The next two hours are a whirlwind of preparations. I get three seconds alone for a hot shower, then the hair and makeup artist pounces. Finally, my sisters-to-be, now dressed in beautiful cornflower-blue dresses—just like I pictured—help me into my wedding dress, which fits perfectly. A woman tiptoes in and asks me to sign the marriage license. Griff has already put his bold scrawl on the GROOM line, so I add my signature where it says BRIDE.
It’s real now. We’re truly getting married… I’d tear up again at the enormity of all he’s done for me, but I don’t want to destroy my face. The poor woman who fixed it already spent a lot of time trying to make me look as if I slept great last night and haven’t cried a tear. Luckily, she’s talented. I can’t remember a time I looked more radiant.
The girls shepherd me to the dining room to line up for the ceremony. At the open door to the lanai, Jamie is waiting for me in his precious tux, along with his uncle Maxon.
I bite my lip to hold in those pesky tears. I’m about to pledge my life to the man I love, to join together with my son’s father into the most beautiful group of siblings and friends… I’m beyond blessed.
“You two look so handsome,” I tell them.
“Of course. This gorgeous redhead I know tells me every day how hot I am…”
Keeley rolls her eyes with a laugh. “Maybe I won’t tell you that today.”
“Maybe I’ll make you pay later,” he growls.
“Eww. TMI, guys.” Harlow scowls, then points at Jamie. “Young ears in the room. Hey, buddy. It’s you and me tonight. Got any movie requests?
“How to Twain your Dwagon!” he shouts.
“It’s on my iPad at the house,” I assure Harlow.
She nods and looks down at her nephew. “Got you covered, pal. Twaining Dwagons it is…”
We all laugh, then Keeley hugs me. “Don’t be nervous.”
Oddly, I’m not—at all. “Everything is beautiful.”
“I picked out the perfect song for your wedding. ‘Wrapped in Your Arms’ by Fireflight is an unconventional choice, but it’s about once walking alone, then finding home with your love and—”
“If you chose it, I’m sure it’s perfect. I couldn’t be more thrilled. Thank you to all of you. So much.”
“You can repay us by babysitting,” Maxon quips.
“Hey! I’m not even pregnant.” Keeley gapes at her new husband.
“Yet.”
Everyone laughs until my mom comes bustling out of the kitchen, carrying two things. She hands me my bouquet. All white and spilling almost to the ground, it’s still cold from the refrigerator.
I grip the handle. I feel like a bride.
“Thanks, Mom.”
She nods, then walks behind me and settles a pearl pendant around my throat. “This is the one gift I have from your father. I’m sorry he won’t be here and he doesn’t know what a beautiful woman you’ve become, but I want you to have this and be happy. And don’t ever think about moving to Chicago again.”
I touch the pearl dangling at my throat. It’s already been an emotional day, and I know there’s more to come. I drag in a deep breath to keep myself together. If I peek around Maxon, I see Griff pacing around the altar. He’s anxious, beyond ready. Like me.
“You know, you could always move here,” I say to my mom.
She smiles as if that’s a lovely impossibility. “I don’t have a job.”
“You cook. You bake!” Keeley sounds thrilled. “I’ll hire you.”
We all laugh, but Maxon’s bride is very serious. My mom sends her a considering glance, then looks around the big, happy house. “I just might do that…”
“It’s time!” Harlow shouts, then bends to Jamie. “Remember last week, buddy?” When my son nods, his aunt straightens his bow tie. “No running. Just carry the pillow calmly to the table next to Daddy. He’ll do the rest, okay?”
“Otay.” He turns to me and opens his arms for a hug.
It might wrinkle my dress but I don’t care. I bend to hold him close, rejoicing that we’re going to complete our family circle.
“Pretty Mommy.” He pats my back.
“Thank you, Jamie. I’m going to go marry your daddy now, okay?”
“Yeah!” He skips around.
Maxon joins his brother at the altar. I see the officiant waiting. The bridesmaids begin their trek down the aisle. Then the swell of music starts. And that’s my cue to begin my future with Griffin Reed. After I float down the aisle, hearing a soft voice swear that nothing can separate us, we grip hands and exchange vows that have me near tears again. Finally, we slip wedding bands onto each other’s fingers. The words and symbols are meaningful…but it’s our kiss that seals our forever. My heart fills with joy and certainty because I know we’ll spend every day for the rest of our lives totally in love.
The End