The Family She Needs

get away. Jonty, dressed in his Sunday best, stood with an excited Mickey.

This was what life was all about—what she’d been searching for most of her life. Warmth and happiness.

‘I’m sorry your parents couldn’t be here.’ Logan spoke quietly to Karina as they waited for Becca to start the proceedings.

So am I.

‘Don’t be. It’s their loss, not ours.’ Karina refused to let her mum and dad hurt her again, especially today of all days.

She had Adele and Mark now. They made her feel welcome and loved, with no pressure about how she did things—including raising their grandson—with the kind of family love she wanted and revelled in. But it was only a drop in the bucket of love she received from Logan every minute of every day.

She glanced down at the simple cream silk dress she wore and knew nothing but happiness. It was a beautiful outfit. One she’d wear again and again when she and Logan went out for an intimate meal. Her life had been turned around.

Becca approached with a huge I-told-you-so smile. ‘Ready?’

Karina laughed. ‘I’ve been ready for weeks.’

‘Then let’s do it.’ Logan took her free hand and locked those beautiful grey eyes on her.

Becca turned to face their guests. ‘I know the marriage celebrant isn’t supposed to cry, but this is my first wedding, and Karina is my best friend, so you’ll have to put up with a few tears as we go through the ceremony.’

Jonty grumped, ‘Get on with it, girl. Lunch is spoiling.’

Karina’s heart squeezed. Here it was. The moment she joined her life with the best man ever. A man who’d always look out for her and Mickey, who wouldn’t deliberately break her heart or trash her love. A man she’d give her life for, who would share raising Mickey, would cherish for ever.

In one hand she gripped Logan’s fingers tightly. In the other she held a bunch of the first of the season’s daffodils, grown and picked for her by Jonty. The spring flowers spoke of new beginnings and brighter days to come.

Leaning close to Logan, she whispered, ‘I love you.’

‘I know,’ he whispered back, with a cheeky glint in those eyes she adored.

Eyes that expressed so much of who Logan was. She’d seen pain and fear in them, anger and stubbornness. She’d also read love and wonder and care and concern for her and for Mickey. Those eyes had led her to this moment.

‘Becca, we’re ready,’ she said around a big smile. She was done waiting. ‘Do it.’

She mightn’t be concerned about lunch, but she sure was bursting to become Karina Pascale.

Mickey stood beside Becca, his cute little face so serious it must be hurting him.

‘I’ve got the ring in my pocket, Uncle Logan.’

Maria, you’d be so proud of your wee man. He looks gorgeous. He’s growing up fast, and he’s absolutely devoted to Logan. I wish you could see him right this minute, standing proud and tall for us.

Tears ran down Karina’s cheeks. ‘And we haven’t even started!’

Becca took the hint, cleared her throat and began.

‘Love. That’s what brought Karina and Logan together. First their love for Mickey, then their love for each other.’ She swallowed hard. ‘The day Karina said she had to get home to her men I knew she was a goner.’

The room was quiet, as though the few guests were holding their breath for fear of missing a single word.

‘These three people have a very special relationship. Today I’m marrying Karina, Logan and Mickey. They will look out for each other in the good times and the bad times; they’ll always be there for each other. Their love will conquer everything as it’s already shown us.’

Becca turned to Karina, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.

‘Karina Brown, will you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?’

Her throat ached, her eyes moistened as she looked into Logan’s eyes, but her voice came through loud and clear. ‘Yes, I will.’

‘Logan Pascale, will you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, and look after her every minute for the rest of your life?’

Karina grinned. Her friend was nailing him. She winked at her man.

His fingers squeezed hers. ‘Yes, to both questions.’

‘Mickey, can you pass Uncle Logan the ring please?’

Mickey solemnly placed the ring in Logan’s hand.

Karina’s hand shook as Logan slid the band of gold on to her finger.

‘I love you, Karina, more than life itself.’

Becca nodded. ‘I declare you married. Logan, feel free to kiss your wife.’

‘Like I need telling twice.’ He leaned close. ‘Love you, Mrs Pascale.’

Then his mouth claimed hers amidst cheers from their family and friends, who were raising glasses of champagne in their direction.

Of course Mr Grumpy had the last word.

‘Now we can eat.’

* * * * *