The ceremony came too quickly for Price, and his heart wasn’t ready. Walking his daughter down the aisle, he kept his grip on her hand firm, reluctant to let go. When they reached the altar, he turned to the captain, his voice low but steady.

“You love her, yeah? Protect her better than you protect yourself. That’s all I ask.”

The captain met his gaze and nodded. “Always, sir.”

Price hesitated for a moment before stepping back, his jaw tight as he took his seat.

Later, during the speech, he stood with a glass in hand, his words carefully measured. “You’ve made me proud every day of your life, and I know you’ll make me just as proud in this next chapter. And to you, Captain—you’ve earned my respect as a soldier. Now it’s time to earn it as a husband.”

The room filled with applause, but Price’s eyes stayed locked on them, a rare smile softening his usually steely expression. A bittersweet pride lingered as he watched his little girl begin her new chapter.