Every Wrong You Right: A Redeeming Love Novel (Book 6)

by Parker, J. E.

  “Ty,” I whispered, feeling a tear roll over my lips; first the top, then the bottom.

  “Yeah, baby?”

  “I love you, Casanova,” I said, holding his gaze. “Until my dying breath.”

  Placing a hand on each side of my shoulders, he hovered his chest over mine, making sure to keep his face visible. “I love you too, Angel,” he whispered. “Until my dying breath.”

  Epilogue

  Heidi

  Eighteen Months Later

  It was the day of my wedding.

  Sitting outside of Toluca Baptist Church, I tilted my head back, letting the setting sun shine on my face.

  With only five minutes left to go until the ceremony started, everyone—my bridesmaids included—were inside getting ready for the procession march.

  But me? I was spending a few minutes alone.

  The truth was, Ty and I had been engaged for a year and a half, but I still found it hard to believe that we were getting married.

  Though, all I had to do was take one look at my outfit for the day, and I’d convince myself real quick.

  Dressed in Mama’s gown and adorned in Grandmama’s heirloom jewelry, I had my hair pinned up in a loose up-do that Clara, Lord bless her, had spent hours perfecting.

  A gold headband, the same one I’d been wearing the night that Ty and I met, sat atop my head, and beneath my floor length dress I wore a pair of knee-high cowgirl boots that Shelby had gifted me.

  I felt like a princess.

  It was quite fitting considering my soon-to-be husband spent his every waking moment spoiling me rotten. It started when he bought me new hearing aids, and it had snowballed from there.

  From making sure that I saw the best doctors after my accident, to picking up extra shifts at First Defense so I could spend my first six months post-wreck in the best physical rehabilitation center in the state, he bent over backward to make sure I was taken care of.

  And as if those things weren’t enough, he’d built me my dream house, the one I’d been fantasizing about ever since I was a little girl.

  The best part? Not only was everything in it handicap accessible, but the lot he’d built it on was right next door to my sister, and down the street from the rest of my ladies, the Crazy Old Biddy included.

  Before Ty, my life hadn’t been easy.

  But since him, my life, as well as my heart, were nothing less than full.

  “Bug!” I smiled when I saw Ashley sauntering toward me, the soft blue dress she wore twirling around her knees. “It’s almost time.”

  Holding my bouquet in her hand, she did her best to appear happy, and to most people, I’m sure she seemed that way, but I knew the truth.

  That truth? She was dying on the inside.

  Ever since she pushed Chase away shortly after my accident, effectively cutting him out of her life, she’d been a different person.

  Ashley had always had issues, ones which were one-hundred percent understandable, but since breaking away from the only boy she’d ever loved, she wasn’t the same.

  The sparkle in her eyes was gone.

  And it absolutely killed me.

  But what could I do?

  The last time I’d try to push her toward Chase was the night of my accident. I’d only been trying to help her, to save her from herself, but I’d ended up pushing her away.

  And though she came right back when she found out I’d been hurt, the damage had been done. She blamed herself for what happened to me, even though she had no reason to.

  The only person responsible for what happened that night was Clyde Jacobs, may he burn in Hell.

  I’m not sure what it says about me, but the day after I woke up from the injury-induced coma I’d been in for over a week and found out he was gone, I cried in relief.

  The man had hurt Ty.

  And then he’d almost killed me.

  Death was almost too easy of an end for him.

  But it didn’t matter anymore.

  None of us ever talked about him or acknowledged his existence in any way. As far as we were all concerned, we’d never met anyone named Clyde.

  It would stay that way too.

  Coming to a standstill next to me, Ashley leaned down and straightened one of the white satin bows that Hope had decorated my wheelchair with. Between the clear rhinestones, the fancy bows, and the silk sash draped over the back handles, I was riding in luxury.

  I loved it.

  Tapping my shoulder, Ashley pointed behind me. “Here comes your escort.” The smile on her face almost melted my heart.

  Turning my head, I glanced over my shoulder to find Daddy headed our way.

  Dressed in a pair of nice jeans, button-down shirt, and clean boots, he looked completely different than normal, but the smile he wore was all him.

  “Hey, Daddy,” I said, tears filling my eyes. “It’s about time you got your butt over here. I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me.”

  He chuckled. “I could never forget about you, Doodlebug.”

  Bending at the waist, he gently kissed my forehead. “But I was tryin’ to come up with a dang plan to get rid of that groom of yours.”

  Ashley snorted, and I rolled my eyes.

  “Figured I could duct tape his hands behind his back, and throw him in the trunk of your sister’s Accord, but knowing that Troublemaker, he’d probably just chew through it and find his way to you anyway.”

  Faux exasperation crossed his face.

  “You sure you wanna marry him? It ain’t too late to back out. Duct tape may not work, but I’m sure the Crazy Old Biddy is packin’.”

  “You’re not shooting him, so stop it.”

  It was his turn to roll his eyes. “Fine, guess I’m stuck with the knucklehead then. God help me.”

  Inside, the music started to play.

  “Well,” Daddy said, blowing out a breath. “Think it’s best we head in now, else Grandmama will be out here threatening to tear my old butt up with her flyswatter.” He cut his eyes to Ashley. “Y’all know that ain’t a flyswatter, right? It’s a damn old-timey grill spatula.”

  “Daddy,” I said, hooking my thumb and pointing at the church doors. “Think you could roll me inside? Talking about Grandmama’s favorite torture device is fun and all, but I don’t want to be late to my own wedding.”

  Thinning his lips, he crossed his arms over his chest and glared at me through narrowed eyes. “I ain’t ready.”

  I blinked. “Are you getting married?”

  “No,” he said, huffing out a breath. “But my littlest girl is, and I ain’t ready.”

  “Daddy…”

  Kneeling down in front of me, he placed his big hands on my knees. “I need to say a few things, Heidi Lynn. It ain’t going to be easy for me, so I need you to give me a big ol’ break, yeah?”

  I nodded. “Okay.”

  Visibly swallowing, he pulled in a deep breath. “I loved your Mama”—he clenched his jaw tight—“Lord knows I did, but I didn’t know just how much I could love another human being until I held you and your sister in my arms for the first time.”

  My chin wobbled, though I stayed silent.

  “Carissa was always a Mama’s girl,” he said, his voice cracking. “But you’ve been mine since the moment you were born. When you were colicky as a baby, I was the only one who could get you to sleep, and only then by putting you to sleep on my bare chest.”

  His eyes filled with tears.

  My heart clenched in response.

  “When you started walking, you followed me everywhere.” He chuckled. “Your mama used to call you my shadow, and in a sense, that’s exactly what you were.”

  “You were my hero,” I said, blinking back tears. “You still are.”

  Patting my knee, he looked away before meeting my gaze once more. “I never disliked Ty for the reasons you think. It wasn’t because his daddy was a mean ol’ drunk, and it wasn’t because of the things he’d done as a kid either.”

  “Then w
hy?” I didn’t understand.

  A tear worked its way down his cheek.

  “Cause the first time I saw him looking at you, I knew…” He paused, his words momentarily trailing off. “I damn well knew that he was gonna be the one I lost you to.”

  He pointed at my engagement ring as if to prove a point. “I was right.”

  “I love him, Daddy,” I whispered, swallowing down the emotions that welled up in my throat. “With every fiber of my heart.”

  He nodded, his heartbreak evident. “I know you do, Heidi Lynn. And I know he loves you right back.” He gave me a pointed look. “Which is why I’ve let him live this long.”

  A giggle escaped my lips. “I’m glad you haven’t killed him, because I’d certainly like to keep him.”

  “I sure hope so, cause I doubt you could get rid of him if you tried.” He chuckled. “Ways back, you told me that I needed to accept you and him. You remember that?”

  “I do. It was when he called you on FaceTime.”

  “Well, Bug,” he said, giving my knees a small squeeze. “This is me lettin’ you know that I accept it.”

  He glanced over at Ashley. “Dimples, if you ever repeat the words you’re about to hear me say, I will deny it until the day I die.”

  Smiling, Ashley waved a dismissive hand in his direction, but she said nothing.

  Meeting my eyes once more, he took a deep breath. “You couldn’t have picked better,” he said, shocking me. “The boy may be dumber than a box of rocks at times, but I’m still proud to call him my son.”

  I opened my mouth to reply but quickly snapped it shut when Anthony stuck his head out the door. “Heidi, sweetheart,” he said, smirking. “If you don’t roll on in here within the next few seconds, my wife will be coming out here to get you.” He looked at Daddy. “Trust me, you don’t want that.”

  Ashley tossed her head back and laughed.

  Hard.

  “Come on, Bug,” she said, handing me my bouquet of daisies. “Let’s get you hitched.”

  Lifting the flowers to my nose, I watched as my best friend headed for the door her father had just disappeared back through. “Hey, Dimples.”

  Turning her head, she looked at me over her shoulder. “You’re the best friend I could’ve ever asked for,” I said, feeling the lump in my throat grow. “You know that, right?”

  Dipping her head, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear before looking back up. “I love you, Heidi Bug,” she said. “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  I shrugged. “You’ll never have to find out.”

  Blinking back tears, she wrapped a single arm around her belly and nodded toward the door. “Come on,” she continued. “It’s time for you to get married.”

  I didn’t need to be told twice.

  With Daddy’s help, I rolled inside.

  * * *

  I could feel Ty’s eyes on me.

  From the moment Daddy rolled me into view, he’d been watching me, his unwavering gaze glued to my blushing face.

  Nervous energy filled me as Ashley headed down the aisle, leaving me behind.

  “There’s still time to run,” Daddy whispered from behind me, his tone teasing. “The parking lot is on a downhill slope. The Troublemaker will never catch us.”

  I choked back a laugh. “Zip it.”

  “Thought I’d give it one last shot.”

  The music pouring through the church’s staticky speakers suddenly changed, and I took a deep breath. “That’s my cue.”

  He exhaled. “Let’s roll.”

  He’d only taken one step forward, pushing me along with him, when I held up my hand. “Daddy, stop.”

  “Heidi—”

  Without giving myself time to think about what I was doing, I leaned forward and engaged my wheel brakes. Then, I pushed my footrests out of the way and let my feet fall to the floor.

  Undoubtedly thinking something was wrong, Ty started toward me, something I knew he’d likely do. Putting the plan I’d spent the last six months fighting to achieve into action, I held up my hand and said, “Casanova, stop.”

  He stopped.

  “Heidi, what are you doing?”

  Ignoring Ty’s question, I looked over my shoulder. “Daddy, I need your help.”

  He looked down at my legs. “Heidi, Lord have mercy, what are you doin’?”

  Conjuring every bit of my inner strength, I said, “I’m getting ready to walk down the aisle.” I swallowed down my fear. “But to do that, I need your help.”

  Understanding dawned on him.

  Eyes filling with unshed tears, he moved.

  Standing next to my chair, he wrapped a strong arm around my back. “On the count of three, you will stand, Heidi Lynn,” he said, giving me the push I needed. “Do you hear me?”

  I nodded. “I will stand.”

  “Alright, Bug, one… two…three—”

  Daddy lifted me to my feet.

  I wobbled, fighting for balance.

  After a few seconds, I found it.

  My legs burned and needle-like pains shot through my feet, making me smile.

  I can feel…

  Standing at the end of the aisle, a look of shock mixed with pride etched on his face, Ty lifted his hand and crooked a finger. “Walk to me, Angel.”

  That’s precisely what I did.

  One tiny step at a time.

  Around me, I cataloged everyone’s shocked gasps, tear-fueled sobs, and words of encouragement, and used them as fuel to keep going, to keep moving.

  You can do this…

  Halfway down the aisle, I began to tire, but Ty wasn’t having it. “Keep coming, Heidi,” he said, his eyes filling with tears. “Fight for it, baby.”

  Once again, that’s what I did.

  I fought to keep moving.

  When only twenty feet separated me from the altar, Melody and Maci spilled into the aisle, their yellow dresses twirling all around them, and skipped over to stand by Ty.

  “Come on, Hi-e,” Melody said, taking Ty’s hand in hers.

  “Yeah,” Maci said next, wrapping her arm around his thigh. “Egg-o Bug. You do it!”

  Tears poured from my eyes as their little voices renewed my determination.

  I will walk to him.

  I will fight for every inch.

  “Ma-ma ook!” Maci squealed, pride gleaming in her eyes. “Bug is walk!”

  Not ones to be left out, Bella and Gracie darted free of the pews and raced to take their places next to the Cole girls.

  “You can do it, Heidi!” Bella shouted. “Just keep walking!”

  “Yeah, Bug, alk!” Gracie demanded next, waving her arms in the air. “Alk ta me!”

  Daddy’s arm shook around me as his emotions got the best of him. “Dammit, Heidi Lynn,” he growled. “You could’ve warned me.”

  A sob racked my body, and I nearly fell forward.

  But I didn’t fall.

  Nor did I quit.

  “You’re almost here, Angel.”

  I’m almost there…

  “Just a few more steps, baby.”

  Keep moving…

  Once I was within five feet of him, Ty couldn’t take it anymore. Pulling himself free of the girls, he closed the space between us, scooped me up into his arms and turned, carrying me bridal style back to the altar.

  “You’ve been keeping secrets,” he said, burying his face in my hair. “Haven’t you?”

  I had.

  I’d been keeping a lot of secrets lately.

  All of which were good.

  “Hey, Casanova,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck.

  “Yeah, Angel?”

  “Therapy has been going well lately.”

  His shoulders shook. “I can see that.”

  “I’ve been getting stronger.”

  “Yeah, I caught that too.”

  “I told you I would walk again.”

  “I never doubted you.”

  “Hey, Ty…”

  Pull
ing his face from my hair, he looked at me, an army of tears sliding down his cheeks.

  “There’s something else I think you should know.”

  He pressed his forehead to mine. “Oh really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  “So tell me.”

  I pulled in a breath. “We’re going to have a baby.”

  He froze. “You’re pregnant?”

  “Yes,” I cried.

  “I’m going to be a daddy?”

  “Yes,” I cried again. “An amazing one too.”

  Ashley’s excited shriek, followed by Grandmama’s cackling, echoed through the church and bounced off the rafters.

  “Say something,” I said, tightening my hold on his neck as the church erupted into chaos.

  Not bothering to hide his tears, Ty looked from me to Preacher Harris. “Hey, Preach?”

  “Yes, young man?”

  He took a step forward, carrying me with him. “I’ve been waiting thirty-one years for this moment. I don’t really feel like waiting a second longer. Let’s do this.”

  Preacher Harris smiled.

  Then, “Family and friends, we are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between Heidi Johnson and Ty Jacobs, by joining them in marriage.”

  It was one of the best days of my life.

  — The End —

  Ready for Chase and Ashley’s story?

  If so, add Every Kiss You Steal to your Goodreads TBR here.

  Also By J.E. Parker

  Redeeming Love Series

  Every Moment with You (Hendrix & Maddie)

  Every Breath You Take (Anthony & Shelby)

  Every Promise You Made (Evan & Hope)

  Every Tear You Cry (Brantley & Clara)

  Every Time We Touch (Kyle & Carissa)

  Every Wrong You Right (Ty & Heidi)

  Every Kiss You Steal (Chase & Ashley)*

  *Coming Late Summer 2019