Page 50 of When Love Changes Everything

"I missed you too!" I exclaim, planting featherlight kisses all over his face. "Come here!" I say, walking up the porch steps. "Do you like it?"

He glances around, taking in the updated porch. "It looks amazing," he says.

"Wait until you see inside," I smile, a little giddy. "Close your eyes."

He grins, closing his eyes as I lead him inside. "Okay, open your eyes."

He opens them, and I watch as his gaze sweeps across the room, taking in every detail. "You did a wonderful job,hermosa. I love it all."

I give him a tour of the rest of the house, except for our bedroom. "This is where we're going to spend our wedding night," I say, leaning against the door. "I want it to be a surprise."

"Come here," he murmurs, pulling me into a warm hug.

"Are you tired?" I ask, sensing the weariness in his tone. "Was your trip a success? Did you get everything squared away?"

"I'm not tired," he smiles, though there’s something unreadable in his gaze. "I'm hungry though. How about we go out for dinner after I shower and change?"

"How about you go do that," I say, "and in the meantime, I'll make dinner for us here instead?"

"And then I'll make you dessert," he teases, his voice low and playful.

"Mateo makes the bestdessert." Marian's words intrude into my thoughts, sharp and unwelcome, like a thief stealing something precious. I push them aside immediately, determined to focus on this moment with the man I love.

When his lips find mine, I melt into his arms, the kiss so familiar yet so new. A week was way too long. I never, ever want to be apart from him again.

***

My wedding day is finally here, and I’m so ready to marry Mateo. This is something I’ve dreamed about for as long as I can remember, and the fact that it’s finally happening feels surreal. My bridesmaids have just stepped out—Katherine and Loren to check on their kids, and Laila and Lily to the bathroom for what feels like the hundredth time today. Pregnancy has them running there constantly, but they insist they wouldn't miss a second of this day.

Left alone for a moment, I stand in front of the mirror, taking in my reflection. The dress is everything I imagined and more. For the first time, I truly feel like a bride. The room is quiet, save for the soft rustle of fabric as I adjust the train, and I close my eyes for a moment, letting the significance of this day sink in.

There’s a light knock on the door, and it cracks open. I glance over my shoulder, expecting Laila or maybe Lily, but instead, Aaron steps inside. His handsome face shows a mix of pride and genuine happiness for me, "You look beautiful," he says, though something about his expression shifts, becoming more serious.

“What is it?” I ask, my pulse quickening as I turn fully toward him.

His eyes soften as a slight smile touches his lips. “Your father is here,” he says, but the familiar, protective look in his eyes tells me he’s ready to shield me if necessary. “What?” I murmur, the words catching in my throat. “Dad is here?”

My heart stutters, disbelief washing over me. For a moment, I don’t know if I should feel relief, joy, or the sting of old wounds reopening.

"What do you want to do?" Aaron asks. "He's dressed for a wedding, Lisa."

I blink, trying to process his words. "Give me a few minutes," I manage, my voice unsteady. "I never expected him to show up."

Aaron’s hands settle firmly on my shoulders, grounding me with a quiet strength. His steady gaze meets mine, full of understanding. "Whatever you decide," he says gently. "It’s your day, Lisa. If you want your dad to walk you down the aisle, I’ll support you. My feelings won’t be hurt—this is about what makes you happy."

"Thank you," I whisper, a small smile forming as I look up at him.

"Take all the time you need," he says, his voice warm and reassuring. He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead before stepping back.

As he shuts the door softly behind him, the room grows quiet, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I take a deep breath, staring at my reflection in the mirror. It doesn’t take long for clarity to settle in. I know exactly what I want to do.

***

Five minutes later, the door creaks open, and my father steps inside, dressed impeccably in a tuxedo that matches my wedding colors down to the tie and pocket square. His gaze sweeps over me, lingering for a moment when our eyes meet. He offers a small smile—polite, restrained—but it doesn’t reach his eyes. The warmth I once longed to see in them is still absent, replaced by the familiar disapproving scowl that seems permanently etched into his features. "So, you're doing this," he says, his voice flat. "I will walk you down the aisle, Annalisa, but don’t mistakemy willingness for approval. I don’t accept the colossal mistake you're making."

"Why can't you just be happy for me, Dad?" I say, my voice trembling with disappointment. "You traveled all the way here, got dressed, only to come in here and remind me, once again, that you disapprove of my choices. Why even go through the trouble?"

"I'm your father," he mutters, his voice low and cold. "It's my duty to give you away."

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