Quadruplets Make Six

My eyes locked with Graham as my heart thundered in my ears. This was it. This was my chance at my own happily ever after. My father lifted the small veil over my eyes and kissed my cheek, then he handed me off to Graham as our fingers laced together.

Then the ceremony began.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in front of God and family to celebrate the union of these two people. If there is anyone here who objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

I scanned the audience and saw someone stand. Who the hell was that?

“That’s okay. If they have issues, they know where the door is. Don’t panic,” Jake said.

As I looked up again I recognized the woman walking out of the wedding. It was Graham’s ex. She had finally given up. She had let him go. Let the kids go. I didn’t even know why she showed up, honestly. Except maybe, this was her way to make peace. To know that he was okay. That her kids would be taken care of. That she could finally let go.

Graham was mine.

A massive smile peeled across Graham’s face. He was free.

“Thanks, Jake.”

“Not a problem, Libby,” he said with a wink.

“I hear the couple have written their own vows,” the minister said. “Mr. Alexander, I’ll hand it over to you.”

“Libby, there are no words to describe what this moment means to me. But that’s all this is. It’s a moment. A triumphant celebration in a long line of celebrations I want to have with you for the rest of my life. This isn’t an end point, or a final leg of the race. It’s the beginning of something new between us, and I want you to understand that I know that. I know it doesn’t end here. I know this isn’t the end goal for us. And no matter what I have to do—no matter where I have to go—as long as you are happy and taken care of, I don’t care. Nothing else matters to me. I love you, Libby. I loved you the moment I saw you hold my sons, I loved you the moment you told me you were pregnant, and I will always love you. No matter what comes our way.”

I watched as Graham slipped my wedding ring onto my finger, my tears no longer held back. I felt them dripping down my cheek and I watched as they fell to the top of Graham’s hand. He cupped my chin and raised my head, then swiped his thumb along my tears.

And then my own vows flew from my lips.

“I never saw this for myself,” I said. “I knew I wanted it. I wanted a husband. Children. A family. But I never saw it happening. I never saw it coming to fruition. The day I met you, when you came to my rescue at that wedding, I was taken by you. Entranced and completely confused as to why a man like you would stick by the side of a woman like me. You, a strong, capable, confident man… and me. A quiet, timid, lifeless woman. But you taught me something, Graham. You taught me that I was none of those things. You showed me what it meant to be better with someone. You dug out within me what was always there, but I was too blind, or scared, or isolated to see it myself. I’ve loved you even before you had a name. Even before you had a face or a personality or a purpose… I have loved you. And I will do whatever it is within my power to make you happy. No matter what it costs me.”

I watched Graham’s eyes well with tears before I turned my gaze to Lizzie.

“I have something I’d like to tell you, Lizzie.”

I slipped my hands from Graham, then bent down to her level and looked directly into her eyes.

“Hey there,” I said with a smile.

“You look really pretty,” Lizzie said.

“Thank you. So do you,” I said. “I want to tell you something.”

“Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Oh yes. Everything’s fine,” I said. “But I have a promise to make you, too.”

“What is it?” she asked.

“I promise to love your father, but I also promise to love you. I promise to always be there to tuck you in at night and read you a story. I promise to love you as much as I can for as long as I can. You and both of your brothers.”

“And my sister?”

Her hand planted against my stomach as tears sprang to my eyes again.

“And your sister,” I said breathlessly. “I promise to always be there to cheer you on. I promise to be the biggest fan of your life. I promise to protect you in all the ways I can and fight with you as you grow older to make sure you stay on a path that is good, just, and worthy of the pride of your father. I promise that I will never try to replace anything you don’t want me to replace, and I promise you—no matter what, I will always be there to love you. No matter what you do. Good or bad, no matter where it lands you. I will always be there to love you.”

Lizzie threw her arms around my neck and buried her face into my body. I felt her shoulders shaking as tears barreled down my cheeks. Lizzie was so precious to me. They all were. Deacon and Daniel were clapping and giggling as Jake struggled with them in his arms.

“I love you, Mommy,” Lizzie said in my ear.