Surprise Guest
My hands are clammy and tight as I rehearse my speech to Ellin. He is always busy investigating sex traffickers and hates being the third wheel when I’m in a relationship. He prefers to let me live freely without his opinions or judgments on partners. Since we talk telepathically, I haven’t seen him in 50 years. Ellin has always protected me longer than most fathers protect their daughters. I managed to say my truest words to Ellin a week before my wedding without speaking:
“Ellin, I would love for you to walk with me. You’ve always been my protector. I know you will always take care of and support me in this marriage. Are you okay with being the father of the bride?…”
Ellin responds with warmth and surprise, with his mind full of love,
Tara, I would walk with you over a cliff if you asked. I love you like a sister and daughter. Tell me when and I’ll be there.
I smile, looking at the mirror in the home I share with Jason, with ease of spirit and gratitude. The love I have in my heart is limitless. I am marrying the love of my life and sharing this celebration with my family.
One week later, I’m finishing my makeup on my wedding day in my bedroom and realize that Ellin is missing. We have not spoken since he agreed to walk with me. I am worried. I attempt to speak with Ellin telepathically. No answer. “Where is he? He always keeps his word. If Ellin promises something, it happens. His energy is near, but I receive no response when I call him in my mind.
“I can’t believe Ellin would ditch me on my wedding day…he might’ve gotten caught up in a case. A simple heads up would suffice. Now, I have to walk alone; it is too late to find someone new”.
Jada and David walk in with confused expressions, no one can contact Ellin.
“I have to walk alone, unless you want to walk with me, David…”
“Nope, I’d be a liar walking with you when I’ve never been a father or brother to you. Besides, I prefer being a DJ and MC today; it’s more fun.”
I chuckle lightly while Jada shakes her head at David. We all agree to stop waiting for Ellin. If Ellin is not answering any of us, he must be tied up in something huge; we should leave him be. I hope he’ll show up later to congratulate me.
An hour passes, and I stand to take one last look in the full-length mirror before becoming Mrs. Jason Reeves. For a moment, I remember the day I left with Kevin. The love I feel for Jason is the same; I am looking forward to spending the next four decades with my soulmate.
As I begin to walk to the altar on a mountaintop, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, I see Jason. He is beautiful and in tears. He is in disbelief; he did not expect to find anyone in this lifetime. Tara never had to read Jason’s mind; his eyes always told the truth.
I feel tears streaming down my face as i’m slowing walking to the “Bridal Chorus.” As I’m halfway to the altar, I feel a hand touch my right hand.
At first, I see nothing beside me except a breeze moving through my veil. Suddenly, fingers are visible around my hand, warm and familiar. The closer I move towards Jason, I feel and see the hand holding mine, and feel a smile of pride from the energy. I look closer at the brown hand, look up to see an astral projection of my father, smiling down on me with love in his eyes. I’ve never seen him prouder.
Before I ask the obvious question, he responds telepathically, ”I’m sorry. I wanted to surprise you, so I asked Ellin to keep this secret.”
After Dad’s response, I see Ellin hiding behind Jason, invisible, laughing, and smiling. He gives me a wink before sitting in an empty seat in the back, still invisible, but happy to be there.
Dad, who is invisible to everyone but Tara, continues, “I made it, just in time. I had to walk you down the aisle to meet your husband. You both belong together. I’m grateful to share this day with you and Jason.”
Dad disappears once Jason takes my hand and helps me to the altar.