Chapter 18
WILLIAM
I ran my hands down the lapels of my pressed suit jacket, nerves running through me so fast I could barely speak.
The aisle was scattered with rose petals, and a beautiful harp played in the background, as my eyes scanned the crowd for the millionth time.
It was my wedding day, my second chance at love. But that’s not what had me trembling like crazy. Colton hadn’t arrived yet. He’d messaged to say he would be there on time for the ceremony, so I had to believe in him—I had to.
My groomsman, Noah, approached from behind, whispering a fifteen-minute countdown to the bride’s arrival. I ignored the goose bumps that flushed my skin and stood tall in front of the altar.
Noah rolled back his shoulders. “You’ve got this, old boy. I’m right here with you.”
I side-eyed the twenty-five-year-old, both grateful and regretful that he was standing beside me.
It wasn’t his fault. Noah had become somewhat of a surrogate son over the two years he had been in a relationship with Jennifer, Nikita’s daughter.
He was easy-going, ambitious and filthy rich.
On paper, he was everything. To me, though?
I couldn’t help wishing he were someone else.
Shaking off the bitter memories, I refocused on my future bride, the one who had saved me from a bleak and desolate future. Nikita had remained by my side through each cycle of grief, providing a solid foundation I could lean upon.
She accepted my anger, helped guide me out of my depression and soon became the person I couldn’t live without.
Jennifer also welcomed me into the family, stating she was happy her mum had found happiness with me.
That was a significant turning point—to have her blessing, to know that one of our children supported our union.
So, when Jennifer left for college, it was only natural for Nikita to move in with me. After Bethy, and especially after Colton, I never thought I’d find fulfilment again. However, those next two years had flown by, filled with a re-found joy I’d never thought was possible.
There was only one vital piece missing, and I was hoping that that would be reconciled on my wedding day. That was the moment my gaze caught on a lone figure standing at the end of the aisle.
My handsome boy, Colton—although he wasn’t a boy anymore. He had aged, grown into a man, features sharpened, with a lengthy beard to match. He was just as handsome as ever.
We stared at each other across the walkway, my chin wobbling and his image blurred, my composure gone as uncontrollable emotion took over.
That’s when my boy launched towards me. We soon collided, my arms wrapping around his torso as we latched on tightly.
We stayed in the same position, just breathing each other in, as the link from my beating heart reached out for his, desperate for reconnection.
“Geez, Dad, aren’t you supposed to start crying when the bride arrives?” Colton said, pulling back slightly. He called me Dad.
My neck craned upwards as I looked into his face, the shock of our height difference making me chuckle. “You always said you wanted to grow as tall as me, but you’ve surpassed me, son.”
Colton cocked his head. “Mm. I guess I’m a real man now.”
I patted his cheek, unable to stop myself from touching him. “Thank you for coming, Colt. I’ve missed you so much.”
A shadow passed over his features before a broad grin settled over the top. “How could I ever miss witnessing my father marry the love of his life?”
My smile wavered at his words. They were said in a genuine manner, though I didn’t like the hidden meaning beneath. A sharp barb aimed to hit between my ribs, and he was successful.
My conscience wanted me to placate, to close the distance between us, but when I finally worked up the courage to reply, I was cut off by a nearby grunt.
“Colt, where do I sit?”
I turned to find another male standing beside us, hands deep in his dishevelled suit pants, dark circles ringed around his eyes. I almost didn’t recognise him.
“Avery?”
He grunted, barely sparing me a glance, attention pinpointed on Colton, who pulled him into his side. “Ah, that saves the introductions, then, since you’ve both met. Dad, Avery is my date.”
“Oh… of course,” I muttered. Are they together, together? “Welcome, Avery. If I knew Colt had a plus one, I would have added your name to the invitation.”
“No need,” he said, all flat and monotone.
Colton ran an affectionate hand over his head. “Why don’t you go and sit in the front row, honey?” Then he pressed a quick kiss to his temple.
My eyes widened as Avery’s narrowed into slits before he shoved Colton away and pivoted for the front pew, mumbled curses floating behind.
Colton waved an errant hand. “Lover’s quarrel. You know how it is. Maybe I’ll go and fuck someone else to make myself feel better.”
My jaw dropped, and before I could stop myself, I said, “Colt, that doesn’t sound like the right move—”
“Why not? I only learnt from the best, no?
And with that last statement, Colton beelined for the dais with confident steps.
There was so much unresolved between us, so much that remained unsaid.
I had tried multiple times to organise a meet-up before the big day, yet nothing seemed to align, his schedule booked and busy.
And now that our reunion had finally come, I questioned for the first time if I’d made the right choice in inviting my son.
I blindly followed close behind, trying to set my mind right, when we encountered Noah standing in the best man’s position, his hand raised for introduction.
“You must be Colton, William’s son?”
Colton gave him a quick once-over, letting Noah’s hand hang midair. “Am I? Who are you?”
“Ah, Noah. William’s—"
“Substitute son? Well, I’ve arrived now, and you’re in my spot. Scoot over, will you?”
I gave a half-assed laugh, attempting to ease the tension when the crowd quietened. The air turned electric as everyone was keyed up, alert that the ceremony was about to begin.
The first to walk down the aisle was Jennifer, her gaze locked to the side, no doubt eyeing her boyfriend, Noah.
Yet it was my beautiful Nikita that took my breath away. She held everyone’s attention as my eyes filled with tears. I never thought I’d have this again.
That’s when I felt the pressure of a firm hand on my shoulder. Then, my son gifted me everything in that moment, giving me his blessing. “I’m so happy you found one another, Dad,” he whispered. “You both deserve the future you’ve made for yourselves. You both deserve each other.”
My tears then tipped over my lash line unchecked. I couldn’t remember when I’d been filled with so much joy.