Dean
Nevaeh is getting married today, and I’m freaking out a little.
It’s a mess of emotions… happiness, nostalgia, fear, sadness, excitement. It feels like every second brings out something new. But one thing stays constant… the love I have for my baby.
Seiji barrels toward me, yelling at someone to get their shit together. I sidestep just in time before he runs me over like a charging bull.
“This isn’t your mother’s wedding in the 1920s, Jared. Get that fucking vase out of my sight!”
Man’s fighting for his life over centerpieces.
Jackson appears out of nowhere, already used to the trainwreck Seiji becomes during events like this, and rubs his back while forcing a glass of water into his hand.
I pat his shoulder, shaking him out of event planner mode. “Relax, man. Everything is going great. Not every detail has to be perfect.”
Jackson winces the second the words leave my mouth. Seiji’s glare tells me I’ve said the wrong thing.
“Don’t test me, Reaper. I will kill everyone here if this wedding’s aesthetic is ruined.” He grits out through clenched teeth, and I take that as my cue to leave before I become part of the decor.
I make my rounds through the Conquer castle, greeting guests, shaking hands, forcing my way through conversations about politics that have no business being here.
Every time my patience starts to crack, Elijah swoops in and redirects the conversation, taking the spotlight off me.
Thank Fates for him. I’d rather not spill blood at my daughter’s wedding.
When Elijah saves me again, I take the chance to slip out of the ballroom and go check on Nevaeh.
Everything is running on schedule, so I’m not worried. And even if things are delayed, no one would care since half the guests are too busy polishing off the pixie alcohol we bought especially for today.
I take a steadying breath, trying to get my nerves in control before knocking on Nevaeh and Anxo’s door.
When I step inside, I’m met with my daughters bickering like children.
“You’re doing it wrong, Grace. Trust the science!”
“Oh, please, you didn’t even go to school.”
I blink, surprised at Grace’s quick comeback.
Nevaeh gasps. “Take that back.”
“I’m trying, but I don’t feel sorry.” Grace looks down, caressing her stomach. “I think this kid might be more Harvey than me.”
They burst into laughter, the sound filling the room, warming every corner of my heart.
“Hey, Trouble.” I didn’t expect to choke a little on the name I gave her when she was little.
Nevaeh turns at the sound of my voice, and I swear I stop breathing.
She’s dressed in a gold dress, the intricate beadwork shimmering over sheer fabric that falls in soft, airy layers, trailing behind her. The fabric catches light with everymovement, sparkling in a way that makes Nevaeh look soft and ethereal.
Nevaeh looks at me, her eyes shining with so much excitement and happiness.
She’s a bride. The most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. Seeing her all dolled up makes this feel a little too real.
A sharp pain blooms in my chest, splitting straight through me.
I just got my daughter back, and now I have to watch her start her own family and build a life that doesn’t revolve around me.
