My Dad's Bestfriend
Chapter 85 Mr And Mrs Fernandez

Evelyn

The soft music played softly in the background as Clara walked gracefully down the aisle. The room's lighting dimmed, and the flowers seemed to come alive, their petals glistening in the subdued light. A pin- drop silence spread across the room as the haunting melody of a violin began to fill the air. At the end of the stage, My Dad stood, with Jacob by his side.

I had the honor of walking her down the aisle, and my smile never wavered as I observed her and then glanced at her dad. His expression was one of sheer awe, as if Clara were a dream walking toward him— yes she was his dream and I was so happy that they were getting this chance to spend their life together.

It was impossible not to notice the hitch in his breath at that first glimpse of her.

God..this wedding was a history.

Gradually, tears welled up in Dad's eyes, and as I looked at Clara, it became increasingly difficult to hold back my own. I didn't want to cry, but this moment was simply too precious. The two most precious people in my life were getting married, uniting as one.

This is all I'd ever wished for them. They were my family. My family....

The guests and some distant relatives all rose to their feet, showering rose petals upon her as she made her way. A soft sniffle escaped her as she looked at her father and shared a smile. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mason, tears streaming down his face as he sobbed like a baby, and hopeless and frustrated Nancy who struggled to console him.

Jennie watched in wide-eyed wonder, as though she were witnessing a scene from a Disney movie.

Mom and Jack, too, stood up, their faces beaming with happiness. Jack leaned in to press a kiss on Mom's temple before whispering, "We're next, babe." She blushed, leaning into his shoulder with a smile. "They look beautiful," My mom whispered.

And then, my eyes finally locked with Jacob's, and his emotions were unfiltered-there was no fear in them. It was just open and free. Awe shone in his eyes, mirroring the wonder I felt. It was indescribable, a whirlwind of butterflies and roses, lavender and gardens, sparks and fireworks, all swirling within us-all at once-just between us.

We reached the center of the aisle, and Clara stood beside Dad, who was already teary-eyed.

"You look...beautiful, love," Dad whispered as the priest took his place before them.

She held out her hands and they held hands, "I love you..." She whispered.

Jacob and I, locked in a gaze that refused to break, stepped back from the center, standing side by side but still connected by the electricity in the air. He slid his hand around my waist, pulling me closer. His colonge wafted into my nostrills causing sparks to erupt everywhere acorss my skin.

"I love you, Evelyn," he leaned in closer to my ear and whispered.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from him-he and this moment both were magnificent, "I love you too, Jacob."

The priest's voice resonated through the microphone.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered

here today in the presence of God and in the company of these witnesses to celebrate the love and commitment of Mr. Samuel Fernandez and Ms. Clara Gomez. Today, they join their lives in

marriage, and we come together to witness and bless their union. He paused for a moment. "So let u

us

begin with a prayer, invoking the divine presence on this sacred occasion. Heavenly Father, we ask for Your guidance, love, and blessings upon Samuel and Clara as they embark on this new journey as a married couple. We pray that their love grows stronger with each passing day and that they replace joy, peace, and fulfillment in one

another. Amen."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched Dad and Clara standing there. I had dreamt of this day for so long.

"Samuel and Clara, you have come here today to make a solemn commitment to one another. Marriage is a sacred covenant, a partnership, and a lifelong journey. It is a union based on love, trust, and mutual respect," the priest continued. "So, Samuel, do you take Clara Gomez to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

Dad smiled, looking at Clara. "I do."

The priest then turned to Clara, "Clara, do you take Samuel Fernandez to be your lawful—"

"Yes! I do!" Clara interrupted before the priest could finish his question, eliciting soft chuckles throughout the room. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them, and Jacob emitted a soft chuckle while still holding me close, soothingly rubbing my arm as he glanced at me and pressed a gentle kiss against my forehead.

"Calm down, Miss. No one's going to take your guy away," the priest chuckled, shaking his head before continuing, "I will ask again-Clara, do you take Samuel Fernandez as your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

Clara, this time, let out a small, shaky breath before she smiled, looking at Dad. "I do."

"Now, please face each other, and, Samuel, repeat after me..."

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"Clara, my love, today I take you to be my partner in life. I promise to love you with all my heart, to cherish every moment we share, and to honor and respect you for the rest of our days promise to be your faithful companion, your biggest fan, and your greatest ally, your partner in crime, and to experience the wonderful adventures we have always dreamt of. I vow to stand by your side, no matter what challenges come our way. With this ring, I pledge my love to you, and I promise to create a life of adventure,

laughter, and endless love together, with your hand in mine," Dad said, sniffling.

"And now, Clara, please repeat after me..."

"Samuel, as I stand here today, I choose you to be my one and only, my partner and my love. I vow to always listen and understand, to support and comfort, and to share in the joys and sorrows of life. I promise to cherish every moment with you, to laugh with you, and to hold you close in times of need. Today, I give you my heart and my love, and I pledge to stand with you, hand in hand, through all the years to come. With this ring, I vow to be your eternal companion and stick with you through sickness and health. I promise to love you until my very last breath." Tears rolled down Clara's cheeks as they exchanged

rings.

"By the power vested in me and the presence of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Dad pulled Clara as close as possible and kissed her as if he was waiting for this moment from the start.

Applause and cheers filled the room, and bouquets of flowers flew through the air. It was an exhilarating moment.

As they broke the kiss, Dad smiled, pressing his forehead against Clara's. "Well, hello, Mrs. Fernandez."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to introduce, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez. May your journey together be filled with love and laughter. And now, as you embark on this new chapter of your lives, go forth with the love and blessings of all those present here."

My gaze shifted to Jacob, and my smile never faded, even as tears still welled up in my eyes. He gently wiped away my tears, his thumb caressing my cheek. We didn't exchange words, for there was no need. His presence beside me, our togetherness at that moment, conveyed everything we needed to say.

And there it was... my family, once broken, now whole and fulfilled once again.

This destination wedding truly made me reach my destination...