Page 65 of Fake To Forever

The morning of the wedding feels surreal. I step outside onto the back porch of the house, the early sunlight casting long, golden shadows over the lawn. The property looks beautiful. There are white chairs set up in neat rows, a simple arch decorated with green vines and soft white flowers at the end of the aisle. It’s understated, just like Haven wanted—small and intimate, with only close family and friends.

I take a deep breath, my hands resting on the wooden railing as I watch the final preparations unfold. The florist is adding the last touches to the arch, and the string quartet is setting up near the back. A few guests have already arrived, mingling quietly. Haven’s family is here—her mom, Garrett, and a few others from Blue Ridge—and my father and grandfather have arrived as well. Looking around, I spot my dad off by himself, standing next to a large oak tree, staring out over the open fields making up a good chunk of my property.

Making my way down the porch steps, I cross the wide yard toward him. His hands are in his pockets, and I can tell from the way his shoulders are slightly hunched that something’s on his mind. I approach slowly, and he turns when he hears me. There’s a soft smile on his face, but I can see the weight behind it.

“You look good, son,” he says, his voice calm but carrying that familiar note of fatherly pride. “Ready for the big day?”

I nod, though my heart is racing in my chest, more from anticipation than nerves. “Yeah. It feels... right. But it’s a lot, you know?”

He chuckles softly, nodding. “It’s always a lot when you’re making a commitment like this, but from everything you’ve told me, Haven’s a good woman. You two are going to make it.”

I smile at that, feeling reassured. My father has always been straightforward with his advice, and hearing him speak so highly of Haven means a lot.

“She is. She’s everything.”

We fall into another brief silence, the weight of the moment sinking in. Then, he turns to face me more fully, and I see that look in his eyes, the one that says he’s been thinking about something heavier.

“What is it?” I ask, even though I already have a sense of what’s coming.

He hesitates for a second, glancing down at the ground before speaking. “I’ve been thinking about Theresa.”

The name hangs in the air between us, sharp and unwanted. It’s like a pin prick on the surface of this perfect day.

“I don’t want to bring her up today,” he continues, his voice steady but laced with concern. “But I just need to know you’re prepared, Christian. You know how she can be.”

I exhale, running a hand through my hair as I stare out toward the mountains. “I’m prepared, Dad. Theresa isn’t going to ruin this for me. She can’t accuse me of marrying Haven purely to win custody of Oliver. Not anymore. Haven and I both genuinely want this.”

He nods, but I can tell he’s still worried. “I know you’ve got it handled. I just don’t trust her. She’s been stirring the pot for months now, and with the custody case still lingering, I don’t want you blindsided. She’s unpredictable, and that makes her dangerous. Her and her mother, Agnes.”

“She’s not going to do anything today,” I reply, my voice firmer than expected. “I won’t let her.”

My father studies me for a moment, then steps closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, son. For standing strong through all this. You’ve handled it well, better than most people would’ve.”

I nod, grateful for his support. “It hasn’t been easy, but Haven is making it all worth it.”

He smiles again, this time with genuine warmth. “Good. That’s what matters. You’ve got a family now, and that’s what you need to focus on. Don’t let Theresa’s shadow hang over you.”

I meet his gaze, raising my chin. “I won’t. I’ve spent enough time worrying about her. Today, it’s about Haven, Oliver, and me. That’s all.”

He gives my shoulder a reassuring squeeze before letting go, his eyes softening. “You’re doing the right thing, Christian. I know this all started as a matter of convenience, but I think you two will make each other happy.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I murmur. “I think so too.”

We start walking back toward the house, the preparations still humming in the background. My father talks about the ceremony, about how proud he is to see me standing at the altar today. His words are grounding, and I feel more settled with each step, knowing that I’ve got him standing behind me.

The anticipation builds inside me as the minutes pass. Today is the day. I’m about to marry Haven. The weight of that hits me hard, but not in a way that makes me nervous—more in a way that makes everything feel right. She’s become my anchor, my home. Today, I make that official.

When we get back to the house, Oliver is on the back porch waiting for me. When I reach him, he tugs on my pant leg, looking up at me with wide, excited eyes. He’s dressed in a little suit, his hair combed neatly, and he’s clutching the small satin pillow that holds the rings.

“Daddy, am I doing it right?” he asks, his voice filled with serious concern.

I smile, crouching down to his level, adjusting his bowtie. “You’re doing perfect, buddy. You’re the most important part of today.”

He beams, holding the pillow a little tighter. “I won’t drop the rings, I promise.”

“I know you won’t,” I say, my heart swelling as I ruffle his hair gently, though I’m careful not to mess it up too much. “You’re going to be the best ring bearer ever.”

Marie walks over, looking stunning in her pink maid-of-honor dress, and gives me a quick nod.

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