“I just wanted the chance to say how happy I am for you and Grace and how proud I am of the man you grew up to be.”

Sure enough, Evan blinked rapidly. “You know how much your opinion means to all of us.”

“I’m also proud of you for pursuing the music when it would be less complicated to let go of the dream and take the easy road. You always would’ve wondered what might’ve been if you hadn’t taken this chance, but you should know how much we’ll miss you. We’ll be waiting for you when it’s time to come home.”

Evan nodded and smiled at his dad. “That’s good to know. I’d hoped you would approve.”

Big Mac put his arm around Evan’s shoulders. “I approve, and I love you, son. More than you’ll ever know.”

Evan battled his emotions to find the words he needed. “I’ve always known I was lucky to be born into our family, but after seeing what Grace has been through with hers, I appreciate it so much more than I ever have before. You and Mom are the heart of us, and I hope to be able to give my kids a fraction of what you’ve given me.”

“And you thought I’d make you cry.”

Evan hugged him, holding on tight to the man who’d been his true north his entire life.

“Let’s go get you married, shall we?”

After putting Evan in charge of the music, Grace had been prepared for just about anything, but listening to him and Owen on the ukuleles singing a song he knew she loved, Grace couldn’t contain her smile or the tears that filled her eyes. It was perfect, just the way he’d said it would be.

They sang that song as their guests were seated and as the wedding party came together in couples, Mac and Maddie, Joe and Janey, Grant and Stephanie, Adam and Abby, Tiffany and Blaine, and Laura as her matron of honor, who’d join Owen as Evan’s best man.

While waiting to hear if Laura would be able to convince Owen to come to the wedding, Grace had held off on asking anyone else to be her honor attendant. As Laura headed down the sandy path to the spot they’d chosen for their wedding, Grace was so happy everything had worked out and they’d been able to come. Even the location was perfect after being moved from the resort they’d originally chosen in Turks and Caicos, which had been damaged in a storm.

“Ready, honey?” Big Mac asked, extending his arm to her.

Grace slid her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Ready.”