My (26f) mom (51) has been dating Rick (52) for about 4 years. They started dating after I moved out for college. My parents divorced when I was 12, and I lived mostly with my dad until I graduated high school. My dad passed away three years ago, and it was incredibly hard for me. He was my rock, my best friend, and he always made sure I felt loved.

Rick is… fine. I guess. He’s never been cruel or anything, but he’s not warm either. He’s not someone I’d ever go to for advice or comfort. He mostly tries to insert himself into family stuff like he's always been there, but he hasn’t. He doesn't ask about my life, we barely talk unless we're at some gathering, and he once referred to my dad as "that guy," which made my blood boil.

I’m getting married next spring, and I always planned to walk myself down the aisle. My dad can't be there, and nobody could ever replace him. My mom brought up the idea of Rick walking me, and I immediately said no. She pushed, saying he’s been in her life for years and is basically my stepdad. I told her I don’t feel that way at all, and the idea makes me uncomfortable.

Now she’s telling the rest of the family that I’m “disrespecting her relationship” and “punishing Rick for not being my dad.” Rick hasn’t said anything to me directly, but he’s made passive-aggressive comments around others like, “Guess I’m not good enough to be family.” It’s making things tense, and now some relatives think I should just “let him do it to keep the peace.”

But this isn’t about peace — it’s about my wedding and honoring my dad. So, AITA for not letting my mom’s boyfriend walk me down the aisle?