I loved Lily like my own, funding her wedding with joy, but she gave her absent father the spotlight and stuck me in the back row. When the officiant called me out, I shared a choice that shook the room, revealing what family really stands for.
I pressed my tuxedo carefully, wanting to honor Lily, my stepdaughter since she was seven. Her dad, Craig, was a ghost, leaving her waiting. I stepped up, not for glory, but for her—attending her plays, fixing her car, paying off debts. When she got engaged to Eric, I covered the wedding costs, thrilled to help. She hugged me, saying, “This means everything, Daniel.” But recently, she pulled away, ignoring my calls and dismissing my offers to help with wedding details. Her tone was chilly, and I worried but held hope for her big day.
At the church, I waited to walk her down the aisle, cherishing years of bandaging her scrapes and cheering her on. She emerged, tense, avoiding my eyes. “Craig’s here,” she said. “He’s sober, doing great. He should walk me down—he’s my dad.” My heart sank. “I thought we agreed,” I said. She shrugged. “You understand. Also, front seats are full. Back row’s fine, right?” Her dismissal stung, but I nodded. “Sure.” She left me standing alone. In the church, I sat in the back, watching Craig, who’d skipped her life, lead her proudly. Lily smiled, as if he’d never left. I’d paid for it all, yet felt erased.
Eric’s glance showed he knew my sacrifice, but he said nothing, staying loyal to Lily. The ceremony was beautiful, but I felt cold, recalling her teasing my “sensitive” side as a kid. I never asked for “Dad,” content to support her. Now, she ignored me. At the reception, Craig acted like a star, dodging my gaze. Lara’s looks kept me grounded. Then the officiant spoke. “Let’s thank Daniel,” he said, eyes on me. “Any words?” I stood, steady after a morning decision. “I’d planned a house for Lily and Eric,” I said. Guests gasped, Lily beamed. “But since Craig’s her dad today, he can provide that. I donated to a foster kids’ fund instead, for love that shows up.” The room froze. Lily shouted, “You’re punishing me!” storming out.
Eric followed, uncertain. Craig sat silent, avoiding responsibility. Guests murmured, some offering sympathetic nods. I sat, sipping stale champagne, relieved. I didn’t need to prove my love anymore. Lara’s text read, “You did right. Love you.” In my car, the night air soothed me. I’d given Lily everything, but she chose Craig. Family is about steadfast love, not titles, and I’d lived that truth, even when unseen.
