My Dad's Bestfriend novel Chapter 51

Evelyn

The music enveloped us, a cacophony of sound as people bustled about, dancing, and indulging in the evening's drinks. I must admit, my dad had an extraordinary circle of acquaintances, though some might argue they were closer to being outright lunatics. The guest list for the wedding seemed to be expanding by the day, partly due to Clara and me.

However, my current concern wasn't the growing number of guests; it was my dad, who appeared to be drowning in a sea of distress.

A damsel in distress—what's the male version of that? I couldn't say for sure, but I could Google it later.

"I can't believe you're nervous," I said, pretending to be disappointed. "This isn't your first time tying the knot."

"Hey, just because I've been married once before doesn't mean I have no right to feel nervous now. Stop giving me that look!" He downed another shot of tequila. "I might be getting married for the second time, but it's still marriage. The feeling remains the same."

"So what? Are you going to get cold feet, and I'll have to snap you out of it?" Jacob raised an eyebrow, leaning against the bar. His judgmental stare and incredulous expression made it clear that he found the idea ridiculous, “I'm not buying your reasons. You better show up at the venue."

"Of course, I'll show up. I love her, and I haven't come all this way for nothing. I want to spend my life with her," he spoke up, his eyes darting between us, his expression a mixture of determination and the jitters. He stood there, in the midst of it all, with me and Jacob on each side, downing liquors as if he were a character in a movie—a typical cliché of a nervous groom, “I'm just afraid that things might take a nosedive after the wedding. You see, right now, Clara and I are perfect. Absolutely flawless. Yes, we have our disagreements, but we always make up. But what if that changes after marriage? What if we drift apart, and things go downhill?" His words softened my gaze.

I knew exactly what he was getting at—he feared another failed marriage. How could he not, after the heartbreak of the first one?

Jacob and I exchanged glances before I spoke, “Dad, nothing is going to go wrong. Trust me. I understand your nerves, but you have to understand that you and Clara found each other in the darkest of times. From here on out, everything will only get brighter. She loves you, flaws and all, and I know you feel the same way. So, why worry when you're ready to weather any storm together?"

Dad blinked twice upon hearing me as if he couldn't quite believe what he had just heard. As expected, he responded with his usual touch of nonsense.

"When did you become so sensible?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

There he went, steering the conversation in a completely different direction. I can’t believe him!

Jacob burst into laughter but quickly stifled it, pursing his lips and turning his gaze away. No doubt, he and I would have a conversation about this later.

"I'm pouring my heart out here, and that's your response?" I said, my jaw tight with frustration.

"Well, sorry," he shrugged, unruffled. "It's just the first thing that popped into my head when you started talking."

"Dad! Please, be serious. We're having an important discussion here!"

"Fine, I'm sorry," he sighed, relenting. "But no matter what you guys say, I still have doubts about this marriage. I mean, Clara and I could stay like this, happy and uncomplicated. That way, things wouldn't go wrong... again," he added, the last part almost as an afterthought.

"Dad, both of you made the decision to get married," I reminded him. "You have to move on. Mom has moved on; she's not letting the burdens of her past relationship ruin her present. Why are you fixating on the things that could go wrong?"

"Maybe because I don't want another failed marriage?"

"Well, that's no secret, but that's not what I was asking."

Just as Dad was about to respond, Jacob stepped in. "Hey, Samuel. Listen to me."

Dad turned his gaze toward Jacob, who continued, "Just answer this one question: Do you love her or not?"

"Dude, is that even a question to ask?" Dad looked at him incredulously.

"Just answer me, do you love her or not?"

What is he up to? Well, let’s see.