"Ready?" my father asks, squeezing my hand gently. The chords of the familiar march drift towards me from the small string section. I take a deep breath and try to relax one last time as the doors open before me. I can't answer, instead choosing to nod my head and take a slow step forward towards my future.
My eyes rise and meet him at the end of the aisle. Locked in this gaze I feel as if I am floating, and I see nothing but him. I feel my father place my hand in his and I can't keep the smile from my face, as happy tears start to flow down my cheeks. His hand comes up to wipe them from my cheek and I lean into the touch. We are lost in the moment until a presence to my left clears their throat. I look down sheepishly, blushing, causing some familiar chuckles in the front row.