Break In My Heart

I Do: Tyler's POV (bonus chapter)

I felt like I was going to throw up and do a victory dance at the same time.

I could hear the buzz from our guests as they sat outside, anxiously waiting for Addison and me, but anxiety was eating me alive as it had been for the week leading up to this moment. The day I'd get to marry the love of my life and truly start forever with him.

I just really didn't want to mess things up, or end up like those couples that are madly in love with each other, but the minute they get married everything changed. Had Addison and I been living like a married couple for almost 8 years since we were 18? Yes, but an official change in our title was kind of scary.

Married. Husband. I was going to be Addison's husband. And he was going to be mine.

I just hoped I could give him the life he deserved and more.

I was pulled from my thoughts by a tap on my shoulder. I jumped as I turned around to see my father standing behind me. A hardy chuckle escaped his lips as he put his hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry son, didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to get you because it's almost time."

I nodded as I stood, my knees shaking with anticipation and anxiety. My father put his hands on my shoulders as he took me in, a smile spreading across his face as tears filled his mocha-colored eyes. The same eyes that'd talked me through countless nightmares after he'd saved me from that place. That same eyes that loved me unconditionally and were about to give me away proudly. "My boy is getting married. Who'da thought I'd see the day?"

Tears blurred my vision as he cupped my cheeks.

"I am so proud of you, Tyler. So very proud of the man you've become, the decisions you've made, and how far you've come. I'm proud to call you my son, and there's nothing you can do or say that'll change that, you hear me?"

I nodded as the tears fell. "I love you, dad."

He smiled as he used his thumbs to wipe away my fallen tears. "I love you too, son. Now stop crying. Save the tears for the altar."

I scoffed as I quickly wiped my eyes. "Okay, dad." I linked my arm with his and followed him out to my position behind the big heavy doors that separated me from the man I loved. In front of me, all of our wedding party was paired up, waiting for a hush to settle over the crowd and the ceremonial music to play. They were all wearing maroon dresses and suits, and they all looked absolutely beautiful. I'd made the right choice letting Addison deal with all of the outfits and color scheme because, as expected, everything was perfect.

Since I didn't have a mom, Serenity was in the front of the group and, despite her approaching her pre-teen years, she was our flower girl. Behind her were Azalea and Josh who were going as strong as ever and had moved into an apartment together back in NYC, then Emerson and Adryan, who were now well into their teenage years, followed by Ian and Lelani, with Ian being on ring duty since we didn't have a ring bearer, followed by Lilliana and Silas who, much like I'd predicted, got engaged two months after Addison and I, then finally there was Rowan and their partner Oscar. I stood out among them since I was wearing a white suit with a maroon handkerchief in the breast pocket instead of a maroon-dominant outfit like them.

Suddenly, the ceremonial music filled the air, and the buzzing chatter on the other sides of the door fell silent. I could practically hear my heart hammering in my chest. I was so scared. As if she could feel my stress, Serenity turned back at me and gave me a thumbs up, the simple action calming my nerves.

"You've got this, son," my father said as he handed me the bouquet of maroon and white flowers that our high school football coach donated since he wasn't able to make it to the wedding. "You have nothing to worry about."