Web of Deception (19 page)

Daniel watched his father stride up the aisle towards him. This was the last thing he’d expected. His father had made his views on marriage – on Daniel’s marriage, in particular – very clear.

Marriage was not for the likes of them.

A horrible thought crossed Daniel’s mind. Surely he wasn’t here to try to change his mind. Damn it, the last thing he wanted was a scene. Not on his wedding day. That would be far too upsetting for Kate.

Then, as Roger Webb stretched out his hand to him, Daniel noticed his father was smiling. A sincere smile. Stretched out to a full grin, in fact. What was going on?

“I couldn’t miss out on your big day,” his father said. “I hope you don’t mind but I saw Kate outside and wished her luck. She seemed surprised to see me.”

“Not as surprised as me. So you decided to come for the wedding?”

Daniel wondered if pigs might fly after all. He couldn’t believe this was happening.

“You’re becoming a man today,” Roger said. “I couldn’t miss that. The biggest day of your life.”

So that was it. His father was finally acknowledging him.

Daniel looked him in the eye. “I’m glad you could make it. Really glad.”

“So am I. Look, I’d better take a seat.” He nodded to the front of the church. “The bride’s on her way.”

Then Roger Webb stepped back and sat down on the bench behind the groomsmen, the same bench as Daniel’s mother and sisters. His mum and dad wouldn’t look at each other and they were seated at opposite ends but it was still the damnedest thing Daniel had ever seen.

At the first tones of the organ, everyone in t
he room took to their feet. As the church soprano began singing
Ave Maria
, Daniel saw movement at the rear of the church. The bridesmaids were coming down the aisle towards him but they were nothing more than a blur of crimson to him.

All he could see was Kate, walking down the aisle, looking more beautiful than ever before. Her hair was swept up, exposing her pretty neck and shoulders. Her dress was simple and elegant, fitted through the bodice, sweeping out into a full skirt. There was no veil to hide the sparkle of her eyes and her nervous smile.

For a few moments, as she neared him, it felt like there was no one else in the room.

Only Kate.

Walking towards him.

Daniel
glanced over at Ray and grinned. “That’s the woman I’m going to marry.”