Bad Seed

“Hey kids,” Mom said. “How was the session?”

“We’re getting married!” Tara squealed, unable to contain her excitement for another second.

“What!” Mom looked from Tara to me and then back again. “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” I said. “I just asked her.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were planning to propose?” Mom demanded. “I could have helped you pick out the ring!”

“Well, you still can,” I said with a shrug. “I didn’t exactly plan it. It just sort of felt right.”

“Of course it did!” Mom said, grinning widely. “You two were always meant to be together.”

“You think so?” Tara asked, smiling at me. Her eyes were so full of emotion.

“I know so,” Mom said. “I’ve always known it. A love like that isn’t something that just fades away with time. I knew it then, and I know it now. Oh my gosh! I’m so happy for you both!”

“I just hope Darren feels the same way,” I said, shaking my head and laughing.

“Oh, who cares?” Mom said. Tara laughed as my mom pulled her in for a hug.

EPILOGUE - TARA

I stared at myself in the mirror, taking in the sight of my white dress and long veil. My hair was shorter than it had ever been. I lost it during the first couple rounds of chemo, and now, a year later, it had finally grown back in. It didn’t quite reach my shoulders, but with the veil in place, you could barely tell. I’d been nervous about this day for a long time. When I was so sick I couldn’t leave the hospital, I thought it would never happen.

I still couldn’t believe I was about to walk down the aisle and marry Caleb. My cancer was still refusing to give way, but things were starting to change for the better. My last scan showed less activity, and Dr. Young was hopeful that, after two more rounds, I would be in the clear.

It hadn’t been an easy road. The last year of my life was both the happiest and the hardest. I was sick more often than not, but Caleb never left my side. He even took a leave of absence from the station to be there for me. I knew it wasn’t easy for him. He loved his job, but he did it. I knew that more than anything, was what finally convinced my dad to give him a real chance.

“You about ready?” Cathy asked from the doorway.

I turned to face her with a smile on my face. Her eyes instantly filled with tears as she took in the sight of me in my dress.

“You’re gorgeous,” she said. She ran over to kiss my cheek. She adjusted my veil and then wiped her eyes frantically. “Let’s go before I dissolve into a puddle of tears.”

I laughed and followed her into the hallway. Stephanie was already waiting for me with my bouquet. She grinned at me and handed over my flowers. The ceremony was about to start, and we all had to get in place.

Cathy waved and disappeared through the double doors. I stood back with Stephanie, my heart racing in my chest. I was ready for this moment and I had been for months. The second Caleb proposed, I knew my answer would always be yes. He was the love my life. That would never change.

“Okay kiddo,” my dad said, walking up behind me. “It’s show time.”

The music began to play inside the church, and I felt my stomach clench. Stephanie stepped out in front of the doors and waited for her cue while my father and I lined up behind her.

“How are you feeling?” he asked softly. “Any weakness?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I feel amazing.”

He smiled and kissed my cheek. His eyes were full of tears as he turned to face me.

“Watching you go through chemo has been so hard,” he said. “I’ve never been so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” I said, my voice weak.

“And the way Caleb took care of you.” He paused. “I can’t imagine a better man for you. He was everything you needed. I know now that I was wrong about him and about your relationship. He’s perfect for you.”

“I know,” I said. Dad smiled and kissed my cheek again. The music was slowly approaching our cue so we took a couple steps forward and waited.

I wrapped my hand around my dad’s arm and felt butterflies rise in my stomach. When it was time to walk, I felt like I was floating. My head felt light, and my feet barely touched the ground.