Revealing Kane

28 - Absurd Notion

John

What a fucking mess! I thought I was doing the right thing by including Allison's parents, but they've made a right mess of things. I can't believe they've upset Allison this way. And when she walks away, I want to die. I can't lose her, especially not like this.

Yasmin thankfully goes after Ally. I know she'll calm her down and bring her back. I just hope Ally doesn't change her mind.

The registrar looks confused and concerned, so I tell them to continue the paperwork. I hand over the necessary documents. Soon, all is in order, but the bride is still missing. I look to Simon, and he glances at his watch, knowing my dilemma. My Mum and Dad look deeply concerned. Allison's Dad looks like he wants to kill me, yet he is thankfully quiet. I hope he stays that way.

"Mr. Taylor. We need to move on if you're not ready-"

"The bride will be along any moment," Simon says determinedly, then squeezes my arm. "Let me check on her," he whispers and heads out the hall.

"John, are you all right, love?" my Mum asks, hovering at my side.

"I'll be fine once Allison comes back. I need her and love her," I tell Mum, but Mr. Kane steps forward.

"You're not marrying my daughter. You're far too old for her. I won't allow it," Mr. Kane blusters, and I see my Dad getting annoyed.

"Last I checked, Allison is an adult. She can make her own decisions," Dad says, and I gratefully smile at him.

"If she marries him, I'm done. She's not my daughter."

"You wouldn't," Mum sputters, stunned that Allison's father would take such a hard line.

I truly wish Ally would come back. I'm sure she can handle her Dad. Or will at least calm my nerves because her Dad looks fit to kill me.

I see Simon and Yasmin returning, but Allison isn't with them. Has she left the building? My nerves ratchet up further, but Simon gives me a look of assurance. He motions for me to keep calm and be patient, so I will for a bit longer.

"Mr. Taylor," the registrar starts, but I'm too busy looking down the hall.

Allison is striding towards us, and she looks angry but determined. Her mother hurries behind her. When Ally sees me, our eyes lock, and I understand our plans are not spoiled. She is not going to call off the wedding. Allison comes straight to me and reaches for my hand. Her eyes tell me everything. She's ready.

"We're here," I tell the registrar as we both turn to them.

"Great. Everything else is all set. Let's get you married," the registrar says.

"Absolutely not! I forbid you, Allison!" Mr. Kane blusters once more.

Allison looks up at me, and I can see her anger. She gives me a nod that says, 'I can handle him,' then drops my hand and turns to her father.

"Dad, I've had about enough of your bullshit today," she starts, making both her parents gasp. "John thought he was doing the right thing by including you today. It's supposed to be a happy day full of love and hope for the future. Because of your behavior, I say he was utterly wrong. You two don't seem to be able to simply love and support your daughter and the decisions she's made about her own life. I'm not your little girl anymore, and as far as I'm concerned, you can piss right off. I'm marrying John: period, end of sentence. You can like it, or you can lump it. There's the door. You don't have to stay if you don't want to."

My eyes tick about the room. My parents look surprised but proud. Simon and Yasmin look like they're trying not to laugh. The Kanes look put out. This could get even worse.