A Merry Vested Wedding - Melanie Moreland Page 0,14

wanted to be the kind of husband he was to my mother. I wanted Addi to look at me years down the road and know she was as important to me then as she was when we began. More so, even. My parents’ relationship, although not perfect, was strong and unbreakable. They laughed and loved, fought and cried. Made up and carried on. Devoted themselves to each other and to us.

“I do know, Dad. You’ve always told me how much you loved me.”

He cleared his throat, but the words were still choked.

“I know wedding days are mostly about the bride. Bentley is having an inner meltdown over Addi getting married today.” He tried to smile, but his lips trembled. “But I am as well. You’re my boy, Brayden. Something I did right from the moment you were born.”

He didn’t let me say anything. “I wanted to give you something today. Impart wisdom and sage advice, but to be honest, you don’t need it. You’re amazing, son. You’re loving and giving. Your mother and I are incredibly proud of the man you’ve become.”

I felt tears gather at his words.

“Bentley gave Addi something today for her old. Something that meant a great deal to him. Again, I know it’s the bride’s tradition, but I wanted to give you something as well. Something as precious to me as you are.” He sucked in a deep breath. “Something for your future I hope you’ll use.”

I couldn’t speak. My throat was too thick, so I nodded.

He tilted his chin, and I turned, noticing something I hadn’t until now.

A small lamp I recalled from my childhood was sitting on the counter. I’d learned the history of it as I got older, finally understanding the reason it was so special to my father. A broken piece of his childhood my mother had restored. It sat in the nursery when I was a child, and I often touched the paint, gazing at the truck and the streetlight that stood over it, almost protecting it.

My dad would use it every night as he read to me. Turned it on when I was scared, to comfort me. Take off the shade and make hand puppets in the light thrown against the wall. It was always there when I was growing up.

The same way he was.

I met his gaze, not bothering to wipe the tears off my cheek.

“For your son,” he said. “Or daughter.”

Shelby never liked it. She preferred girlie things. Once I grew older, the lamp disappeared from the nursery and sat high on a shelf in his office. Protected.

And now, he was giving it to me. A symbol of his past so dear to him, I knew right then how deeply he loved me. More than I had ever imagined him doing. That was the real gift.

I embraced him, suddenly six years old again. Seeking his strength and warmth, which he gave freely. We stood for long moments, the love in the room tangible and rich. Then he stepped back and clapped his hands on my shoulders, letting me see his emotions.

“Be happy, Bray,” he murmured.

“I will. I love her, Dad.”

“I know. You’ll be a great partner for Addi. You were meant to be together.”

I nodded. He was right. She was my soul mate.

I indicated the lamp. “I’ll take good care of it.”

He smiled. “I know. I look forward to reading to my grandson with it.”

“I’ll get right on that.”

He threw back his head, the moment lighter.

“I’ll keep that to myself.”

For a moment, our eyes locked, and I knew I would never forget this moment with my dad.

He squeezed my shoulders. “Let’s go get you married.”

“Sounds good.”

Chapter 4

Addison

My stomach fluttered with nerves as I stepped into the cloud of tulle and lace. Cami slipped the dress up, making quick work of the hidden zipper and covered buttons that graced the back of the gown. I drew in a deep breath as the boning cinched in, and I ran my finger over the scalloped edge of the beading that hugged my breasts.

“This isn’t going anywhere.”

Cami met my eyes in the mirror, winking. “I’m sure Brayden will consider it a challenge later. Tell him to be gentle. I worked hard on this one.”

My breath caught as I looked in the mirror. “You’ve outdone yourself,” I whispered in awe. “It’s beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful,” Cami replied.

I felt like a princess or a fairy queen. The skirt billowed out around me, the sparkles catching the light. I never considered myself particularly beautiful. Brayden insisted I