Chapter 38 Tyler #2
“I know. I should never have put you in that position. Felix, when we argued on the phone a few weeks ago, what you said stayed with me. You were right. I knew you three were close after Clara’s death.
I knew sending you to Westbridge and forcing Tyler to lie to Harper would damage that bond.
Yet I did it anyway. Seeing you all together now, I realize the full weight of that decision and how it was a mistake.
That was a traumatic period in each of your lives.
Instead of helping you through it, I made it harder.
I did a terrible job taking care of you all. ”
I’m shocked to not only hear my father speak so openly about this but also admit his faults. My hands are clammy and my breath is uneven. I hug Harper tighter, only now realizing she too is hot.
“I know an apology can’t fix the past,” Dad continues, directing his words at each of us.
“I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’m incredibly sorry for all the pain I’ve caused.
Asking for forgiveness isn’t fair. I just hope hearing me take responsibility might give you some small measure of peace. ”
Silence stretches between us at the end of the speech, no one knowing quite what to say.
I can hear my own heartbeat thumping in my ears.
Felix, Harper, and I exchange a glance, none of us sure what to do with the apology we never thought we’d hear.
I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive my father.
But hearing him take responsibility is a start.
I gulp, finding my voice. “Thank you. I can only speak for myself, but I do appreciate the apology.”
“Agreed,” Harper adds.
Felix exhales a long breath while scrubbing a hand through his blond hair. He looks away from our father, out to the black night. I’m not sure what to expect from him. There’s tension in his jaw. I can sense his frustration.
Yet he surprises me by turning back to Dad and nodding. “Thank you.”
Dad gives a small nod of his own, the moment hanging awkwardly.
It feels like the conversation might end here, but Dad shifts his weight, gathering himself.
“I’d also like to make it clear that you all have my support now.
Amabella’s too. She wanted to join me for this conversation but I thought it was important I speak with you alone. ”
We thank him again. As soon as he returns to the wedding, Harper’s focus switches to me and Felix. “Are you both okay?”
“Yes.” I kiss her forehead, lingering for a second as I try to sort through the weight of everything Dad shared. “Felix, you good?”
“Yeah.” His voice is absent and he doesn’t meet our eyes.
Harper leaves my side, hugging him. “You sure about that?”
He smiles softly at her embrace. “Bad memories are replaying. Dad and I will never be on good terms but I’m impressed he has the ability to admit he did wrong by us.”
The live band stops performing, the vocalist making an announcement, inviting Dan and Ally to share their first dance.
“Looks like we better head back into the wedding,” Felix says.
Harper’s lips press into a worried line. “We can keep talking about this if you need to.”
“Definitely not.” He taps her ass, grinning and shrugging off the negative energy. “All I want is to enjoy the rest of the night with you both. Let’s go.”
The band resumes with a slow number. When we arrive beneath the canopy, the lights dim and the crowd forms a circle around the dance floor. Everyone claps as Dan takes Ally’s hand, leading her to the center. He whispers something in her ear, making her laugh as he pulls her close.
A spotlight illuminates them as they sway, gazing into each other’s eyes and smiling.
Felix kisses Harper’s cheek. “I’ll be right back after a quick dance with the maid of honor.”
The guests applaud as Felix escorts Violet to the dance floor next.
My hand slips into Harper’s. “Our turn, Princess.”
We join the dancing couples, followed by Killian and Zara. I twirl Harper around, then pull her in close, getting lost in her beautiful eyes and vibrant smile.
Within a minute, guests join us, filling the dance floor. I spot Theo dancing with the same woman he was talking to earlier in the day. Dad and Amabella sway together, which is nice to see. I’ve never wanted my relationship with Harper and Felix to cause tension between them.
True to his word, Felix is with us again, slinking his arms around Harper’s waist from behind, wedging her between us. Eyes wander our way, watching the three of us dance. None of us care.
“Perhaps I should help Killian out and dance with Zara for a while.” I glance to the spot on the dance floor they were occupying a moment ago. Now, they’re gone. I can’t see either of them anywhere. “Did you see where Killian went?”
“Forget about Killian. He’ll be fine. Neither of you are leaving my side,” Harper says.
Felix’s grip tightens around Harper, pressing her ass to his cock. “As soon as this wedding wraps up, Tyler and I are getting you naked in the pool house.”
I groan at the thought, unable to think of a better way to end this night.