We always did.

FIFTY-EIGHT

Lexi

Dad and I stood just outside the church entrance, arm in arm, waiting for our music cue. He looked handsome and distinguished in his tuxedo. The bandage on his head was flesh colored and I am sure my mom had worked her makeup magic to make it largely disappear. He’d always been such a steady presence in my life that it felt good to lean on his arm now. Thankfully, he didn’t have a sandwich this time, and the awning that had been installed since the rehearsal discouraged the return of any hopeful or hungry gulls.

“You look beautiful, pumpkin,” he said.

“Thanks, Dad. It would have been nice to shower after what we went through, but at least I was able to wipe down with paper towels in the bathroom before getting into the dress.

He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, about that. It doesn’t matter. You and Slash were busy saving the world…again. We’re just grateful to have you in one piece.” He touched the lacy shoulder of my dress. “You really do look lovely, Lexi. I remember this dress well. I choked up when I spotted your mom walking down the aisle in it. You’ve done something different in the back with the veil, but it looks good.”

“I ripped a piece of the dress when I was running through the woods,” I said. “Basia, Grandma, and Mom decided to tie the veil behind me to hide the holes in my dress. It’s a bit of an avant-garde look, but I kind of like it.”

He peered at the back. “Well, isn’t that clever?”

“It is.”

“You have Grandma Adalee’s necklace, I see.”

I touched it around my neck. “Yes. Mom gave it to me and said I could keep it. She said it’s a family heirloom.”

“It is.” He leaned over and pressed a kiss on my nose. “It’s hard to believe my little girl is all grown-up and getting married. Where does the time go?”

“Time is consistent, Dad. It’s just our perception that changes.”

“I know.” He smiled and patted my hand. “Now, you’re not going to run away again, right?”

“I wasnota runaway bride. I wasn’t running away from getting married, I was running into danger.”

“That you were. Still, I have an important question to ask, and I want you to answer me as truthfully as possible. I shouldn’t have to remind you I’m an experienced trial lawyer, so I’ll know if you’re not telling the truth.”

“You always say that. I’ll tell you the truth, Dad. Ask away.”

“Do you think we can make it all the way to the altar—you and me—without getting knifed, shot, gassed, or brained with a flower stand?”

I considered thoughtfully. “I’d give us fifty-fifty odds on that.”

“Well, up it to seventy-five-to-twenty-five odds. I’ve got a bullet proof vest on under this tuxedo.”

“Get out.” I looked at him in astonishment. “Really?”

He carefully unbuttoned two of the buttons on his shirt to reveal a black Kevlar vest hidden beneath. “I’m getting you to that altar no matter what.”

Amanda rushed out as Dad was buttoning up his shirt and thrust a pretty bouquet of blue, red, and white flowers at me. I tried to remember if this is what I said I wanted and then decided it didn’t matter. The bouquet was lovely and even a little bit patriotic.

“Everyone is in place and the music is about to cue,” Amanda said. “Are you ready?”

I glanced at Dad, and he gave me a broad smile. “We’re ready,” he said firmly. “Trust me. Nothing is going to stop me from walking my daughter down the aisle this time.”

* * *

When Dadand I walked into the church, I noticed several things. First were the beautiful flowers that seemed to be everywhere—in the flower stands along the sides of the pews, on the altar, and in various locations in the chancel. It looked like a scene from a beautiful fairy tale, and it smelled heavenly.