Always Have (Always 1) - Page 89

He takes my hand. “Kylie, you look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I say, and swallow hard to keep from tearing up again. He’s dressed in a gray suit with a silver tie. “You look great, too.” Even seated in his chair, he looks so handsome.

The photographer takes a few pictures of the two of us. I notice Ellen lingering near the entrance to the banquet room where our guests are waiting. She looks at her watch repeatedly.

Fuck, where is he?

I turn to Selene. “Has he texted yet?”

“Crap,” she says. “I left my phone in the other room.”

“Who are you looking for?” Dad asks.

“Braxton,” I say. “He’s not here yet.”

Dad shakes his head. “Oh, no, he—”

“Did someone order a groom?”

I turn to find Braxton walking toward us, a sly smile on his face.

I almost drop my flowers. He looks exquisite in a slate gray suit and silver tie, his stubble trimmed perfectly. I don’t think the day will ever come when that man doesn’t take my breath away. He’s gorgeous.

His eyes come to rest on me, and he stops in his tracks, putting a hand to his chest. “Holy shit, Kylie. You’re stunning.”

“Brax,” Selene says with a laugh, “you’re not supposed to see her yet. It’s the rules.”

“I don’t like rules,” he says. He comes toward me, his eyes never leaving mine, and leans down to kiss me lightly on the lips.

“You’re late,” I say.

“I know.” He kisses my nose.

I laugh. “You need to get in there. Our wedding is about to start.”

He glances at my dad. “Actually,” he says, “there’s a slight change of plans.”

“What do you mean?”

“Are we ready?” Ellen asks, her voice bright. “Come on, over here, everyone.” She ushers us toward the double doors that lead to the banquet room, and gestures for Selene to stand in front.

“Wait, we can’t start yet,” I say. “Braxton, you’re supposed to be in there. We rehearsed this.”

Ellen opens the doors and Selene walks in.

Braxton produces a silver cane and hands it to my dad. “Like I said, change of plans. You ready for this, Mr. Winters?”

My dad takes the cane and plants it on the floor. Braxton takes his arm and helps him stand.

My mouth drops open. “Dad.”

“Are you steady?” Braxton asks.

My dad straightens his back, standing tall. My eyes fill with tears. I haven’t seen my dad stand in over a year.

“Dad, how did you do that?”

He smiles. “I’ve been working with Braxton on my strength. I wanted to be able to walk my little girl down the aisle.” He holds his arm out for me.