“Cassie. You were always the one. Even when you thought you weren’t and we were apart, it was always you. My heart and my life are yours, and you and Sophie fill them every day with your love. You’re my soul mate—my everything. I love you.”
I blow out a breath and drop Patrick’s hands for a moment to swipe away tears on my cheeks.
He takes my hands in his again. “Your turn,” he whispers.
I lick my lips, my mouth suddenly dry. For so long, Ididn’t dare to dream about this moment, and now it’s real and happening.
“Patrick. You are my everything. You’re my best friend, my rock, my heart—everything I am. Today we finally become one and will be for the rest of our lives. I can’t wait for us to start our life together with our children. I look forward to growing old with you.”
When the celebrant declares us married, he dips me and gives me a long kiss as everyone claps and cheers.
“Got you, Cassie,” he whispers.
“For always.”
After what feels like a million photos, we move onto a barbecue in the backyard with the people we love.
I nudge Patrick’s arm. “Look at that.”
Lauren’s laughter rings out across the yard as Ethan tells her a story that has him animated.
Patrick’s parents are engrossed in something Sophie’s saying—that kid has her grandparents wrapped around her little finger.
“I love our life,” he says.
I grip his hand. “Me too. I love this house. I love that we’re having a child here and we’re growing our family. I love you.” I reach up and touch his cheek.
He leans down and kisses me long and slow.
“Get a room, you guys,” Ethan calls.
“We’ve got one.” Patrick laughs.
38
PATRICK
In the months that followed our wedding, things just got better and better.
I get to be a part of this pregnancy and watch Cassie bloom.
It’s not all fun. She has more than her share of morning sickness, but I’m glad that I can give her the type of lifestyle where she doesn’t have to rush to find a job. I don’t really care if she never bothers looking.
As far as I’m concerned, she’s done the hard yards all this time for our girl, and now I get to pamper both of them. And soon, the three of them.
Of course we’re having another girl.
Cassie leans back in her chair after dinner and sighs. She’s two weeks off her due date and has never been more beautiful.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“No, I should have bought donuts with the groceries. I’d kill one right now.”
Sophie laughs. “We should go to Dunkin’, Dad. Get a half dozen.”
Cassie presses her hands together and does those puppy dog eyes I can never resist. “Please? Could you?”
I laugh. “Anything for you. Do you want to come for a ride?”
