The pieces of my puzzle.

Thirty eight

(Azara's POV)

"Azara."

I turned around at the sound of the familiar voice, mentally bracing myself for this moment I have always waited for, but never anticipated would really come.

My dress 'swooshed' lightly as I turned to face my dad; his eyes already swimming with tears as he stared at me as if he was captivated.

Penny caught my eye and gave me a nod in understanding, the bridal party filing out of the room to finish getting ready, giving the two of us some space.

My dad stepped closer, looking me up and down, as if soaking in every ounce of this moment, before his gaze finally settled on mine, his eyes watery with emotion.

I took his hands in mine, squeezing them lightly. "Don't cry, otherwise I'll cry too." I said with a weak chuckle, feeling the sting of tears join with the knot of mixed emotions that have settled in the pit of my stomach.

He let out a watery chuckle, smiling from ear to ear as he squeezed my hands back. "Az, I-" he paused, swallowing thickly before continuing. "I-I don't know what to say."

I inhaled, trying to control the tears that have welled up in my own eyes, managing to somewhat compose myself. "Wow. How flattering dad."

A tear escaped his eye as he let out a watery laugh, shaking his head lightly at my ever present sarcasm. "I should've seen that coming, shouldn't I?"

I only smiled in response, attempting to swallow down the rising nerves that have bubbled up to form a lump in my throat.

My dad's gaze suddenly softened, seemingly seeing right through me, one of the only people who ever could. "How are you feeling?" His voice was almost a whisper.

I searched his eyes for a moment, gathering my thoughts before speaking. "It's a little bit of everything, I guess; excited, very excited. But also very nervous, and a tiny bit overwhelmed too." My words tumbled out in a ramble as I bounced on the balls of my feet.

My dad cupped my face in his hands, his hold was gentle in the way only a father's hold could be as his soft gaze met my anxious one. "I know this is all scary, sweetheart, and very new. But trust me, you'll be just fine. You're the most stunningly strong person I've ever met, and this is the next step in a beautiful chapter of your life."

My breath caught in my throat at the sincerity in his tone. My hands gripped his wrist as I let all the worries melt away and allow a true smile to break through. I gave him a nod, to which he smiled.

He leaned forward and leaned his forehead against mine, drinking the last bit of my current chapter in as possible. "You look beautiful, Az." He whispered after a moment of silence.

I smiled, opening my eyes to look up at him. "Thank you, daddy."

After another beat of silence, a sudden knock on the door dragged us out of our peaceful moment. "You ready?" He questioned softly.

I took a breath, gathering myself before letting it out and nodding, letting the excitement flood my mind and drown out all the worries. "Yes, I'm ready."

With that I took his offered arm and we slowly made our way down a hall to stop in line behind the bridesmaids and groomsmen who were paired together to walk down the aisle, we were waiting in front of two wooden doors that would lead to a courtyard where everyone would be waiting.

Phoenix, who was my maid of honor, winked at me and pointed to a grumpy Amelia who had been unfortunately paired with a smug Hangman.

I let out a muffled laugh at Amelia's less than pleased expression.