“I should’ve worn sunglasses,” I mutter.
“You’re not wearing sunglasses. Can you imagine those photos?” Gabe hisses, tugging at my tie.
“You look more nervous than I do.”
“I worked on this all summer,” he says, straightening his jacket. “I want everything to beperfect.”
I beam hearing that. “Me too.” I agree. I take a moment to look around at all the adoring smiles looking back at me.
Rows of white chairs gleam beneath the sun, every seat filled with faces I love — grinning, tearful, waiting. The family we built together. Founded on our love.
On this warm sunny day, I’ve never felt happier than I do right now.
I take a look beside Gabe to see the poster of my father propped up on a stand. Right beside us, like he always was supposed to be.
Tears prick my eyes, letting all the emotions flow through me.
We’re here.
It only took my whole life, but I finally managed to get Tobias to marry me.
I give a quick wave at Claire who waves at me excitedly in the front row. Beside her sits the rest ofJude’s Placestaff…my family.
I swallow hard, the summer sun beating down on us. This wedding arch above us adorned with bright yellow sunflowers, purple irises offers no canopy under this summer sun, but honestly, I don’t care.
Nature decided to provide us with the sunniest day as a gift. Tobias deserves nothing less than to be basking in golden rays.
He’s my angel.
“You can’t cry yet. He hasn’t even made it out yet.” Gabe nudges me in the shoulder.
“I can’t help it.” I laugh through the tears. “I’m just so happy.”
“I know…” Gabe smiles gingerly, his eyes floating through the crowd. I see him fixate on someone in particular and just like that, his cheeks redden.
“Oh, you’resoblushing.” I giggle quietly.
“Shhh.” Gabe looks away, the reddening getting worse.
“You’re not allowed to shush me. It’s my wedding day.” I nudge him again.
Suddenly, the music changes from the soft tunes, to an instrumental ofFade Into Youby Mazzy Star. My stomach clenches as my breath catches in my throat.
I watch the glass doors to the lake house slide open, and everything in me goes still.
He’s here.
I’m vaguely aware of the stir around me, the guests rising for his entrance, but my eyes are locked entirely on him.
His blonde hair pushed back out of his eyes, he stands tall in his light brown suit, dressed to the nines.
I watch Gwen loop her arm around his as they make their way down the wooden deck.
His movements are slow and deliberate, as always, a vision gliding toward me, carrying the promise of our future together.
He licks his lips nervously, and I can see from here the way his eyes dart to his feet then back up to me again.
My heart hammers in my chest with every step he takes toward me.
