Chapter 9 - The Wedding No One Could Stop
The wedding was held on a summer evening near the harbor.
No secret contracts.
No lawyers.
No enemies.
No security walls.
Just family.
Tavlin walked down the aisle wearing a simple white dress.
Mercer stood at the front.
His eyes filled the moment he saw her.
Julian whispered:
“Don't cry.”
Mercer smiled.
“I am definitely crying.”
“You're a billionaire.”
“I don't care.”
Lennox carried the rings.
He wore a tiny suit.
Halfway down the aisle he sat.
Everyone laughed.
Tavlin laughed too.
Mercer walked over.
“You forgot something.”
Lennox held up a ring.
“Dada.”
Mercer took it.
“Thank you.”
The ceremony continued.
When they exchanged vows, Mercer spoke first.
“I spent eighteen months angry because I thought you betrayed me.”
He looked at Tavlin.
“The truth is, I betrayed you first. I chose fear over trust.”
Tavlin's eyes filled.
“You don't have to say—”
“I do.”
He continued.
“I cannot change those eighteen months.”
“But I can spend the rest of my life making sure you never wonder whether I believe you again.”
She smiled through tears.
“I don't need a perfect husband.”
“I know.”
“I need an honest one.”
“You have my word.”
Then Tavlin spoke.
“I spent eighteen months telling myself I didn't need you.”
Mercer smiled faintly.
“You were convincing.”
She laughed.
“But I did.”
She looked toward Lennox.
“And so did he.”
Mercer reached for her hand.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
They kissed.
Lennox shouted:
“Dada!”
Everyone laughed.
Later that night, Mercer stood outside alone.
Julian joined him.
“You happy?”
Mercer looked toward the reception.
“Tremendously.”
“You deserve it.”
Mercer looked at his brother.
“So do you.”
Julian smiled.
“Maybe one day.”
“You will.”
Julian nodded.
Then Mercer noticed someone standing across the lawn.
Evelyn.
She had been released under supervision.
She looked older.
Smaller.
She watched him.
Mercer walked over.
“Why are you here?”
“I wanted to see you married.”
“You nearly destroyed this.”
“I know.”
He waited.
She whispered:
“I am sorry.”
Mercer studied her.
“I believe you.”
Her eyes filled.
“Can you forgive me?”
He looked toward Tavlin.
Then Lennox.
“I can.”
She cried.
“But I won't forget.”
“I don't expect you to.”
May you like
They hugged.
For the first time in years, the Holay family had no secrets left between them.
