Chapter 24
The kitchen had fallen eerily silent, but Benjamin couldn’t take his eyes off of Summer. He needed her to know that no matter what his family said, no matter how they reacted, it wasn’t going to change his mind. That had been locked since the moment he said, I do.
“Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever heard this family this quiet.” Joseph’s joke broke the silence, and then everyone was talking at once.
Summer’s eyes widened, and Benjamin caught her hand, fearing suddenly that if he didn’t anchor her in place, she would flee.
“You’re kidding, right?” A coherent voice finally broke through the chaos. “This is one of your crazy pranks.”
Benjamin glared at Joseph. He knew the comment was meant as a joke, but Summer didn’t.
“I’m not kidding,” he said quietly.
“But y’all are so young,” Joseph protested.
“Carly and I were younger than they are when we got married,” the usually quiet Zeb spoke up. Benjamin sent him a grateful look. He’d always known Zeb was his favorite sibling.
“You and Carly were dating from the time you were babies,” Simeon pointed out.
“Why so suddenly?” Lydia looked hurt, and Benjamin’s heart gave a pang. He may have only met his oldest sibling two years ago, but they had become close almost immediately.
He toed the tiles. “I’m sorry we didn’t invite y’all. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing.” At least here his reputation as the young and impulsive one should serve him well. He thought about adding an explanation about Max’s guardianship and Stacy and why it had been an emergency, but he didn’t want to get into that with Max standing right here. Besides, it didn’t matter how he and Summer had come to be married. It only mattered that they were.
“You two are so sneaky.” Ireland waved a finger at them that baby Caroline tried to catch. “I didn’t even know you were back together. I thought—”
Benjamin sent her a look, and she broke off. “Congratulations!” She launched herself forward and hugged first Benjamin and then Summer.
The rest of his siblings followed, some looking stunned, some pleased, some uncertain.
Dad hung back, and Benjamin watched him anxiously. He was sure at least some of his siblings suspected the motive for their quick marriage—but dad knew. And had advised against it.
Finally he approached, smiling softly, though Benjamin could see the worry in his eyes. He turned to Summer first. “Welcome to the family. I hope you know what you’ve gotten yourself into.” The words were lighthearted, sparking a sprinkle of laughter, yet underneath them, Benjamin could hear his admonition from their last conversation—that marriage was a promise before God.
Dad turned to Benjamin with a solemn look and shook his hand. “Congratulations, son. I trust that you’ll be a good husband. And father.”
“Yes, sir.” Benjamin swallowed sharply. He had exactly zero idea how to do that. But he trusted he would figure it out.
“Not to be that guy,” Joseph called. “But do you think we can eat that cake now? I’m starved.”
“All right. Let’s have a prayer first,” Dad replied.
Across the room, every head bowed, and Benjamin kept his hand wrapped around Summer’s. Max, who had been playing peek-a-boo with baby Genevieve stopped and folded his hands. Benjamin grinned at the boy, then closed his eyes as Dad began to pray. “Lord God, you have made man for woman and woman for man. Bless Summer and Benjamin in their marriage. Lead them to support and love and cherish one another all of their days. Help them, Lord, to build each other up and encourage one another in your love. Be at the center of their marriage always, and guide them to serve you together day by day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”
“Amen,” the others all murmured, and then there was a surge toward the island. Benjamin cut the cake, and Summer passed out the pieces, and his heart soared with renewed hope. They made a good team. Handing out cake. Leading princess parties. And now, as husband and wife.
Summer’s cheeks had taken on a soft pink glow, and she was even smiling a little as her eyes swept over the commotion in the room.
“Did we get everyone?” he asked.
“I think so.” Summer handed him a plate and took one for herself. “Wait. Where’s your dad?”
Benjamin scanned the room, but there was no sign of Dad. His stomach dropped. Dad rarely left in the middle of a family gathering—unless something was wrong.
“I should go find him,” he said quietly. “Will you be okay in here by yourself?”
“I don’t think I’ll exactly be by myself.” Summer nodded toward the full room. “But, yes, I’ll be okay.”
Benjamin gave her arm a quick squeeze—resisting the urge to brush a kiss over her temple too—and ducked out of the room. In the hallway, he took a few deep breaths, then edged toward Dad’s office, his stomach knotting the same way it had when he was ten and Mama had sent him to tell his father that she had caught him saying a bad word.
Dad didn’t get angry.
He got disappointed.
Which was so much worse.
And Benjamin could only imagine how disappointed he must be right now. Benjamin had deliberately disregarded Dad’s wishes.
The office door was open, and Dad must have heard Benjamin coming because he called, “Come in, son,” even though his back was to the door as he faced the window that looked out over the river.
“Dad.” Benjamin didn’t know what else to say.
Dad turned toward him. “Sorry. I just needed a minute.”
Benjamin swallowed. “I know you’re upset. But Summer found out that Max’s mom is going to challenge her guardianship. And Don thought Summer might lose. And I know TJ wouldn’t want that.” The words came out in a tumbling rush. He had to make Dad understand. “I thought about calling you, but I knew you would try to talk us out of it.” He dared to look up and meet Dad’s eyes. “And I really think it was the right thing to do.”
Dad didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he shook his head and crossed the room, planting a hand on Benjamin’s shoulder. “I’m not upset. Or disappointed,” he added, as if he realized that was what Benjamin feared most. “I only hope you understand how serious your marriage vows are.”
“I told you—” Benjamin’s voice was firm. “It’s not a vow I intend to break.”
“And Summer?” Dad asked quietly. “She plans to keep her vows too?”
“Of course.” Benjamin brushed off the trace of doubt the question raised deep down in his gut. Just because Summer wasn’t in love with him didn’t mean she hadn’t been sincere in her vows. “Come on. You have to try the cake.”
As he led Dad to the kitchen, Benjamin solidified his resolve to make his wife fall in love with him.
Now all he had to do was figure out how.