“Any idea when the wedding will be?” Mrs
. Matthews asked. Somehow she had a piece of cake in her hands. Probably one of her aides had gotten it for her.
“Soon,” Jacob replied. “I don't want to wait. I've waited since high school.”
“I don't want anything big,” I said. “Just family. Friends.”
“I already claim making the cake,” Katie announced bringing Jacob and I a slice of cake each. “Just so you know.”
I took a bite and moaned softly. It was vanilla, but rich and creamy and somehow more vibrant than regular cake. Maybe it was the occasion, or maybe it was Katie's abilities. Either way, it was amazing.
“Done,” I told her, quickly taking another.
“The courthouse is open for a few more hours,” Mrs. Matthews observed, licking the last of her frosting from her fork.
My eyes widened in surprise. I was glad she was on-board with the wedding, but offering it up for today?
“What? I want grand babies,” she said with a shrug. My mother laughed.
“What about it?” Jacob asked, turning to me. “Want to head to the courthouse?”
“Seriously?”
Jacob nodded. “If you want some time...”
“No. Let's do. I just want to wear a dress.” I pointed down to my work scrubs. “I'm not exactly dressed at the moment.”
“I have something you can wear,” my mother said, stepping forward. “It's at home, but it will fit you.”
“Okay. I'll meet you at the courthouse in thirty minutes then?”
Jacob grinned and kissed me.
“Does it count that you've now seen me on the day of our wedding?” I asked when he released me.
Our parents both laughed. “I think it'll be okay,” my father assured me.
Jacob met my gaze one last time before my mother pulled me away. My fingers slid out from his, easily, but not willingly. I didn't want to leave him, even though I knew we'd be together in just a little bit.
Chapter 30
I had dreamed of marrying Jacob Matthews since the first day he said two words to me. I'd always imagined a dress and a church, but to be honest, I didn't care how I married him. Just that I married him.
Today, I stood outside the town courthouse in a long white lace dress.
I wore my mother's wedding dress. She'd kept it all these years with the hope that I would one day wear it. It was long and in a bohemian style from the late seventies, but simple enough that it was eternally classic.
I loved it. I loved that it was a piece of my parents' marriage and that it would now be a part of mine.
Karina brought me flowers from her garden. I had sunflowers and daisies, mixed with beautiful orange lilies. I couldn't have picked out more beautiful flowers from a florist if I had tried.
Katie had called and told me she was taking care of the cake. And the food. Mrs. Matthews said the gazebo was ours for the rest of the day. Someone called their band, and another person started bringing chairs.
We were having a reception in the park and the entire town was invited after the wedding.
Now, I stood outside the courthouse with my parents. It was quiet other than the sound of cicadas and birds. The sun cast a warm orange glow that made the world feel brighter and more magical than usual.
I swallowed hard as my dad took one arm and my mother the other. Together, they walked me into the courthouse.