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Ari’s hand slips into mine, her touch warm and reassuring. “I know you have a hard time admitting it, but you are loved by many.” I’m starting to believe it. I’ve built a home of my own with love. Home. I’ve finally made it home. “It’s time,” she says. “Ready?”
“I’m getting married!” I squeal, still in a state of wonder. It’s hard not to admit that the journey to this moment was worth it. I can’t go back and change our path, so I’ve accepted it. And an amazing thing came out of evil—the love of my life.
I check myself in the mirror one last time, soothing out invisible wrinkles and adjusting my veil.
“Well, you’re not getting married if we don’t leave this room. We’re already late.” She grabs my hand and my bouquet, practically dragging me out the door. The soft strains of music playing outside filter in, mingling with the distant murmurs of our guests. “So,” Ari says, biting her lip and glancing at me sideways. “There are a lot of hot cops out there. Don’t shame me for enjoying my night.”
“I’d think something was wrong with you if you didn’t.”
After what happened to us, I thought she’d never want to see me again. I tried calling her the week after, left message after message, but her mom finally answered and said she needed some time to process what had happened. I understood, but it broke my heart. It was her way of telling me goodbye. But then she called me a couple of weeks later, wanting to meet for dinner. I’m thankful every day that she’s still a part of my life.
“Liam is pretty hot,” Oakley purrs, joining us with a playful grin. Since the Michigan trip, we’ve kept in touch. The quick flight to Dallas has made it easy for us to hang out, and she and Ari are my bridesmaids.
“Yes. Yes, he is,” Ari agrees.
I playfully gasp and poke Oakley. “Lady, you are married.”
“I’m not blind.” She laughs.
“This is what it’s like being with a bunch of girls, huh? Always talking about the ‘hot guys,’” Ted jokes with air quotes, striding over.
My eyes jump to Ted, and a burst of warmth fills my heart. Looking sharp in a black tux and a white cowboy hat, his smile alone makes me blink back my tears. I blow out a quick breath and fan my face.
“No crying yet,” Oakley says, jumping in front of me and swabbing the corners of my eyes with a tissue.
“I know. But Ted, I can’t thank you enough for walking me down the aisle.”
He pulls me in for a hug, the scent of his woodsy cologne filling my senses. “I’m the one honored you asked me.” There wasn’t anyone else I wanted. I blink through the tears.
“It’s time ladies,” Amy announces, walking through the back doors with Riggs. Her smile widens when she sees me and Ted hugging. Ari and Oakley slip outside the doors. Riggs trots over to my side, his little tuxedo making him the most dapper dog ever.
Everything is perfect.
I couldn’t have dreamed of a better day.
Amy cups my face, her eyes filled with adoration. “You look beautiful, sweetie. This is your day, so take moments throughout it and just breathe it in. There’s so much love here, and you deserve every last drop of it.” I nod, trying to hold it in. “Okay, okay, I’m done. I won’t make you cry anymore. Love you, sweet girl. See you at the end,” she says, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek and then hurries off. She slips outside, leaving me with a smile and a heart full of warmth.
I draw in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You ready, Riggs?”
He barks once.
With him at one side and Ted on the other, our elbows linked, we wait at the door for our cue. “Don’t lock your knees up there,” Ted warns.
I chuckle through the nerves.
“Don’t be like Amy and pass out in the middle of saying her vows.”
I burst out laughing. “She didn’t?”
“She did. But don’t tell her I told you. I’d like to live a little longer.”
The doors open, and we step out into the humid air. A slight breeze whips my side tendrils of hair around. I stare at the clouds overhead, and for a moment I regret not having the wedding inside. But then my eyes meet Paxton’s, and all my worries fade away.
“Wow,” he mouths, shaking his head. He looks up and blinks and then whispers something to Liam. Liam responds with a reassuring squeeze on Paxton’s shoulder.
The scene is magical. Fairy lights twinkle in the trees and overhead. Fresh flowers and the soft hum of music fill the air. My heart races as I take it all in. Breathe it in.
Paxton’s eyes never leave mine as the wedding march starts.
