My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 239

The wedding....

Evelyn

Soft music drifted through the room like a lullaby. I stood before the mirror, my breath catching.

Today... was the wedding.

Jacob and I—after everything-we were finally becoming husband and wife. And even though what we had felt like a vow long before today... this moment held a different kind of magic. It shimmered in the air, heavy and sacred. The thought of walking down the aisle felt surreal. My eyes welled again. I hadn't stopped crying all morning and I didn't think I would anytime soon.

"Hey... Dad," I whispered when he entered. He paused in the doorway, completely still-his gaze landed on me, and I watched it shift into something tender and

glassy.

"God," he breathed. "You look so beautiful, Princess." He crossed the room and pulled me into his arms. We clung to each other, and the tears fell freely. I'd always imagined this day...but never had I ever thought that it'd feel like this. I couldn't describe how I felt it felt strange. I was happy, yes I indeed was, but at the same time, I was feeling something else that was the opposite. All the feelings they were making a mess within my chest.

"This feels so weird," I sniffled into his shoulder. "I practiced not crying. For days. And now-now it just won't stop."

Dad let out a teary laugh, one laced with something bittersweet, "It's your wedding, Evelyn," he said, brushing the tears from my cheeks. "You're about to make vows that bind you together for life, and maybe even after that. That's no small thing, sweetheart." He smiled gently. "And don't worry. The makeup hasn't budged. Got the best artist in America.

A soft laugh escaped me at that. He extended his hand, and I slipped mine into it. "Let's go, Princess..." His voice trembled just enough to crack my heart open.

He wasn't looking at the woman I was today. He was seeing his little girl-the one who used to leap onto his bed at dawn, ruin his work files with cartoon doodles, and kiss his face until he gave in and bought her that toy. And I... I was looking at my superhero. The man who taught me how to walk, how to ride a bike, how to hate math-just like him. He would always be my hero. Even now, as he walked me toward another man.

The double doors opened. A hush fell over the crowd.

All eyes turned. Mom, Clara, Enzo, Rosaline, Mason, Jennie, Nancy... even Cameron. My gaze swept across the faces. And then I saw her-Chloe. And standing beside the groomsmen... Tyler.

Jacob had hated the idea. But I'd insisted. After our last conversation-when Tyler and I laid everything bare, when he'd apologized and I'd forgiven-we'd made a promise. To be friends. To stay in each other's corners. He wasn't the man he once was. Joey had helped him heal. He was changed. And I wanted him here.

here. To celebrate the day I'd been

my

at me as if I were a vision-his heart in his eyes, tears brimming. Tyler, clearly trying not to laugh, handed him a tissue.

Through

and speechless-stood beside Clara, her hands clutched tightly, her expression

violins swelled. The lights dimmed.

the storms we'd weather, the nights we'd cried

the altar. Jacob stepped forward and took my hand,

warm.

tears streaming down their cheeks. Mason... Mason was a mess. Full-on crying. Sienna left her

he whispered, as I stepped up onto the platform

priest. And then, with a

this day. Love is not always loud Sometimes it lives in the quiet the, reaching hands, the held silences,

s

moment, but as your forever. You've seen her strength

a deep breath, tears

"Evelyn..." he whispered.

God-he had me at that. He didn't need to

"Before I met

et you,

eyes. A voice. A laugh that made time stand still. You didn't just change my life, Evelyn. You became it." He held my hand tighter, his gaze locked into mine-seeing me, all of me, "You fixed me-you destroyed my demons, you fought the darkness and brought the light back to me.

for us when the world grows too loud. To choose you-in comfort, in chaos, in silence, and in storm. I promise to be your strength when you're tired, your softness when the world feels too sharp,

smiled through the

on my lips, "My reason. My miracle. And for the rest of my days, I vow to honor you, listen to you, hold you... and love you in every way

I was a mess of tears. A soft, trembling, joyful mess. I didn't

could do was look at him-and feel. Feel the love swelling inside me, radiant

turned toward me, eyes