"The Husband I Never Knew I Had..."

"Truth..."

"You are old enough to make decisions on your own, son. Still, I would've wanted to be present on your wedding day. I would've liked it very much if you introduced this Adonis guy to me and Bubba before you ran away with him to get married."

My dad calmly explained his side, though I knew he was very upset with me.

"Daddy..."

"I'm not done Cas." I fell silent. "Why were you rushing things? Why the secrecy? Do you really love this person?" Out of the three questions, there was only one that I could answer truthfully.

"Yes Daddy. I really love him. So much, that it hurts." I looked into the eyes of Adonis who sat beside me, holding my hand. He smiled, touched by my words, and kissed my hand that he was holding.

My dad sighed on the other line. Clearly he was disappointed, but respected my decision.

"Alright, you have my blessing. You need to come home soon though, I want to be able to meet my son in-law before you decide to live somewhere else where neither Bubba nor I could reach you."

"I will Dad. I promise. I just need to settle some things here, then I'll bring Adonis home with me." Adonis started jumping around like a kid on Christmas eve.

"Good. I just called to wish you a happy birthday Cas. I love you son, and I miss you terribly. Now put my son in-law back, I have some things..."

"Oh Dad, the battery's running low, we're gonna get cut, I'll just call you again..." I pressed the end call button, and I saw Adonis frown at me.

"That wasn't very nice Cassie. Dad wanted to talk to me, didn't he?"

"I need to charge the phone. To take pictures tomorrow for my birthday party." I tried to wiggle my way out of an argument, when the scowl on his face deepened, I knew I had to try harder. "Then we leave... to go home to Dad after."

"For real? I get to meet your family?" He had that beaming smile again.

"Yes, husband dear. You get to meet my family." I chuckled.

"I'm going to be on my best behavior, I promise. I'll be the best son in-law they could ever have." He hugged me tightly.

"I'm sure you will be." I hugged him back.

He gently pried himself from my embrace to look me in the eyes.

"I love you." He whispered, and my heart skipped a beat.

"And I love you more." I kissed his right cheek lovingly.

I felt the tears prick my eyes. If only what we had... was true.