"Looking sharp, Dad. Let me help you with your tie."
"That's enough, Russ. I can dress myself. Tempe!", said Max as she knocked on the door. "Come in. You look beautiful. Russ, can you give us a minute? I want to talk to Tempe alone."
"Sure." Russ gave his sister an exasperated look as he stepped out. He whispered to her, "Not too long. It's almost time."
"You look nice in your tuxedo, Dad. Are you ready to take a dive?"
"What?"
"You know...jump in...start something new.
"You mean take the plunge. Yeah, I'm ready to go. I'm excited about this new part of my life. I'm lucky I found Giselle when I did, and I'm lucky she wants to marry me. She knows all about my past, and loves me anyway."
"That's wonderful, Dad. I'm happy about your marriage."
"Are you really? Because I know how awkward all of this must be for you. I'll never forget your mother, you know. She'll always be the love of my life. I wasn't looking for a relationship when I met Giselle, but it seems natural to be with her. She even sort of trusts me." Max laughed but he was nervous, watching Brennan's reaction.
"You've been alone for a long time. I'm glad you found someone you can share your life with. You told me once that if I found someone I could trust I should hang on to him. I'm assuming that's the type of relationship you have with Giselle. It seems to be unusual to have that sort of relationship even once, but you'll get to have it twice."
Russ poked his head in. "Show time."
"We're on the way", said Max. He gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Honey."
"You're welcome, Dad. Ready?"