Chapter 38

Axel's Pov

As I anxiously glanced at my watch, concern for Leah gnawed at me. I had opposed this plan from the start, but Leah had reassured me that everything would be fine. But now, as the minutes ticked by, my unease intensified.

Marvin approached me with a glass of wine. "How are you doing?" he inquired. Offering a small nod, I replied, "Cool."

As Tony and Joel joined us, Tony remarked, "The groom is here, ever handsome." We raised our glasses in a toast, but Joel noticed my unease. "You looked worried," he noted as he sipped his wine.

Tony, trying to lighten the mood, humorously insinuated, "Maybe he is worried someone will disturb him and his wife on their wedding night."

Tony then placed a comradely hand on my shoulder, teasingly offering to share tips on how to make my wife endlessly in love with me. Irritated, I retrieved my phone from my pocket and dialed Tony's father's number.

His playful demeanor vanished, replaced by fear. "Why are you calling my dad?" he stammered.