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Emily sighs and leans towards me, “I’m going to go tell Alissa to quiet down.”
I place my hand on hers. “No, wait. I’ll go.”
She looks at me and nods, her eyes expressing gratitude mingled with a hint of amusement. “Good luck.”
I stifle a snort as I leave Emily’s side to talk to Alissa. I walk to the front of the church where the kids are gathered.
“Hey, Alissa,” I wave to her, and she immediately looks at me. “Can you help calm down your friends?”
“You’re not the boss of me.” She giggles then sticks her tongue out.
Exasperated, I watch as she turns back to her friends. One of them asks, “Is that your dad?”
My heart stills as I wait for Alissa’s reaction. When she nods back, my chest swells with pride and tears form in my eyes.
She just said I was her dad.
Memories of the past few months flood my mind, transporting me back to our summer vacation in California.
I recall how the sun had painted golden hues across the sandy shores as we strolled along the beach. Alissa, her laughter echoing, ran ahead, her tiny feet leaving imprints in the sand. With each step, she turned back to me and Emily, her eyes shining with excitement as she urged us to catch up.
My eyes tear up as I flash back to other special moments, such as baking cookies with Alissa on a lazy Sunday afternoon, flour on her cheeks and chocolate on her nose. I recall when she asked me to read her favorite bedtime story to her for the first time, her hand reaching for mine as I read to her. Even racing her at the park is a cherished memory.
As I reflect on those times, I realize how much our bond has grown, and how much Alissa and Emily have become an integral part of my life.
But even though things are going well, Alissa still hasn’t called me her dad yet.
Will she call me dad now?
As the children continue their playful antics, I catch Alissa's eye and motion for her to come closer. When she does, I kneel down beside her with a warm smile.
“Alissa,” I begin softly. “I heard what your friend asked back there. You know, about whether I'm your dad.”
Alissa nods, her expression curious yet hesitant.
I take a deep breath, feeling a rush of emotions wash over me. “You know, you don't have to call me dad if you're not ready. You can still call me Andrew if you want. I just want you to be comfortable.”
Alissa gazes at me for a moment, her eyes searching my face. Then, with a deep breath and a big smile, she exclaims, “But I think I want to call you dad now!”
“You do? Then say it!”
“Dad!” She giggles mischievously, knowing exactly what she’s doing to me.
I scoop her up and twirl her around, my heart exploding with love.
The music starts, signaling that the kids will make their way down the aisle and Carla will follow soon after.
I wave bye to Alissa and head back to sit with Emily. My best friend is about to get married, but all I can focus on right now is this feeling I have that I just became a father for real.
Epilogue Two - Six Years Later
Emily
The house is quiet except for the faint murmurs of Andrew and Alissa admiring our new car outside.
I take my time strolling through the hallway until I get to them.
Pictures line the walls, each one a snapshot of cherished moments. Our wedding in the Bahamas, my college graduation, and even John’s second wedding. He moved with Rosetta to Florida but comes back for Christmas and birthdays, and he still calls Ali almost every day.
