The Imperfections

Even though she’s smiling, there’s a sad tilt to it, so I ask her what’s wrong.

“I’m just bummed you saw me before I came walking down the aisle. I had my heart set on taking your breath away today,” she says, rolling her eyes like it was stupid.

I walk over and wrap my arms around her tiny waist so I can pull her close. In response, she drapes her willowy arms across my shoulders. “Well, you don’t have to worry about that,” I tell her.

“No? Why not?” she asks.

Leaning forward, I press my lips against her forehead. “Because you always take my breath away.”

27

Alyssa

After my pre-wedding meltdown, Brant walks me out to the barn to retrieve my bouquet and the rest of my bridal party. I look out the open barn door at the curious guests, many of them turned around in their seats looking at the barn for any clue as to why things have been delayed.

Standing beside Brant before he goes back to the ceremony site, I sigh. “Does everyone know I just tried to bail? That’s so embarrassing.”

“I don’t know,” he says, shaking his head and putting his big hands on either side of my head, pulling me in for one last kiss. “Who fucking cares?”

I crack a smile and kiss him back, then he lets me go and heads back over to take his place under the arch.

Bri walks over to stand beside me. She looks out at Brant in the yard then over at me. “Everything good now?”

“Yeah, I’m all better,” I tell her, clutching the handle of my bouquet. “I feel a little stupid.”

“Don’t feel stupid,” she says, absently patting my arm. “Forever is a big commitment. It’s natural to panic a little bit. Trust me, the day of my wedding, I was so nervous I thought about bailing, too.”

Well, yeah, but she was marrying a toilet bowl full of trash. I’m marrying Brant. Big difference.

I don’t say that, obviously, but the image of Theo getting flushed down a trash-filled toilet bowl does bring a smile to my face.

God, he’s the worst.

Brant is the best.

I’m so lucky.

Maybe Theo will get struck by lightning and die, then Bri can marry someone better.

There are two songs set to play while everyone walks down the aisle. The first one plays while my niece, sister, and sisters-in-law head down the aisle. Thompson is our ring bearer, but rather than carrying any rings or an empty pillow, he has Scout’s leash and he’s walking him down the aisle. I watch from the doorway and smile as Scout stops in front of Brant and wags his tail excitedly, wanting to play. Brant bends down and pets his head but then pulls his alpha move and makes Scout sit down by his feet.

He’s even bossy with our dog.

God, I love this man.

Originally, the plan was to have my mom walk me down the aisle since I don’t have a dad to do it and Pappy has bad knees. Once I got to the barn with Brant, though, I realized I don’t want or need anyone to walk me down the aisle and give me away.

I send my mom back to her seat. When my music begins to play, I fluff my veil, clutch my bouquet, and haul myself down the aisle toward my groom.

All eyes are on me, but my eyes are only on Brant. Even though the surprise of my wedding look was ruined, the expression on his face as I walk toward him is every bit what I hoped for. He looks hungry for me, like he wishes he could chase off all these people, throw me down on the ground, and claim me right here and now.

I’m a little turned on when I get to him, and a little excited when I realize I do still have a wedding day look left to surprise him with—he hasn’t seen my bridal lingerie yet.

All my nerves dissipate as Brant reaches out and takes my hands in his. The people watching fade away, so it’s just me and him, gazing at each other and making lovely promises I know we both mean.

After we’ve finished saying our vows and I’m grinning dreamily at the man about to be announced as my husband, the officiant says, “If anyone has a reason why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

My gaze flickers to Theo, who is looking right at me. I quickly bring my gaze back to Brant, hoping he didn’t notice, but when I do, he’s looking behind me with a mild frown on his face.

There’s an uncertain chuckle among the guests that draws my attention, then I turn to look behind me and see Bri sheepishly raising her hand.

My eyes widen and my heart stops beating.

Oh my God.