Back in Stone River, the days before the wedding flew by with last minute details, floral appointments, and the rehearsal dinner. Becca didn't see much of Zack, but Elliot found numerous excuses to join her as she raced about town and dealt with the chaos.
Elliot stayed at a hotel, but every day he appeared at Kaity's door to help Becca with Eli. She had to give him credit. Elliot showed a newfound patience with their son that she hadn't witnessed before. Not since Eli's babyhood when their son's lack of speech hadn't been a known issue.
Sleepless nights turned into even longer days as Becca saw the old Elliot. The man she'd fallen in love with, the man who'd been so proud introducing their son to friends and coworkers.
But had Elliot truly had a change of heart? How could she be sure? The last thing she wanted to do was give into the moment because of the pressure she felt from her mother to reconcile only to wake up and realize nothing had changed.
Becca glared down at the mass of ribbon and tulle she'd gathered for Kaity's bow bouquet from all the gifts given to her at the bridal shower this afternoon. At least seventy-five women had attended the shower, most of whom made it clear they would welcome advances from Zack. Instead of keeping a list of gifts and gift-givers, she'd found herself distracted by Zack's presence as he circled the patio to take photos at various angles, and every female turned to smile at him as he walked by.
"You're deep in thought," her father murmured from behind her.
She'd escaped the noise and chatter of the patio for the quiet peace of the den, more than eager to leave behind the sight of Zack surrounded by females. "Just trying to focus on all that needs done."
George slowly joined her and Becca felt the intensity of his gaze searching her face.
"I thought showers were supposed be refreshing."
She slanted a wry look at her father. "Funny, Daddy. What are you trying to say?"
"You look tired, sweetheart."
"It's not easy throwing together a wedding in such a short amount of time. I'm fine, though."
"Are you?" George shoved his hands into the pockets of his suit pants. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Elliot's return would it?"
"Some."
"Becca, I know your mother has made it clear she thinks you and Elliot should try again, but is that what you want?"
She blinked at her father, taken aback by the fact he seemed genuinely torn by the thought. "I thought you and Mama loved Elliot."
"We love you, Becca."
"He's Eli's father."
"He is. But he's also a man who's been unfaithful to you."
"I know. I can't stand the thought of it. It hurts so much and I feel... For a long time I felt inferior but I know that it was his issue and not mine. Elliot seems to be trying really hard, though. He seems remorseful and regretful of all the things he did."
"And you believe him?"
She closed her eyes, frustrated by the bit of ribbon unwilling to do what she wanted it to. "I don't know. I'm not sure what to think."
Her father moved closer and placed his hand on her shoulder, gently but firmly turning her so that she faced him.
"Forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean remarrying, Rebecca. Not if that isn't what you want."
Once more she was left nearly speechless by her father's words. He very much believed in the longevity of marriage and honoring the vows taken at the altar. Was he really suggesting... "You once told me you and Elliot were cut from the same cloth."
George winced at the reminder and drew her to over to a chair, urging her to sit down.
"Daddy, I have things I have to do. I should get back to the shower."
"This won't take long. Sit."
She frowned at the order but did as she was told. Her father seated himself on the edge of the adjacent chair and leaned toward her.
"Do you love him?"
"I... loved the man I thought he was."
"I'm not asking if you love Elliot."
Becca silently thanked her father for forcing her to sit given how weak-kneed his words left her. "P-pardon?"
Her father tilted his elegantly grayed head to one side, a hint of a smile curling one corner of his mouth. "Zack isn't the man he used to be, either."
She couldn't hide her surprise that her father would say such a thing. When had her father changed his mind about Zack? What had changed his mind? "No... he isn't."
"So the question remains... Who do you love? Who do you want to be with?"
"Daddy, it's not that simple. You know it's not." Nothing could be that simple. She'd built a life with Elliot. Built a home. She had to consider Eli, too. Children needed their fathers in their lives. Didn't they?
Elliot had given up his parental rights and, yes, that was lousy and horrible of him. But Elliot now said it was all a mistake, that he regretted everything. He'd apologized repeatedly, was doing his best to win her back. And her first priority was to do what was best for Eli. That was her duty and responsibility as a mother.
Her father patted her hand with one of his.
"I believe that's the kicker, sweetheart. Love is meant to be easy. We're the ones who make it complicated."
"Becca?" someone called. One of Kaity's work friends stuck her head inside the den and smiled at them. "Sorry to interrupt but Kaity needs you."
"I'll be right there," Becca called, eager for the distraction. She removed her hand from beneath her father's grip. "Zack has taken himself out of the picture. Even if my feelings for him were stronger than what I shared with Elliot, it doesn't matter because Zack walked away. He's made his feelings clear."
"Ahhh, sweetheart. You're going to make me into a maudlin romantic, aren't you?"
"I'm sorry?"
Her father stood when she did and stared down at her with a bittersweet expression.
"True love means putting the other person's happiness above their own--even if it means letting them go. Think about that when you consider your options, sweetheart."
Her father's words stayed with her the rest of the afternoon and the following days, all the way up to the evening of the rehearsal dinner when Zack appeared right on time to photograph the events. Zack had left the shower during the time she'd spent in the den, but during the rehearsal whenever she tried to talk to him, Zack either moved away or else Elliot appeared.
Finally dinner was over and Elliot drove Becca and Eli back to Kaity's condo. Elliot rode up the elevator with them and walked them to the door.
"Tomorrow's going to be another busy day," she said needlessly, feeling the urge to babble because she was so aware of Zack's door just down the hallway. Was he home? Like at the shower, Zack had taken the requisite photos and then disappeared, leaving the family to finish the celebration.
Was her father right in what he said about loving someone so much you let them go? Put their happiness before your own? Is that what Zack was doing? She wanted to ask him, talk to him, but it seemed he didn't want to be anywhere near her.
"I'd like to talk to you, Becca. Alone."
"Eli, go on in and brush your teeth," she said. "I'll be in to tuck you in soon."
Eli was so tired he shuffled his way into the apartment without hesitation or even a backward glance at his father.
"Have you given any thought to what I asked?"
"Some."
"And?"
"Elliot, I need more time."
"How much time? I'd like to announce our reconciliation after the wedding. That way it's truly a celebration."
She blinked at him, astounded by his selfishness. "Absolutely not. It's Kaity and David's day."
"They wouldn't mind. And I know your parents wouldn't mind. But," Elliot added, staring down at her and apparently recognizing the horrified look on her face. "I'll wait. If that's what you want."
"That would be best. Especially since I haven't agreed."
Elliot placed his hands on her upper arms and drew her close before he lowered his head.
"But you will. You know it's what everyone wants for us."
Becca tensed at his words and stiffened even more when Elliot brushed his lips across hers. He tried to deepen the kiss but she broke contact immediately, turning her head to the side. The elevator dinged and she tried to step back but Elliot's grip on her arms tightened just a tad, holding her in place.
Zack exited the elevator but paused when he spotted them. She could only imagine what he thought seeing them like that. "Z-zack..."
"Goodnight." Zack dipped his head in a nod, his long strides taking him to his door in two seconds flat.
"Goodnight," Elliot said. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go inside and tuck in our son."
What's got you so grumpy?"
Zack looked up from his breakfast plate at the Shake Shak and stared into his biological father's eyes. The last ten years since the truth of Frank Wyatt's paternity had come to light had been rocky. But with Emma's help Zack and Frank could now speak to each other without it turning into a shouting match, unlike earlier conversations. "Busy day ahead."
And after a long night tossing and turning because he couldn't get the image of Becca in her ex-husband's arms out of his head, nor could he erase the echo of the man's words. Today was going to be a long day.
"Ah. That Becca girl."
Zack glared at the man responsible for his existence and wondered if this conversation was going to resemble those of their first. He wouldn't mind letting off a little steam. "Coffee. To go."
Frank smirked and took his time pouring a large cup, taking still more time to locate and add a sleeve and lid.
"You know, if you want some advice—“
"I don't."
“—I say go for it. That girl—woman—she'd be getting a good thing."
Zack was in the process of standing up when Frank's words sank in. He paused, half up and half seated, unable to move because of the impact.
"I know I'm not responsible for you turning out the way you have. I know that's because of Ian and Duncan and the rest of his crew taking you under their wing. But I can see how much you've grown and changed. You're a good man. Any woman would be lucky to snag you, son."
Frank set the cup on the counter and waved off Zack's fumbling attempt to retrieve his wallet once he'd made it fully to his feet.
"On the house. You didn't eat much of it anyway."
Zack hesitated but then shoved the wallet back into his pants. "Thanks."
Zack grabbed the uneaten bacon off of his plate and carried it out of the diner. Moses waited expectantly in the SUV, licking his chops at the treat in Zack's hand.
It took only minutes to arrive at the downtown church where the ceremony would take place. Zack gripped the wheel and braced himself for the day.
Seeing Becca and her ex locked in an embrace the moment the elevator doors had opened last night had turned Zack's stomach. Had Becca invited her ex inside last night to talk? Had Elliot stayed the night? Zack hadn't allowed himself to stare out of the peephole of his apartment door to find out.
Zack parked near the rear entry of the large church and gathered his gear. Moses hopped out of the cab, tail wagging because he knew he was welcome to wait out the day on the minister's large couch.
He shut Moses in the office for a long snooze and headed out into the sanctuary to set up his equipment. He'd nearly finished when he heard voices coming from the front entry.
"Becca, how about I take Eli somewhere here and play with him until it's time," Elliot said. "You do your thing and we'll be out of the way."
"Are you sure?" Becca stared up at her ex, breathtakingly beautiful in a floor-length black gown.
"Of course I am. I wouldn't have offered to babysit if I wasn't willing."
Zack ground his teeth together, wanting to speak up and point out that it wasn't babysitting when it was your own kid. Watching over your child was a parental duty, a privilege, not babysitting.
Somehow he managed to keep his mouth shut. Elliot disappeared with his son and Becca went full-tilt wedding planner complete with a headset microphone to connect her to the videographer and others. Zack found himself pausing to watch her in amazement.
Becca was in her element. She stood in the back of the church and spoke into the headset, using her hands and arms to direct the others like a conductor guiding an orchestra.
Reeling himself in, Zack bent to retrieve his big camera bag to carry with him to the ladies' area for bridal preparation pictures. The bag was open, and when he lifted it, the file folder George Waites had given him in Nashville fell to the floor, the contents scattering.
Zack stared down at the mess, caught off guard by the sight of himself in the photos. But when he knelt to gather the scattered papers, he was more surprised by the fact he wasn't the only one featured in the file like he'd thought.
He shuffled through the pages and found photos of him and his family leaving this very church after service. Photos of him helping Emma out with her PAWS Class at the local university. Photos of him and Moses heading into and out of his apartment building alone.
But the photos of Elliot...
The images and investigative reports depicted a man with a secret side. There were images of Elliot kissing different women as they left what appeared to be his home given the man's lack of clothing. Pictures shot through what appeared to be his office window in which he was literally caught in the act. There was a copy of a DUI charge that had been "handled" according to the report. Page after page of information and evidence, all dated down to the day before Elliot's reappearance.
It wasn't until that moment that George Waites' words sank in. The man had apologized to Zack in Nashville. Owned up to believing the odds stacked against Zack and how he'd tried to protect his daughter.
How he only wanted the best for his daughter.
A chill rolled through Zack and he lifted his head, staring at the far end of the church and the cross high in the stained glass window. Had he not been so stubborn and looked at the file sooner instead of thinking the worst about George Waites...
You got me, didn't You?
Voices came from the entry and Zack realized some of the guests had actually started to arrive, no doubt hoping to get the best seats for what would be the most talked about wedding in town for quite some time.
He needed to get a move on. Needed to hurry to the brides' chambers.
Zack shoved the papers and file into his bag and zipped it closed. He had to talk to Becca but it would have to wait. He had a wedding to shoot first.