Tania glances at me, her lips twitching with amusement. “Tame him? I think it’s more like managing controlled chaos.”

The table erupts into laughter, and even I can’t help but grin. “You two are enjoying this too much,” I say, shaking my head.

“Oh, lighten up, Levi,” Eleanor chimes in, her smile warm. “You need someone to keep you on your toes. And Tania does it beautifully.”

I glance at Tania, my chest tightening with a mix of pride and gratitude. “She does,” I say simply.

Later,as the evening winds down, I find Eleanor in the garden, inspecting the roses she’s so carefully cultivated. The air is cool, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange as the sun sets.

“She’s wonderful, Levi,” Eleanor says without looking up. “You’ve chosen well.”

“I know,” I reply, stepping closer. “I just hope she feels the same.”

Eleanor straightens, turning to face me. “Of course she does. I see the way she looks at you, the way you look at her. That kind of connection isn’t easily shaken.”

I nod, the weight of her words settling over me. “Thanks for always supporting me, Mom. Even when I didn’t deserve it.”

Her expression softens, and she places a hand on my arm. “You’ve always deserved it, Levi. And now, you have the chance to build the life you’ve always wanted. Don’t waste it.”

“I won’t,” I say firmly.

As we prepare to leave,Tania lingers in the foyer, chatting with Andrew about some upcoming charity event. I watch her from a distance, the ease with which she fits into my family’s world filling me with a quiet sense of joy.

When she notices me watching, she excuses herself and walks over, her smile soft. “Ready?”

“Yeah,” I say, taking her hand. “How’d it go?”

She raises an eyebrow. “Better than expected. Though Andrew’s jokes were borderline.”

“He’s incorrigible,” I reply, laughing.

She leans closer, her voice dropping. “Your family is wonderful, Levi. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with me.”

“Thank you for being part of it,” I reply, brushing a kiss to her forehead.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Tania

The boutique is filled with soft laughter and the faint rustle of fabric as I step out of the dressing room. My wedding gown flows around me, the intricate lace catching the light and shimmering like something out of a dream. My bridesmaids—Jenna, Claire, and my sister, Beth—sit on the plush couch, their expressions lighting up the moment they see me.

“Tania,” Jenna breathes, her hands clasping together. “You look... perfect.”

Beth nods, her eyes glistening. “You’re going to take Levi’s breath away.”

I turn to the full-length mirror, smoothing my hands over the delicate fabric. The dress is everything I imagined—elegant but simple, a reflection of me. Yet, as I stare at my reflection, a knot of uncertainty tightens in my chest.

The girls chatter behind me,their voices blending into a comforting hum, but my thoughts wander. The wedding is days away, and while I should be brimming with excitement, part of me feels overwhelmed.

“Tania?” Beth’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. She’s standing beside me now, her brow furrowed in concern. “You okay?”

I hesitate, then let out a soft sigh. “I’m just... nervous, I guess.”

Jenna and Claire join us, their expressions shifting to curiosity and concern.

“What are you nervous about?” Jenna asks gently. “You and Levi are perfect together.”

“It’s not about us,” I reply, my voice quiet. “Not exactly. It’s just... this feels so big. And after everything we’ve been through, sometimes I wonder if we’re rushing it. If I’m ready for it.”