AN: I don't own LWD
#47 Honorary Father
"Bridesmaids.. check, groomsmen.. check, church.. check, mi-" Marti was checking off everything that was all set for her upcoming wedding when her fiancée Eric cut her off. "Marti, everything is all set, except for one thing." Eric reminded, grabbing her shoulders to calm her down from what was about to become another frantic wedding issue. Marti sighed, "You're right. Thank you for calming me." She tiptoed up to peck him on the lips. "So when are you going to ask him?" Eric asked as he got a drink from the fridge. Marti ran a hand through her silky brunette hair and sighed, "I guess I should probably do it soon huh?" "Yeah I'd day so since the wedding is a week away." Eric teased, sitting down next to his fiancée. Noticing Marti's frown, he nudged her gently, "Marti, he'll say yes, you know he will. He adores you and would do anything for you." Eric said sincerely, grabbing her face and kissing her cheek tenderly. "Okay?" He whispered, and she just nodded.
The next day, Marti found herself waiting at a local diner in downtown, waiting nervously. After a few minutes later, she heard the door of the diner ring as it opened, and Marti saw a familiar flash of auburn hair. She took a deep breath, but smiled as she saw her beloved big brother. "Smarti!" Derek greeted warmly, stretching his arms out, hugging her tightly. "So what do I owe this pleasure of lunch with you? You said you had something you wanted to talk about?" He said, sitting down across from her. "Yeah-yes I did." I said, "This is kind of hard to ask, but you know how special you are to me. Edwin I love to death to, but you know we have always been Smerek and Smarti." Derek smiled genuinely at what she had just said and interjected, "You're special to me too Smarts." Marti smiled and continued, "So I was wondering if you would do me the honor of walking me down the aisle. Since Dad passed away, you have changed just from being an amazing big brother to a father figure, and I would be honored if you would do me this favor." She finished, looking him at me hopefully. Derek was taken by surprise, "Wow, Marti I'm honored." He said, still in surprise. "So is that a yes?" She asked, and he smiled, "Yes. I would love to." and Marti clapped her hands, "Thank you!" She leaned over the table and hugged him tightly.
A Week Later…..
"You look gorgeous Marti!" Lizzie exclaimed as she helped fix her long, lacy veil. "Thank you." She gushed back, admiring herself in the mirror. A moment later there was a knock at the door, "Come in!" Marti called, and soon Casey peeked her head through the door before letting herself in. As she stepped in, her face grew into a smile, "Marti you look stunning!" She said. Marti blushed at the compliment, "Thank you Casey."
"Well I came here to tell you that my husband is finally done glamming up his 'messy bed head' style hair and he is waiting by the entrance for you." Casey informed. Marti took a deep breath and straightened her head piece, "Okay, I'm ready."
Casey, Lizzie, and two of Marti's best friends headed out of the changing room first, and started heading down. A moment late, Marti, with one last glance in the mirror, headed out to meet her honorary father. As she came into Derek's view, she saw his face light up, "Marti, you are absolutely beautiful." He whispered in awe. She pulled him in a deep hug, and he kissed the crown of her head. "I love you and am so proud of the woman you have become. However no matter old you get you will always be Dad and I's little Smarti." He said lovingly. "I love you Smerek." She replied lightheartedly, and to her surprise, she saw Derek's eyes slightly glimmering, and he quickly rubbed his eyes. "Okay, enough sap. You have a husband to get to!" He teased. "Are you ready?" He asked.
And Marti nodded, then easily linked her arm with his arm, and together they stepped out of the wings of the entrance, and finally the pair walked down the aisle.