“That’s my girl. Your brothers will still be there, right?”

“Oh yes, they wouldn’t miss it, but this is it for me with my parents. I can’t keep letting them do this to me.”

“No, you can’t, and I’m glad to hear you say that.”

“Because you’ve wanted me to cut things off with them for a while now?” she asked with the hint of a smile ghosting her lips.

“Something like that, but I never would’ve said it. You had to get there on your own.”

“Well, consider me there.”

Evan cupped her face in his hands and kissed her cheeks, brushing away her tears, before turning his attention to her sweet lips. “Focus on me. I’m your family, and I’ll never let anyone hurt you ever again.”

“I’d be lost without you, Evan. You have no idea how much I need you.”

“Yes, I do, because I need you just as much.” He kissed her again, more intently this time, before the clearing of a throat interrupted them.

“Sorry to interrupt the early honeymoon,” Big Mac said. “I was just making sure you two are okay. Someone said Grace seemed upset.” He zeroed in on her tearstained face, his brows furrowing with dismay.

That was what Evan loved best about his dad—he took care of them all, whether they were his biological kids or their friends.

“Who made you cry, and how can I kill him or her?” Big Mac asked. “The offer includes my son, in case you’re wondering.”

Grace’s face lit up with a big, bright smile. His dad had that effect on people, especially the ones who loved him. “Your son is the most wonderful man who ever lived, and he only makes me cry with laughter.”

“Then who do I need to see about tears on my daughter-in-law’s pretty face the week of her wedding?”

“Grace’s parents let her know today that they’re unable to make it to the wedding.” Evan saved her the trouble of having to say the words again.

His father’s face went slack with shock. “They… Well… I’m sorry, honey.”

“Grace was worried about who might give her away, and I said—”

“I’ll do it,” Big Mac said fiercely. “I will do it, and it’ll be my honor.”

Grace began to cry again, but these were happy tears. Evan knew the difference by now. She released him so she could hug his dad, who wrapped her up in his strong arms. She looked so small and fragile next to his strapping father, and the sight of them together brought tears to Evan’s eyes.

“Everything’s going to be okay, sweetheart,” Big Mac said, rubbing small circles on Grace’s back. “I’ll make sure of it, and so will Evan.”