Chapter 23 - The Second Wedding
Lucas and Elena’s wedding was nothing like the massive, corporate spectacle Vanessa had tried to orchestrate. It was a small, intimate ceremony held in the expansive backyard of the Bennett home, beneath the sprawling oak tree that held the yellow-doored treehouse.
There were no aggressive press photographers, no rigid seating charts, and no artificial PR stunts. Just close friends, family, and a ridiculous amount of flowers.
Lily, dressed in a beautiful, flowing navy gown, stood as Lucas’s "Best Woman." She held the rings, grinning widely as her father recited his vows to a woman who looked at him with absolute, genuine love.
During the reception, the band played a soft, acoustic melody. Lucas took Elena’s hand, leading her onto the grass for their first dance. But halfway through the song, Elena smiled, stopped dancing, and gently pushed Lucas toward the edge of the patio where Lily was standing.
"Your turn," Elena whispered to him.
Lucas walked over to his daughter, holding out his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Lily laughed, stepping into his arms. They danced beneath the string lights, surrounded by the quiet hum of a perfectly peaceful evening.
May you like
"You did good, Dad," Lily said, resting her head against his shoulder.
"We did good, kid," Lucas replied, looking around the backyard. It was the same house, but it was filled with entirely new light.
