Page 52 of When Love Changes Everything

Lisa's gaze drops to her lap, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. My chest tightens at the sight, anger simmering beneath my composed exterior. How could he? How could any father sit there so smug, refusing to share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with his daughter?

Just then, Aaron stands. Without hesitation, he strides over to us and offers Lisa his hand. "May I have this dance?" His voice is calm, steady, and full of kindness.

Lisa looks up at him, her eyes shining as a radiant smile blooms across her face. The transformation is instant, as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. It’s the kind of smile that makes you believe in the goodness of people, even when others fail so spectacularly.

My heart swells, a mix of pride and heartbreak colliding. I want to leap for joy at Aaron's gesture, but at the same time, my heart aches for Lisa—for the girl who deserved her father’s love and instead got his cold indifference.

I once thought I’d seen the worst in myself, that I couldn’t sink any lower. But watching Stan’s petty, cruel refusal, I know now—he takes the cake.

When Aaron and Lisa step onto the dance floor, I can’t help but shoot a glare in Stan’s direction, silently conveying my displeasure. He sits stiffly in his chair, his jaw set, refusing to meet my eyes. The tension rolling off him is palpable, but his stubbornness only fuels my anger. If it weren’t for the fact that this day will be carved in our hearts and memories forever, I’d march up to him, grab him by his lapels, and throw him out the door. But I practice self-restraint, forcing myself to remain calm.

Then, out of nowhere, Gretchen leans over and elbows him sharply in the gut. It’s not a gentle nudge, either—she puts her whole arm into it. The sudden movement jolts him, and I have tobite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing out loud at the sheer absurdity of it.

Stan’s eyes widen, and he glances at her, startled, while she arches an eyebrow, daring him to argue. Gretchen, I'm learning, is a force of nature, and it’s clear she won’t tolerate his nonsense for another second.

I turn my attention back to the dance floor and watch Lisa swaying with Aaron, her face glowing with happiness. Her laughter rises above the soft music, warm and unrestrained, pulling a reluctant smile from me despite the tension lingering in the air. The way she leans into Aaron, trusting and at ease, stirs something deep within me—a reminder of the bond I share with my own daughter. That right there is a father-daughter dance if I ever saw one.

Each step Lisa takes with him feels like a quiet triumph, a testament to the strength and resilience she’s built despite Stan’s cruelty. It’s as if, with every sway and spin, she’s reclaiming a part of herself, a part that Stan once tried to diminish. Watching her now, radiant and unshaken, I see a woman who refuses to let anything—especially him—ruin her special day.

After I have my own father-daughter dance with Lily, she lets me know that she and Noah are leaving. "I'm sorry, Daddy, but I'm feeling tired, so I think Noah and I are going to head out."

"Okay,mija," I reply. "But it looks like you're going to have to pry Davey off the dance floor first."

Her gaze follows mine to where Davey has commandeered Lisa as his dance partner, his tiny hands resting confidently on hers.

"Lisa and I are leaving in about an hour," I say, turning back to Lily. "We can drop him off on our way home if you’d like."

"Dad, this is your wedding day," she says, her brows lifting in mild surprise. "I’ll ask Katherine and Adam to take him."

"It’s no problem, really," I say with a smile. "He’ll love riding in the limo again. Besides, your house is on the way."

"You don’t mind?" she asks, hesitating.

"Of course not,cariño," I reassure her with a wink. "You and Noah go ahead and enjoy the rest of your evening. We’ve got him."

"Thank you, Daddy," she says, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.

***

"I'll be right back," I say, stepping aside to let Lisa and Davey settle into the back seat of the limo. The crowd of guests, all except for Stan, gathers outside to send us off.

"Where are you going?" Lisa asks, her brows knitting together. "Can't it wait?"

"Sorry,hermosa, it can't," I reply, leaning in to kiss her pouty lips.

Davey lets out a loud giggle from behind his hands, covering his eyes dramatically. "You guys!" he exclaims, his tone caught between exasperation and amusement.

Lisa laughs, her cheeks glowing. "Hurry back," she says, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

"I promise," I say, ruffling Davey’s hair before slipping into the crowd in search of Aaron Baldwin.

Chapter 21

Lisa

I watch as Mateo approaches Aaron, his stride purposeful. The two exchange a few quiet words, Mateo’s hand resting briefly on Aaron’s shoulder. Aaron nods, his expression shifting to something more sober.

I wave at my friends and smile, the warmth of the moment lingering, when my phone begins to ring. The screen flashesUnknown Caller. With Mateo still occupied, I decide to answer, pressing the phone to my ear.

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