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My attention catches over Poppy’s shoulder when Daisy steps out from behind the car. The moment my eyes find her, it feels like the entire world stops turning. All the air is stolen from my lungs, every thought disappears, and there’s nothing left but her.

“Darlin’,” I murmur, stepping around the bride and heading straight towards my future wife.

She’s wearing a floor-length, off-the-shoulder red satin gown that clings to every tempting curve, and fuck me, the sight of her could easily bring me to my knees. The smooth fabric catches the sunlight, tracing a body I’m desperate to discover.

Her long, dark hair has been curled, and a light dusting of makeup accentuates her beautiful features. I have to suppress a groan when my gaze drops to her bee-stung lips, which are painted in a shade that perfectly matches her dress.

“Your Mum strong-armed Poppy into having me as her bridesmaid,” she whispers as I pull her into my arms and place a soft kiss on her temple.

My eyes flicker to my mother, and the smug, satisfied look on her face tells me everything I need to know. That woman’s wickedness knows no bounds.

The red dress.

The tiny tux with the matching red accents.

The perfectly coordinated details.

That witch had this planned from the very beginning, and judging by the way she’s standing there looking unbearably proud of herself, she’s not even a little sorry.

Chapter 18

Daisy

I swear I felt like I had two heads as I made my way down the aisle. I didn’t know a single person in attendance, except for the groom and his parents, who were seated in the front row.

By the time I reached the altar of the church and stepped off to the side, I could feel Bennett’s eyes on me, but I kept my attention fixed straight ahead. I felt like an intruder, even though Poppy assured me she didn’t mind.

When Nolan made his way towards us with the bride on one arm and Jonah in the other, something tightened in my chest.

I never intended to cry. That wasn’t part of the plan. But seeing them together—the quiet pride on Nolan’s face as he carried my son—undid me, and before I knew it, I was blinking back tears.

It’s the most unexpected moments that remind you just how much someone means to you.

Jason held his son once, the day after he was born, and did his best to keep his distance in the weeks that followed. Nolan has given Jonah more love, patience, and attention in the short time he’s known us than his own father ever did.

I’ve been fighting the urge to take things with Nolan to the next level. Not because I don’t want to; I do. I’m trying to be sensible by giving myself time. The last thing I want is to rush into things the way I did in my previous relationship.

Nolan’s nothing like my ex. He’s shown me that love doesn’t have to be complicated. That sometimes someone will show up without being asked. That they can choose you and your child because they want to, not because they have to. And for those reasons, and so much more, I’m done waiting.

I know a good thing when I see it. Jonah and I would be blessed to have Nolan in our lives.

The reception is at some swanky hotel in Sydney—the best money can buy—and I find myself seated at a table with the bride, the groom, Nolan, and his parents.

This is the closest I’ve ever come to knowing what a real family feels like. Not the kind built by blood alone, but by choice. Where you don’t question whether you belong.

I’ve met cousins, aunts, uncles, family friends, and even neighbours tonight. Mrs Sinclair introduced Poppy and me as her beautiful daughters, and Jonah as her grandson.

Her words should’ve felt strange, too big, and too soon, but somehow, they didn’t. Instead, they filled a space deep inside me that’s been empty for a very long time.

“Have I told you how stunning you look tonight?” Nolan asks, leaning towards me with that familiar confidence that always makes my heart skip a beat.

“About a million times,” I tease. “Have I told you how handsome you look in your tux?”

“Once or twice,” he replies, his grin turning playful. “But I’m always happy to hear it again.”

My eyes meet his silvery-grey ones, and that familiar pull I feel whenever I’m near him tilts my entire world on its axis. “I’m ready,” I whisper, completely off topic. The words tumble out before I can stop them, leaving me completely exposed.

Nolan’s brow lifts slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “Ready for what, darlin’?”