All names, places and references are fictional. All the characters are over eighteen.
This is the story of An's Mom, Julie. This is the last in this series. It's free standing but also uses the first two for some background.
An had asked me to act as her father and walk her down the aisle for her wedding. Because of that I was seated next to her mom, Julie. I watched as Julie and a few others gave short speeches to congratulate them and welcome Derek and his parents into her family. Derek's mom and dad gave a short speech and welcomed An and Julie into their family. An looked at me, grabbed the mic and got up and walked over to me.
She asked for me to stand next to her and turned the mic on. "Uncle Dave, I'm sure that most people here know that my dad was never in my life." She laughed, "Clearly that was his loss..." That got a pretty big laugh and applause from everyone.
"Everyone saw you walk me down the aisle and give me away to Derek..." She had some tears starting to flow. "Most don't know the many, many hours you spent with me during the pandemic. Helping me to pass my finals and graduate. Even before that, you and Auntie Lan helped out more than you realize." She took a deep breath and tried to gain her composure, but I could still feel her trembling as I rubbed her back. "You've been far more to me than just a father figure. You invested your time in me to make me a better person and helped to push me to not settle. You showed me what unconditional love was, and I will forever be grateful for everything we've shared."
She handed the mic to her mom and just hugged me. I leaned down and whispered in her ear. "You're beautiful. You're going to make your makeup run if you keep crying..." She laughed and kissed me on the cheek, and I walked her back over to Derek and put my hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
I went back to my seat and asked Julie for the mic and did my best to convey my thoughts without completely breaking up. "First, you guys make an awesome couple! I am incredibly happy for both of you. My only advice is that you take care of each other, and always remember that no matter what happens, you must be honest and open with one another. Never let any subject be off limits. When you do that, trust will bloom and that will lead to fulfillment that will make your bond unbreakable. An, my love for you will always be unconditional. Derek, you're a good man and because of An, my love extends to you as well. Welcome to the family!"
I turned the mic off and wiped some tears off my cheek and sat down.
Julie smiled at me and put her hand on my thigh and squeezed, then leaned over and quietly began talking to me. "Thank you, Dave. You've done more for An than her real dad ever did. Plus, you've helped her in so many other ways to open up and become the woman she was meant to be."
I put my arm around her and squeezed. "She's the woman she is because of you. You're a supermom to her. You and she have such a perfect relationship. All mothers and daughters should be as open with each other as you two are. You're a great woman Julie, never underestimate yourself."
She smiled at me. "Thank you, Dave. That was sweet of you. I know you hate dancing, but you're going to have at least two tonight. One with An and one with me."
I laughed, "If I have to..."
She kissed me on the cheek, "You have to!"
We sat there and watched as the reception continued and as the evening was winding down, the tables were cleared and removed except for Derek and An's table. The music started a little lower and the DJ was quick to call the newlyweds onto the dance floor for the first dance.
It was a nice slow dance and after it finished, he called the father of the bride and mother of the groom up to share a dance with our respective kids. It was a nice slow song as well and it allowed An and I to have another short conversation, before the moment ended, the DJ changed things up and paired me with Derek's mom and An back with Derek. I congratulated her and her husband on raising such a handsome and awesome son. She giggled and congratulated me on making An such an amazing young woman.
The dance ended and then the DJ called for the mother of the bride and father of the groom to share a dance. It was a fun night. After the last of the family dances the DJ opened the floor up to everyone. Tamika and I shared a dance before Quinten came over and asked for her dance. I shook his hand and bowed out.
Julie and I were sitting and talking about how life wasn't what we'd planned but still managed to be better than we'd hoped for. She expressed some sorrow for Lan not being around to see An get married. "She helped, well both of you helped raise An while I worked. I'm forever in debt to you guys for that. I miss getting to have my daily talks with her. She was my best friend and confidant. I could share anything with her."
It almost looked like she blushed a bit. "I'm sure that some of that probably made it back to you." She finished in Vietnamese. "An told me... so any secrets I had with Lan, I'm sure you know as well."
I smiled. "Your secrets are safe with me."
She pulled my hand, "Come on, you owe me at least one dance."
I followed her to the dance floor. She went over to the DJ and said something. He smiled and nodded. It became obvious that she had asked for a slower song. She smiled at me and opened her arms. I walked up to her and put my arms around her. We swayed to the music through several songs when An came up to us. "Mom, I'm done with Dave, at least in the way I needed before, so he's free game."
She looked at me, "Dave, you're no longer my Uncle Dave, you're my dad. I'll always love you." She pulled me close and whispered, "Take care of mom."
I kissed her forehead. "Anything for you!"
She smiled and hugged her mom and said something. I couldn't make it out for the music, but I swear it looked like they both changed color before she pushed her mom towards me.
We shared a few more dances as the reception was winding down. An and Derek had the mic and they thanked everyone for being part of their wedding and for the gifts. The night ended when Derek's mom and Julie went over to them and Derek's mom held the mic, "We love both of you... don't waste too much time, we're not getting any younger, we need grandbabies!"
That got a huge round of applause out of the crowd.