ON MY SON’S WEDDING MORNING, OUR FAMILY DRIVER PUSHED ME INTO THE TRUNK AND THREW A BLANKET OVER …
I addressed the male officer quietly.
“There’s also a man named Randall Turner. He’s been threatening Mr. Collins and his daughter.”
The officer nodded.
“Already handled. We have Mr. Turner in custody outside. He attempted to enter the premises.”
“He’s being held on charges of harassment and illegal threats.”
Brett’s relief was profound.
“Zoe safe?”
“Yes, sir. You and your daughter are completely safe.”
Natasha was led down the aisle, white dress trailing behind her, handcuffs reflecting stained glass light.
She looked back at Blake one final time, desperate.
Blake stared ahead, jaw clenched.
Natasha whispered, voice breaking.
“Blake, please.”
Blake turned his head, looked directly at her.
His voice came out flat.
Dead.
“Don’t.”
That single word carried more finality than anything else said.
The officers guided Natasha through the doors.
They closed with a heavy thud.
Silence fell over hundreds of guests.
Not a whisper.
Not a movement.
Blake stood at the altar in his wedding suit, staring at nothing.
Walter rose slowly.
“Margot, what happens now?”
I looked at my son, frozen where he was supposed to have been married.
“Now,” I said quietly, “we help him heal.”
But as I looked at Blake’s hollow expression, I realized the hardest part hadn’t ended.
It was only beginning.
The cathedral began to empty.
Slowly.
Quietly.
Guests left, some whispering, some silent.
But Blake didn’t move.
He sat in the front pew, still in his wedding suit, head in his hands.
A few guests stopped briefly, touching his shoulder, murmuring, “I’m so sorry.”
Walter paused.
“Margot, if you need anything…”
I nodded gratefully.
He left.
Tyler approached Blake.
“Man, I’ll be right outside. Take your time.”
He glanced at me, nodded, stepped away.
I sat beside my son in the same pew where I’d sat at my own wedding.
I said nothing at first.
Silence stretched between us.
Blake’s voice came out rough.
“How long have you known?”
I answered honestly.
“Since this morning. Frederick discovered it weeks ago, but confirmed everything today.”
Blake looked up, eyes red.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Why wait until I was at the altar?”
I held his gaze.
“Because you wouldn’t have believed me, Blake.”
“If I’d told you yesterday, you’d think I was paranoid, overprotective. You would have defended her.”
Blake laughed bitterly.
“You’re right. I would have. I would have chosen her over you.”
Pause.
“God, I’m such a fool.”
I spoke firmly.
