LUKE
Six years ago
I knocked on the door twice before I entered my father’s room.
“Dad?” It was his wedding day, and the ceremony was about to start. The guests had gathered in the hall.
I had to admit, I hadn’t seen him so happy in years—not since my mother passed away. I opposed the wedding at first, but I eventually understood him. I didn’t want him to marry again because I didn’t want a stranger in the family. But Gene was different than any woman Dad had dated before. She cared.
I found Dad in front of the mirror, fixing his tie. “Hey, son. Come here.”
“What are you doing here? Where’s Gene?”
“You didn’t see her?” He frowned. “She stepped out to look for you.”
I scratched my temple. “Why?”
“Darling!” Gene suddenly appeared behind me, her voice soft and high-pitched. I moved o
