by Perry, J L
I couldn’t tell her what I’d discussed with her father, because I’d asked him for his permission to marry his daughter.
In the end it worked out beautifully. I can happily say, the woman of my dreams is now my fiancée. Although it wasn’t as romantic as I envisioned, it was nice to share that moment with our families.
I hadn’t told Pops of my plans, so he got a surprise just like the rest. He’s over the moon about it. He loves Angel and is so happy he’s going to have her as his daughter-in-law.
••••
Angel and I end up staying in Melbourne for the rest of the week, with Pops and Becca. I still miss not seeing the old man every day, but my heart is wherever my sweet-cheeks is. He seems happy to have Becca by his side. If it wasn’t for her, leaving him would’ve been so much harder.
She’s so good to him. I love seeing him so happy. After everything my mum put him through, he deserves someone like her in his life. If one good thing came out of Pops getting shot, it was Becca.
They drove us to the airport when it was time to fly back to Sydney. Angel’s parents picked us up at the other end. We’re both working for her father’s company now. I love what I do, and love having my girl by my side while I do it. We make a great team.
Her father’s planning his retirement soon, so when he does, she’ll be my boss. I can live with that; as long as I’m still the boss in the bedroom, of course. There’s no fucking way I’m giving that up.
On our drive back to Angel’s parents’ house, her father pulls over to the curb once we enter their street. “Is there a problem?” Angel asks from the back seat.
“No,” he answers. “Your mother and I want to show you both something.” I look over at her and she shrugs. “It won’t take long.”
We exit the car. They lead us across the road to a large, white, Georgian style mansion. It reminds me of the house in Gone with the Wind. Yes, Angel made me sit through that movie. It wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be, but I’d never admit that out loud. I hope one day to be able to afford something like this for my girl. She deserves only the best money can buy.
We’ve been staying at her parents’ house since moving here. It’s been great. Her family treat me like one of their own. I’m hoping one day soon we’ll be able to get a place of our own though. I have to be on my best behaviour being in her father’s house and all.
“What are we doing here?” Angel asks, when he punches a code into the white stone wall. It automatically opens the large, black iron security gates at the front of the property.
“This place recently came on the market. I was thinking of buying it as an investment.”
“Really?” Angel’s says.
We make our way down the long drive. It’s a beautiful place. Nothing like where I’ve come from. We really are from two different worlds, but I’ve come to terms with that now. Angel accepts me for who I am, and that’s all that counts.
We take a stroll around the luxurious landscaped grounds, before entering the house. The interior is void of furniture, but still breathtaking. You can tell no expense was spared when this place was built. My home back in Melbourne would probably fit inside the foyer. That’ll give you a good indication of the sheer size of this property.
The grand staircase is the first thing you see when you enter the house. It has expensive timber steps and cast iron bannisters.
We take a look around. There’s a total of eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms and so many other rooms scattered throughout the house. In a way it’s kind of ridiculous, but people like Angel’s family are used to this type of living, I guess.
“Come take a look at this view, Princess,” Logan says to Angel when we meet back downstairs. She walks towards the floor to ceiling windows at the back of the house. From where I’m standing, you can see the beach. I kind of presumed that though, since it’s on the same street as their home.
“Look over there,” he says pointing as he drapes his arm around her shoulder. “Your rock is right outside.” Walking over to take a look, I notice this house is situated right at the end of the beach.
“That’s my favourite spot,” she says smiling at me. “I’ve spent many hours perched on top of that rock over the years.” The view is spectacular. I can see there’s something significant between her, her father, and that rock, but I have no idea what.
“So what do you kids think of this place?” Brooke asks.
“It’s beautiful, mum,” Angel answers. “It would make a great investment.”
“What do you think of it, Chase?” Logan asks, looking over at me. I have no idea why he’d want my opinion on it.
“It’s a great house,” is all I say.
“Good, I’m glad you both like it,” he says, reaching into his pocket. “Here you go.” He passes a small box to me.
“What’s this?” I ask.
“Open it,” he replies. When I do, I’m surprised to find two keys inside. He leans forward picking up one of the keys, passing it to Angel. “There, now you have one each.”
“What are the keys for, daddy?” she asks.
“It’s the key to this house. Your mum and I thought we’d buy it for you both. Consider it an early wedding present.”
“You bought us this house?” Angel asks with excitement in her voice. I just stand dumbfounded. Surely this is some kind of joke.
“I hope you don’t mind. We wanted you close by, but far enough away that you can still have some privacy. I know how much your special place means to you, so when I found out it was on the market, I snapped it up.”
“Oh, daddy,” she squeals, leaping into his arms. “Thank you.” Personally, I don’t know what to say. They bought us a fucking house? For a wedding present? Not just a house, a damn mansion. Fuck. We’ll be lucky if we get a set of steak knives off Pops.
EPILOGUE
One year later…
Angel
When we pull up outside the church, I smile when I see over one hundred Harley Davidsons, all parked neatly in a row, side by side. I’m glad Chase has his family here to support him.
Even Jake’s parents, Chase’s Grandparent’s, as well as his aunt and cousins have come today. Slowly, he’s building a relationship with them. I love that for him. In his eyes Pops will always be his father, but the fact he has blood relatives who love him, makes a world of difference.
I’m sure some of our uppity guests won’t be impressed buy all the bikies, but I don’t care. I love those guys. Our wedding day wouldn’t be the same without them here.
Today, we all become one big, kind of crazy, extended family. I couldn’t be happier. My life over the past year has been wonderful. I love my man more and more every day. There’s nothing I want more than to spend the rest of my life by his side.
My dad has been quiet the whole drive to the church. I know today is hard for him. Today he has to let go of me forever, giving me over to Chase.
Don’t get me wrong I know he’s happy for us. He and Chase have become extremely close. Yesterday he proved just how much.
With all the last minute wedding plans, Chase and I had taken the week off work. My dad called us yesterday afternoon to say he needed me to come into the office to sign some paperwork.
Last week, he announced he was officially retiring once we returned from our honeymoon. So, when he said he wanted to go over the paperwork for me taking over the business, I didn’t think much of it.
Pulling up outside the office, Chase and I got out of the car. Chase laced his fingers through mine as we walked towards the building. As we approached, my phone rang. It was my father’s number.
“I need a favour,” he said. “I was told there was a problem with the sign outside the building. Can you take a look at it for me when you get here?”
Looking up, I swear my mouth nearly hit the pavement when I saw what he’d done. I nudged Chase, pointing up towards the sign. I was speechless.
“Fuck me,” I heard Chase mumble.
My dad ha
d the sign changed from Cavanagh and Associates, to Daniels and Daniels. He’s come so far. I couldn’t be happier. No, we couldn’t be happier. My family loves Chase just as much as he loves them. That includes daddy.
“Are you ready, Princess?” my dad asks from beside me, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Yes,” I answer, smiling at him. “Are you?”
“I’m not sure,” he chuckles nervously. “I thought the day you moved to Melbourne was the hardest day of my life, but it pales in comparison to what I’m feeling right now. I always told myself you’d be coming home one day, to live with us again, but after today, I know that’s never going to happen. Is it possible to be happy, extremely proud and gutted all at the same time?”
Reaching over I squeeze his hand. I can’t find the right words to say. I’m sad for him, but over-the-moon that today Chase and I will finally become husband and wife.
When my dad gets out of the car, he reaches for my hand and helps me out. “You look breathtaking, Princess,” he breathes, tears glistening his eyes.
“Thank you, daddy,” I reply, wrapping my arms around his waist. I feel tears burn my eyes as well, but I fight them back down. I don’t want to ruin my makeup. Things won’t change too much between us. He’ll always be my dad, and I’ll always be his little girl. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too, baby,” he chokes out. “I hope your life with Chase, will be as blessed as the one I’ve shared with your mum.”
••••
I’m surprised the nerves haven’t kicked in yet. All I feel is excitement. We’ve been living together for months in the house my parents bought us as a wedding gift. I already feel like his wife. Today just makes it official.
I haven’t seen him since yesterday. I miss him. The fact that we now work and live together means we’re hardly ever apart. Most people would find that annoying, but we love it.
I spent last night at my parents’ house, with Dana. Of course I had to have her as my bridesmaid. Even though we live in different states now, we keep in constant contact with each other.
CJ spent the night at our house, with Chase. It didn’t surprise me that Chase asked him to be his best man. They’ve become best mates. CJ is away a lot with his band, but when he’s home, they always hang out.
“I love you,” Dana says wrapping me in her arms when we reach the door of the church. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you. You scrub up pretty well yourself,” I joke. She’s that pretty that I’m certain she’d look beautiful in a paper bag. Today she’s wearing an emerald green, strapless silk dress. It’s long, tight fitting around the bodice, but flows from her hips down.
I bought her an emerald and diamond choker with matching earrings as a gift for being my maid-of-honour. I let her pick the design and colour of the dress, since she’s my only bridesmaid. The green looks great against her red hair. I’m sure Hudson is going to love seeing her in it. Surprisingly, they’re still together and very happy. Looks like she was right. He is her Mr. Right.
My dress is elegant, but simple. It’s a Vera Wang design. A one off custom-made. It’s white of course. It’s tight fitting, enhancing my tall, slim figure, but flows from my knees to the floor. Kind of like a mermaid design. Well that’s what Vera called it. It has a plunging backline that sits low at the base of my spine. It’s very feminine and sexy all at the same time. I think Chase will love it.
My hair is pulled into a low side knot, sitting behind my left ear. My dad bought me a beautiful diamond choker necklace and matching bracelet to wear today as my something new. On my right hand, I’m wearing the ring my Pa gave my mum to wear on her wedding day. It belonged to her mother. It’s a blue sapphire and diamond ring; my something old, something borrowed and something blue. I’m also wearing the diamond encrusted angel-wing earrings that Chase bought me for Christmas.
My bridal bouquet isn’t a traditional one. It’s actually a bunch of white daisies. Not what a bride would usually have, but it’s symbolic for us, so it’s what I wanted.
I hear the music start to play when my dad opens the large wooden church doors. “This is it,” I mumble to myself, taking in a huge breath. Today I become Mrs. Daniels. All my dreams have finally come true. We’ve been through a lot, but today makes all those struggles worthwhile.
“Are you ready, Princess?” my dad repeats, linking his arm through mine.
“Yes,” I answer. “Are you?”
“I’m still not sure,” he chuckles.
“I love you, daddy,” I say, reaching for his hand and giving it a little squeeze.
“I love you too, baby girl.”
As soon as Dana reaches the end of the aisle, my father and I step forward. My eyes immediately seek out Chase. I feel a smile grace my face as soon as I see him. He looks so handsome in his tux.
His eyes don’t leave mine as I walk towards him. His smile grows wider with every step I take. God I love him so much.
When we reach the end of the aisle, the priest says, “Who’s giving the bride away today?” I wait for my dad to answer, but he doesn’t. I nudge him softly with my elbow.
“I am,” he eventually says. I look up at him and see tears glistening in his eyes. “Look after my little girl,” he says to Chase as he places my hand in his. I try hard to keep my tears at bay—I don’t succeed.
“I promise,” is all Chase replies.
••••
The ceremony and reception go by in a blur. It’s funny how all that time and effort goes into planning a wedding, and then it’s over before you know it. It’s been a beautiful day though. I’ve loved every second of it.
CJ and his band perform a few songs at our reception. I’m surprised after their second number, when my brother calls Chase up to the stage. “My brother-in-law is going to sing a song for his lovely bride,” he says, tapping Chase on the back. One of the guys retrieves his guitar.
After taking it from him, Chase moves in front of the microphone, which is centre stage. His eyes lock with mine. “This is for you sweet-cheeks,” he says winking at me.
He only strums a few notes of the song and I already know what he’s going to sing. ‘Angels, by Robbie Williams’. I’ve always loved this song. I feel the smile on my face grow as he starts to sing. I love his voice. Swoon.
His eyes don’t leave mine throughout the whole song. He’s singing with so much heart, that it brings tears to my eyes. He sings about sitting and waiting for an angel to contemplate his fate, and how salvation lets our wings unfold. When he thinks that love is dead. How he’s loving angels instead. He says I offer him protection and a lot of love and affection, whether he’s right or wrong. And that’s true. I always will. I’ll never stop. Never. I love him completely. With my heart and soul. That will never change.
••••
When it’s time to leave, we make our way around our circle of guests, kissing everyone goodbye. As I get to my parents I can no longer hold in the tears. My mum hugs me first. “I love you, baby girl,” she sniffles. “We’re so proud of the woman you’ve become. I know you and Chase are going to have a wonderful life together.”
“I love you too, mum. Thank you for everything you’ve done for both of us. Thank you for believing in us, when nobody else did. Thank you for fighting for us when we were ready to give up.” I’ll be forever grateful for what she did. Without her, I’m not sure if we ever would’ve found our way back to each other.
“Daddy,” I say as a fresh load of tears come. He wraps me in his arms, squeezing me tight. “I love you so much. Thank you for being the best daddy a girl could ever ask for.”
“I love you too, Princess. That will never change,” he chokes out. “Ring me when you get there. You know I’m going to worry until I hear from you.” His words make me laugh. He’s always going to be a worrier. Especially when it comes to his family. I do love that about him.
He pulls back so he can look at me. He raises his hand and wipes m
y tears away with his thumb. “I hope Chase makes you as happy as your mother makes me,” he says.
“He does, daddy,” I say as he pulls me back into his arms, giving me one last squeeze.
“I know, baby, I know,” he whispers. I get on the tip of my toes and kiss his cheek.
“I’ll see you in a couple of weeks,” I say. He smiles.
“Have a great time.” When he lets go of me, I turn and walk over to my husband. Looking over my shoulder, I find my dad watching us. He looks both happy and sad. I blow him a kiss. Catching it, he puts it into the pocket of his jacket. It makes me smile.
When he blows one back, I catch it in my hand before laying it over my heart. ‘I love you,’ I mouth to him.
When Chase and I finally make it over to the car that’s waiting to whisk us away to the airport, he gives me the most breathtaking smile as he holds open the door. He looks so happy, as happy as I am.
I raise my hand and gently stroke it down his face before I enter the car. “I love you Mr. Daniels,” I whisper.
“I love you more, Mrs. Daniels,” he replies as his eyes lock with mine. Everything we’ve been through has brought us to where we are now. Our wedding has been the perfect start to the perfect life I know we’re going to have together.
Sure the beginning was rough, but it only proved how strong our love was for each other. We survived everything life threw at us, even against all odds.
••••
2 years later…
Chase
I awake to my favourite sound in the world, the sound of my girl’s sweet laughter. It’s like music to my ears. What I’ve experienced in the past two years is more than I could’ve ever hoped for. I can’t really put my feelings into words, but I’m happy; deliriously happy. I never thought life could be this good.
As I’m about to open my eyes and roll over, I hear the soft pad of Angel’s feet as she crosses the room.
“Your daddy is such a sleepyhead,” she whispers. “We need to wake him or we’re going to miss our flight. Will you help me wake daddy up, baby girl?”