lifeline ⇾ kai parker

33┃wedding bells

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

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"AREN'T YOU GOING TO SAY IT?" Mila asks while carding through the racks. The prices made her grimace despite the fact she could probably afford most of them.

When she is granted no response, she peered over at the man who was lounging on one of the residential couches and sipping complimentary champagne. She had been surprised when he jumped at the opportunity to join her at the bridal store. But now, seeing him with his feet propped up and looking throughly relaxed, she can understand why he wanted to get out of the house.

Usually dress shopping would involve her mother or appointed bridesmaids, but since this was a last minute thing and her mother happened to be busy this afternoon, here she was with her dad. He insisted on paying, too, which is why she was being extra considerate with her choices.

Mila fully spun around, a few dresses hung over her arms. "Come on. I know you want to."

"What do you think I want to say?" Evan squints at her cluelessly.

"That this is crazy," Mila explained, waving a hand. She stares at him with expectant eyes. "That coming back home, announcing I'm back together with my ex, getting engaged, and getting married in the span of two weeks is absolutely insane and that I'm rushing into things."

"Is that how you feel?"

"No, but any normal parent would be concerned."

"Guess I'm not normal, then." He shrugs and finishes off his second glass.

A scoff is emitted at his response. She didn't know what exactly she expected him to say. Maybe something supportive. Something that would let her know that she was making the right decision. Something that would reassure her that after all the chaos and tragedy ingrained in her life that this would be the one thing that wouldn't be a disaster.

But Mila knew that was unreasonable. After putting so much effort into keep her parents out of the loop and out of harm's way, she couldn't have those expectations. He didn't know the expanse of her suffering, of everything she's been through, so how could he have all the answers?

Mila goes to hang her chosen items up on the hanger inside of the fitting room. Before she could shut the door behind her and begin trying on a multitude of white dresses, her father speaks again.

"Mila, you have done things at your own pace your entire life." At the sound of his voice, riddled with certainty, she turns her head. Although his tone is serious, his eyes shine and a small smile graces his thin lips. "You've never let anyone push you into something you didn't want, including that knucklehead who has stretched out your mother's robe. And I couldn't be more proud of you for it."

Slowly, a grin works its way on her face. For someone who is always known for being unpredictable and ridiculous at times, he sure knew how to say the perfect thing when he wanted to.

"I thought you liked Kai," Mila resorted. She leans against the side of the doorframe, fingers loosely wrapped around the edge of the ajar door.

"Oh, I do. But, I also recognize he's a complete goofball. He's going to be a handful." Evan nodded knowingly.

Mila laughs. "He already is."

"The best ones are. Why do you think I've stuck with your mom?"

"Out of fear she'd take everything you own in the divorce."

"That... and she always keeps me on my toes. After decades of marriage, the woman still surprises me."

On that note, she finally shuts the door, shaking her head at the dynamic between her parents. They were outrageous, witty, passionate, and frankly a lot to live up to. They set a standard and it's why Mila never settled for less when it came to just about any aspect of her life.