Marrying the Man in the Dark

“I used to wear my heart like a banner, pride myself on how deeply I felt. But you

know what? Ali that emotion was like wearing rose–colored glasses, blinding me to my own daughter…”

He looked at Damien, his face bare with remorse. “Thank you for helping me realize the harm I caused.”

This man, who appeared to be in his fifties, spoke with such sincerity that Damien couldn’t help but smile. “Cherry would be thrilled if she knew you felt this way,” he said. “When she found out about last night, she was terrified you would be hurt. We’re only here because she was afraid you would be upset and wanted to brighten your day. She truly sees you as family, and if you could see her the same way… well, I genuinely believe it would mean the world to her.”

Beckham nodded eagerly. “I couldn’t sleep a wink last night. I spent the whole time reflecting on the past five years. The truth is, I failed as Cherry’s father. I showered Gwenn with love and devoted everything to her, and what did I get? Lies and betrayal. Maybe, right from the beginning, I shouldn’t have… shouldn’t have pretended Gwenn was mine.”

He stood before Damien, his shoulders slumped. “Yes, it’s all my fault. Every bit of it.”

“Dad, it’s not your fault,”

Beckham’s voice trailed off, replaced by a clear, choked–up female voice. Both men in the kitchen spun around, their eyes landing on Cherise.

She stood behind Beckham, tears shimmering as she addressed the older man.

“Dad, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault. You were just trying to do the right thing, to continue caring for Gwenn after I returned. You weren’t wrong about that. And just like me… I could never just replace you with Uncle Elvis. We share blood, but we’ve been apart for so long. I know it’s difficult. But it’s not your fault.”

Sniffling, Cherise wiped her tears away. “But hearing you blame yourself like this, it hurts. I’ve always wanted to be closer to you, Dad. But you always seem so distant…”

Cherise sniffled, her eyes watery but her smile brave. “Are you finally ready to accept me, your farm–raised daughter?”

prick his own eyes. “I…

he never rejected her, but the words caught in his

years ago, Cherise had been his daughter in his heart. But somewhere, there

pulling Cherise into a loose hug, “you’re my

Gwenn, she knew what mattered to him, yet she still helped Raymond escape. That meant she had never considered

years ago, the

cry tears of joy with the

Serafina stomped over, grabbing

wants to do your hair! Pretty braids, just like mine!”

bubbling with

he never braided your hair when you were

at Serafina, then met Beckham’s gaze, a hesitant smile tugging at her lips. After a moment, a

since anyone touched my hair. If you’re up for it,

beamed, his hands buzzing with nervous

can do.

Grandpa. Sera and I only have one Mommy, so don’t mess it up too badly. Otherwise,

a beauty makeover

chuckled, shaking her head at the two chatterboxes. “You

her voice dripped with love and appreciation. She understood their attempt to lighten the

Why cry on

smile, she let Serafina pull her down