My father came up from behind and placed himself in the middle of us. We paused in our trek for a moment as he hooked both of his arms, so Gloriana and I could each take an elbow. “I have said it before, and I will say it again. I am a lucky man to have such beautiful women in my arms.”
Gloriana leaned over and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Jackson. We are lucky to have such a devoted The Committeeman in our lives.”
My father returned her kiss and then turned to me. I craned my neck to the side, putting my cheek closer to him, expecting a kiss of my own, but when none came, I looked at him. He seemed frozen for a moment. “Father? Are you alright?”
He closed his eyes, squeezing them tight. “I am fine,” he said as he opened them again. “Your grandfather is waiting behind the s
