We had three hours. I called an Uber, hit multiple stores, and finally found the perfect off-white dress at a tiny boutique. She lit up when she put it on. “I’m glad I’m here with you,” she whispered. At the wedding, my cousin paused his speech to say, “Ephraim, you’re a heck of a dad.” I nearly lost it. Later, a woman told me, “Seeing you two reminded me of my dad. Thank you.”

That night, Talia whispered, “Today was perfect.” And she was right. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about showing up. Messy, awkward, beautiful. Those are the moments that matter.