Colt doesn’t do anything halfway, and this is only more proof that he sees me. He knows me. My pulse races, and my fingers tremble slightly as I hold the earrings up. They’re exactly what I would have picked myself.
“Wow,” my mom breathes. “He knows how to spoil you, doesn’t he?”
I nod, smiling through the emotion thickening in my chest.
Anna kneels down and carefully slides the garter up my thigh to where it won’t slip. Sia takes the earrings and fastens them gently. Kira pins the hairpin with a soft smile.
And then Joseph steps forward with my bouquet in hand. He holds it out, eyes bright. “You ready to go get your man, goddess?”
My lips curve. “Hell, yeah.”
We move together down the stairs, laughter trailing behind us as everyone’s heels click and chatter fills the space.
At the back door, I pause.
My heart is pounding so hard I can feel it in my ears.
“Don’t worry, Deliah, I’ve got you,” Dad says, stepping in beside me.
I look up at him and instantly relax. His smile is radiant and proud, and his eyes glisten with unshed tears.
“You look beautiful, darling. He’d better take care of you. And hey, it’s not too late to pull out, if you’re having second thoughts.”
I laugh, my nerves dimming. “No one’s ever taken care of me like Colt. Except for you, Daddy.”
His face softens. “You called me Daddy.”
“I think today, I need both my parents by my side.”
Mum appears, hugging me from the other side. Then Joseph joins in. Then Anna, Kira, and Sia. One giant group hug before the walk of my life.
I take a deep breath, willing my tears not to fall.
Everyone looks incredible. Joseph in his tux, the girls glowing in lilac. And me? I feel like someone out of a dream.
“Okay,” I say with a trembling grin. “Let’s go. Take me to my man, Daddy.”
Anna gives the go-ahead to start the music. I hook my arm through Dad’s, and we step outside into the blindingly beautiful day. The garden is immaculate. A red carpet runs across the grass, laid perfectly down the aisle toward the willow tree. White chairs line either side, and flowers are woven everywhere in soft lilac and ivory. It’s stunning.
I silently remind myself to thank Anna for the carpet because I’d be falling flat on my face without it.
I glance up. I still can’t see Colt—he’s beneath the tree, out of sight.
But then the quartet starts to play, and my pulse goes wild.
“How are you doing?” Dad murmurs as we begin our walk.
“Nervous,” I whisper. “But so damn happy.”
As we reach the edge of the aisle, people rise. Cameras flash. Joseph walks first, followed by Kira, Sia, and then Anna, who stops to kiss my cheek.
And then…
… the world tilts.
A helicopter hums above us.
I look up, squinting as the noise steals the serenity of the moment.
