20. Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Mateo
I take several cleansing breaths, my heart pounding in anticipation as I wait for Lisa to walk in. I’ve opted to stand alone, with only Davey by my side. You could say he’s playing the role of both best man and ring bearer, though he’d probably find it funny to be called anything other than my little amigo .
I glance down at him and catch him staring at the two matching wedding bands resting on the pillow in his hands. His small fingers trace the edges of the rings, his eyes wide with wonder. For a moment, I smile—his innocence, his awe—it reminds me of how much I've changed, how much I’ve grown, and how far I’ve come to be here, standing on the cusp of forever with Lisa.
The sound of the music shifts, and my thoughts are swept away. It's almost time.
I watch as Gretchen steps into the sanctuary, her presence commanding the room with an elegance that's impossible to ignore. Lisa looks just like her—right down to the graceful way she carries herself—but the contrast is clear. While Lisa’s hair is a fiery red, Gretchen’s is blonde, and her eyes a rich cinnamon that shimmer with warmth. Our gazes meet for a brief moment, and she offers me an approving smile before taking her seat next to Stan, who, as usual, wears a sour expression, completely at odds with the happiness of the moment. How these two found each other in life might just be the eighth wonder of the world.
Next, Lily walks in, followed closely by the Linder sisters. One by one, they each make their way down the aisle, each of them so beautiful, so poised. They take their places across from Davey and me, the bonds of family and friendship creating an unspoken connection between us all. The approval in Lily's eyes fills me with peace, assuring me that she’s happy for Lisa and me, and that she fully supports us.
A few beats later, the music changes to the Wedding March. I focus my attention on the back of the church as the soft hum of the music fills the air. I take a slow breath, trying to steady the thunderous beat of my own pulse.
And then, she steps into the aisle with Aaron by her side. Everything else fades away—the guests, the sounds, the world outside. All I can see is her, and I swear time slows.
Her dress… I’m not great with details, but I know this: it’s perfect. The lace is just enough to make her look like she stepped out of a classic movie—timeless. The way it fits her, like it was made just for her, shows every part of her I’ve always loved. The fabric flows behind her, trailing like it’s got a life of its own. The veil falls over her shoulders and down her back. Simple but stunning, catching the light every time she moves.
And her face? She’s smiling at me like I’m the only guy in the world. Her eyes lock on mine, and I can’t move. I can’t even think. All I know is this is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen her, and somehow, she’s walking toward me. Toward me.
I try to hold it together. But, damn. How did I get so lucky?
***
"Remember the last time we danced like this?" I ask Lisa, guiding her effortlessly across the dance floor, the soft glow of the lights reflecting in her eyes.
"Well," she replies with a teasing smile, "technically, it was nothing like this."
"Fair point," I say, spinning her gently.
She laughs, that warm, melodic sound I could listen to forever. "And let’s not forget how you promised it would be just one dance and then disappeared."
"I kept my word," I say, pulling her just a little closer, so I can feel the warmth of her against me. "One dance, and I was gone. But I left my heart behind—with you."
Her fingers graze the back of my neck, and her eyes soften as she looks up at me. "I guess you’re lucky I've taken such good care of it," she whispers.
We move in sync, the rest of the room fading into a blur. Though the dance floor is alive with other couples, it feels as if we’re in a world of our own, the music weaving around us, each step a quiet reminder of how far we’ve come since that first dance—how one moment changed everything.
***
When the Father-Daughter dance is announced, Lisa glances at me, her eyes searching mine as if seeking reassurance. Then, she turns her gaze toward her father. I follow her line of sight and watch as Stan leans back in his chair, crossing his arms with an air of defiance. His body language screams obstinance, a silent declaration that he’s not moving—not for her, not ever.
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 to bite 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, carino ," 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.