The Marker (37 page)

Nicholas had never been prouder of her. She had needed this time with her father, needed to tell him the words that lived in her heart. She had given so much, was so used to sacrificing herself, that she had almost given the rest of her life to save her father...and him. It was time she stood up for herself, and live her life as her own woman. He would spend the rest of his life making sure Lexie never regretted her decision to marry him. He would devote his life to making sure Lexie knew how very special she was, how loved. He would be by her side for the rest of her life, would be there to soothe the hurt, no matter how big or how small.

Markland regarded Lexie for a long time, as if seeing her for the first time. Then he did the one thing that surprised Nicholas: he leaned forward, kissed his daughter on the cheek, and sat down.

Surrounded by family and friends, Alexandra Markland and Nicholas Wetherby had their perfect day.

They got married.