I went and got the damn ring. I bought the suit, I reserved the spot at the court house. I did everything that a man does before the wedding. There’s just one thing she doesn’t know. I’m not getting married. Not yet, at least.

Every time I think of her, I realize how fucked up this whole situation is, and how I let my family troubles get in the way of loving Olivia. It was so pure at first. Now, it’s an off-white, fading into grey oblivion. My father is proud, no doubt. His son is carrying the lifeline down into another kind of oblivion.

Yet, I can’t be proud of myself. I thought I was a man. How I acted was more like a child. I saw an opportunity and decided to take it. In the end, I love Olivia to death. All it took was opening my eyes to see it. She makes me feel… unimaginable. Like I’m on top of the fucking world.

Tomorrow is the day everything changes. It could end in flames. I just have to see it through, but in my own way.

“Are you ready?” my father asks me.

“Ready enough,” I tell him.

“That’s the attitude,” he says.

I nod my head with slight anger. “Dad,” I say.

“Yes, son?” he asks, voice shaking from age.

“None of this will bring Mom back,” I tell him. “My marriage. This celebration. She wasn’t able to see me walk down an aisle. She won’t be able to see me have kids. She won’t experience those things, and that’s okay.”

“Stop it. Right now. I don’t want to hear that kind of talk.” His eyes droop down into his skin. His voice gets rockier, darker even.

“We have to let go sometime. You and I both know this,” I say. “Family is everything. You taught me that. But family doesn’t last forever. It ends and changes eventually.”

My father, unable to react to what I’ve said, falters. Then, without a word, nor a sound, he turns his back and walks away.

No, this marriage won’t be your typical marriage.

I grab the ring and put it back in its box. I place it in my jacket pocket. I walk out of my dad’s house and head to the car. Jenna comes running after me.

“Hey!” she shouts. I turn around and nod upward. “Are you serious about all of this? Olivia… I mean, you guys just met.”

I laugh. “Yeah. And I’m in love with her,” I say.

“Yeah, but James—”

“You didn’t let me finish,” I say. I look up at the house. From his study, my dad peers out from the curtains. When our eyes meet, he retreats. “I can’t let that man dictate how my life goes. I really love that woman, but I was a fool to trade it in for a house, even if this house is full of nostalgia and greatness. I’m not marrying her tomorrow. Hell no. I’m getting her back.”

Jenna squints her eyes and takes a step back. “Wait. What about this house?” she asks, appalled.

“Dad gave me a similar offer to the one he gave you before you got married,” I say.

“James, that was a wedding present,” she says.

“Look, he gave me an ultimatum. He said he’d sell the house away. What was I supposed to do? I don’t want it going to someone else. It should belong to us,” I say.

“Jesus. I mean, I know Dad has been through hell lately, but still. This is too much,” I say.

“Yeah, which is why tomorrow I’m letting him have it,” I say.

“Come on, James. Don’t be ruthless,” she says.

“Jenna, trust me on this. I’m not going to be ruthless. He’s going to know that I love him, but Olivia is far too important to lose. She’s got that heart of gold, you know? It’s that special something you search ages for. It’s in her. I want to continue our relationship,” I say. “I want to learn and grow. I want us to figure things out together. Then, when the time is right, we might get married. Who the hell knows?”

“Then tell her that. Tell her exactly what you just told me. If she hears that, she’ll know,” she says.

“Listen, I have to go. There’s a lot to think about tonight. I just want you to know that I love you. You hear me? I’ve always got your back,” I say.

“I know it, James. You’re a good guy. You hardly ever make any mistakes. You annoy me, brother. But in the end, I know you’re good for this woman. Go get her back,” she says. “And this time, don’t be such a fool.”