I decided to tell you a story instead.
Once upon a time, there was a knight. He wasn’t a white knight or a dark knight, just a knight fighting for what he believed in and for the people he loved. The fight got the best of him, and he pushed everyone away—including the lady that loved him—because he thought that was the only way he could save them. He never realized no one wanted to be saved, they only wanted him.
When he finally came back for his lady, she didn’t go easily. In fact, there were a couple of times when she ran, too. For different reasons, but the same intentions. Once they were finally in the same place, they realized all the running they did never mattered. You can’t run from your heart and soul—because it always comes with you.
It’s a little clunky and unedited, but my gift to you is the last piece I’ll ever write as Brianna Morgan. From now on, my words will belong to BM Falco. Cool authors need a pen name :)
You may notice I didn’t say, “and they lived happily ever after.” That’s an ending.
And, as you said, our story doesn’t have one.
Love always,
Brianna
I chuckled as I folded the paper and stuffed it back into the envelope. She stole my thunder again.
Briannawasmy heart and soul and everything good in my life. Maybe I was such a basket case about today because it seemed all too surreal to actually make her my wife. Marrying her was like winning the lottery but constantly checking your numbers because this had to be a mistake. There was no way in hell you could be this lucky. But she was so much more than a prize. She was the air in my lungs and the blood in my veins. My irritation was replaced with impatience. After waiting my entire life to marry Brianna, I didn’t want to do it for another second.
A knock on the door broke me out of my trance.
“Now you’re knocking? Give me a break, Reid.” I lifted my head and my jaw dropped open. The knock wasn’t Reid.
“Hi, Josh.” My father stood in the doorway. I wasn’t sure how I felt seeing him. Happy that he actually made time for my wedding day? Maybe more surprised than happy. Angry that he never came up to see the new shop or his granddaughter? Yes, but I was used to his wishy-washy responses and actions.
“Hi, Dad.” I stood, regarding him with wary eyes. I almost ruined myself to carry my father as a kid. I took care of him in a way he never took care of me, creating a lot of levels of bitterness. Helping him was what I thought was the right thing to do, and I didn’t regret my good intentions—regardless if he appreciated it or not. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m getting by.” He shrugged and ambled a bit closer, still moving slow, but he didn’t seem to be in any pain. “I just saw Brianna and Victoria. She looks so much like your mother, it’s a little spooky.” He choked out a nervous laugh. “You look good. Billy said the shop is doing great.”
“I’m surprised to see you here,” I admitted. Even when I was still in Charleston on inactive duty and would help Uncle Billy at his shop, the only days I’d see him were on those rare occasions he’d come in to help out. No effort of socialization was made beyond good morning and goodnight. But that was my old man, he was always there—but he always wasn’t.
He exhaled a long breath and dropped his gaze to the floor.
“I never did right by you,” he said after lifting his eyes to mine. I’d never noticed before how dark they were, almost like charcoal. I guessed the hulk green color that Victoria and I had came from my mother.
“I’m glad to see you happy. You always loved that girl, that much I remember.” His lips curved at the corners before they fell in a hard line. “I don’t deserve another chance, but I’d like to try. Maybe you can come down and visit and I could get to know Victoria a little bit.”
I nodded. “She’s been asking about her grandfather; she should know you. I’d be fine with that.”
A smile ghosted his face for a moment. “I better get back. Things are about to start soon. Thanks, Josh.” An awkward silence fell over us. “Congratulations,” he finally said.
“You’re welcome, and thank you.”
He strolled back outside. That was the closest I’d ever get to an apology. If he would make good on getting to know his granddaughter, I honestly couldn’t say. I chose to believe the effort it took him to come here—effort I’d hardly ever seen from him—said something.
Today wasn’t about him or my mother or even me. It was about the beautiful woman who loved me through everything and the life we were starting together. I couldn’t get to the other end of the aisle fast enough.
Brianna
“Hey, everyone ready?” Reid knocked and inched the door open.
I stood and flattened out my dress. It was a simple, sleeveless dress with lace at the shoulders. I took a quick glance at the clips in my hair in the mirror. I skipped the veil today, as this was supposed to be a simple kind of wedding and veils made me think of cathedral weddings with long trains at the end of a huge, poufy dress.
“We’re ready!” Amanda answered. Our bridal party was Reid, Amanda, and Victoria. Super small and in-and-out was our wedding theme—why it was so funny that Josh was nervous. I wasn’t at all, only excited. I waited a long time to be Josh’s wife, so any details didn’t matter as long as the ring on my finger and my new last name were in place.
“Bri, can I put a little more on? Please?”
I let Amanda put makeup on Victoria, and although she had a lot more on her face for her dance recital, I thought the pink lip gloss and blush were plenty.
