My fiancé, Julian, had only met Dad through a handful of glitchy video calls during the three years we lived in Europe. After we returned home before the wedding, Dad missed the rehearsal dinner because he came down with a fever.
Even so, he smiled during our phone call and said, “I’ll see him tomorrow, when I walk you to him.”
On the wedding day, I stood beside Dad at the church entrance. I could hear my gown rustling softly, smell fresh white roses everywhere, and feel the uneven rhythm of his breathing.
The music began.
Dad started walking.
Then suddenly stopped.