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… I

her, but the words caught in his throat.

the DNA test five years ago, Cherise had been his daughter in his heart. But somewhere, there was still a

he declared, stepping forward and pulling Cherise into

escape. That meant she had never considered his feelings or

Despite the reconciliation years ago, the unfair treatment from Beckham

not cry tears of joy with

as Serafina stomped over, grabbing Cherise’s sleeve

wants to do your hair! Pretty braids,

voice bubbling with excitement, “Look at my

giggled, swinging her hair. “Grandpa said he never braided your hair when you were little. Do you think he could do it now? He’s really good at

smile tugging at her lips. After a moment, a warm feeling spread through

been ages since anyone touched my hair. If you’re

with nervous energy.

can do. You’ve never braided my

a comb. He warned Beckham, “Hey, Grandpa. Sera and I only have one Mommy, so don’t mess it up too badly. Otherwise, we might have to find a

needs a beauty makeover just

head at the two chatterboxes. “You two wouldn’t stop talking for a second, would

she teased, her voice dripped with love and appreciation.

Why cry on

smile, she let Serafina pull her down to the