Page 6 of The Curvy Girl's Father of the Bride
I hear someone sniffling and I’m shocked to find the sound coming from my father. I squeeze his hand, trying to give him comfort as the tears well up in his eyes. “It’s okay, Dad,” I say softly. I know his emotions are a mix of joy for Jeremy and his daughter. He’s also coming to grips with the fact that he’ll be giving away Harlow soon, and eventually me and our younger sister Rosie.
The realization hits me like a punch in the gut.
Today isn’t about me or my feelings for Jeremy. It’s about Gilly and her new husband. It’s about a father giving away his daughter … about family and love. I have no business taking one second of this experience away from Jeremy.
Even though I’d hoped to dance with him, I push the thought aside. No matter how crazy I am for him, I refuse to bethatgirl, the one who makes everything about herself. I’ve never been that kind of woman and I’m not about to start now.
As the ceremony ends and we all move towards the reception hall, I pull my dad to the side. “Dad,” I begin with a grin. “Would you dance with me later? Thought maybe we could practice for Harlow’s big day.”
His eyes soften at my words, and he nods, pulling me into a warm bear hug. “Are you kidding? I can use all the practice I can get sweetheart. I’m so happy you came this weekend. I would’ve turned into a blubbering fool back there if it weren’t for you.”
Chapter six
Jeremy
Thomas shakes my hand, and then thinks twice before we both go in for a hug. “Thanks for everything,” he says.
“Take good care of my baby,” I slap his back before meeting Gillian’s eyes. “Don’t make me come after you,” I tease.
“No sir.” Thomas nods solemnly and I’m not sure if he knows I was kidding.
“Bye Daddy.” My heart almost shatters at the sound of those two words. She hasn’t called me daddy in years. A lump forms in my throat, but I promised myself I wouldn’t fall apart.
“Goodbye, baby girl.” I brush the flower petals off her hair. It was raining roses minutes ago. “Text me when you’re at the gate, okay?” I peer down at her wondering if this is the last time I’ll get to ask her to do something so simple for me.
What do I know about being the father of the bride? I’m clueless. This day has been filled with so many one and onlys, last chances and first dances, it makes my head hurt. Maybe I should’ve had more kids. Then again, I wasn’t granted the option and I do my best not to wallow in the past.
My eyes are wet but I force a smile and help my little girl, the love of my life climb into the limo with Thomas. Their faces glow with happiness. I’m so, so proud of her, all grown up and in love, but still, a twinge of loss mixes with my joy.
“Bye Dad.” We hold each other’s gaze for a long moment.
“Have fun, sweetheart. You too, Thomas,” I say before closing the door.This is it. My precious Gilly is off to start her new life as a wife.
The limo pulls away, and I physically ache as I watch it grow smaller. I stand waving with the crowd until the car disappears around the bend.
The ceremony was beautiful, everything Gilly ever dreamed of, and the guests were still buzzing about it at the reception. My speech, which I had agonized over, went off without a hitch. Somehow, I put myself in the zone, held it together, and kept my emotions tucked away. I’ve made many speeches in my career—some of them were harder than others, but I didn’t know what difficult was until today. None of those speeches had anything to do with my one and only baby leaving to start a new life.
Unshed tears blur my vision, and I quickly rub at my eyes, forcing back the wave of emotions threatening to spill over. This day is about celebration and new beginnings. I won’t allow myself to throw a personal pity party.
I loosen my tie with a small sense of relief. The official part is over; now, it’s time to let loose and celebrate. Gilly would want that, and truth be told, so do I.
With a last lingering look at the now empty spot where my daughter stood moments ago, I turn and take the path to the reception. The band starts up again and I can hear the crowd cheering.
Where is Louisa?
I managed to resist seeking her out until now, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t stealing glances at her every chance I could. She was sitting at the far table next to the bar with Vance. Her blue eyes sparkling with excitement whenever they caught mine. God, did she look stunning with her blonde hair around her shoulders in that feminine dress. But it isn’t only her beauty that gets to me. It’s the energy she brings, the way she lights up any room just by being in it.
I make a full circle, searching the tented space for her under the twinkling lights. Did she say goodbye to Gilly and Thomas and decide to call it a night?
Disappointment settles in as I finally come to grips with the fact Louisa isn’t here. She must have left with her father. Vance and I had a brief chat at breakfast, but amidst the chaos of the day and guests arriving from all corners of the world, my conversation with Louisa wasn’t more than a few words.
I guess there won’t be a dance after all. The realization hits me harder than expected. The sweet torture of waiting for that moment when I had the perfect excuse to hold her, to feel her softness against me had been sort of a lifeline, something to look forward to at the end of the day.
The night isn’t over yet though. I force myself to make the best of the situation and take a seat at a deserted four top table. I vaguely listen to the singer but don’t recognize the song. It isn’t Merle Haggard. That I know. A server walks by and deposits a tumbler in front of me, breaking me from my thoughts. Whiskey. Exactly what I wanted. At least the caterer didn’t forget about me. The amber liquid sparkles in the dim light, and I bring it to my lips, taking a slow sip.
I sip again, and let the smooth burn of the alcohol give me comfort while I try to lose myself in the music, the laughter and conversations around me.
The dance floor is crowded with guests, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of the song. But all I can see is the absence of the two women who matter the most to me. One is starting a new journey, and the other, I now realize, has unknowingly started a new chapter in my life.
