Lily sniffled, her little body shaking with sobs. I felt the weight of her fear, the intensity of her emotions, and I knew that I needed to do something more. I also knew that this was not the time to confront Claire or jump to conclusions based on a child’s fear, however palpable it seemed.

Kneeling there, I realized this wedding needed a pause. I couldn’t proceed with so much uncertainty and my daughter’s fear looming large. I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to reassure her without making promises I couldn’t keep. “Let’s take some time, okay? You and I will talk, and I’ll make sure you feel safe. You know you can tell me anything, right?”

Lily nodded slowly, her grip on my jacket easing just a bit. Her trust was both a comfort and a burden, a reminder of the fragile relationship between a father, his daughter, and the potential new family member I was about to introduce into our lives.

I stood, taking Lily’s small hand in mine, and turned to face the guests. The ceremony hadn’t started yet, but the anticipation was palpable in the air. I cleared my throat, and every eye in the room was suddenly on us.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice stronger than I felt. “We need some time. Lily and I… we need to sort some things out before we continue.”