Dad kisses her cheek when they get to me and takes his seat next to Mom, who’s already sobbing quietly. Not that I blame her. I feel like crying myself. Because…fuck, I’m a lucky, lucky man.
The last seven months have all been leading up to this one moment. Hell, maybe my whole life has been leading to this. Perhaps everything does happen for a reason, and the reason for my accident was that awful fucking letter I wrote. Maybe the universe knew Ava and I belonged together, and that it had better do something, and quick, in order for us to live the happily ever after we were always supposed to have.
She hands off her bouquet to Maddie, who is only one of her two matrons of honor. Since Regan was her maid of honor last time, Maddie got the first spot for this one. At this point though, I could hardly care who is standing up with us and how many people are watching. It’s just the two of us—Ava and me. Nobody else exists at this moment in time. In this bubble of pure happiness.
I take her hands in mine and stare into the eyes of the only woman I ever want to look at for the rest of my goddamn life.
When Reverend Jenkins begins to speak, I’m reminded it’s not, in fact, just the two of us in this world.
“Heavenly father,” he says. “We thank You for Your love and blessings on this day. We ask for Your guidance and favor upon Trevor and Ava as they begin… or rather, continue their life together.” A few chuckles are heard from the crowd. “May their love be strong and enduring, and?—”
“Oh my god!” Ava interrupts, shock stripping her of her smile.
“Ava?” I ask quietly.
She looks down at the ground, then leans in as close as her pregnant belly allows. “Trevor, I think my water just broke.”
“Youthink?”
“I felt a little pop and then there was a gush, so yeah?” She glances sheepishly at the crowd. “Trev, what are we going to do?”
My face cracks into a smile. “Get you to the hospital, babe.”
“It’s too early.”
“It’s not too early. You and the baby are going to be fine.” I sweep a tendril of hair aside and cup her face, pressing my lips to hers. “I promise.”
Carter clears his throat behind me, reminding me once again we’re not alone. I turn to the guests. “Sorry, folks, we’re moving the wedding.” I sweep Ava into my arms and start up the aisle, turning to Mom as I pass. “It might be a long day. Anyone who wants to come wait at the hospital is welcome.”
“I’ll pack up and bring some of the food,” she says, reaching out to touch Ava’s arm. “Good luck, honey. We’re all here for you.”
As I carry Ava past everyone who came to watch us get married—most of whom I’ve been told were also in attendance the first time—and make my way to the limo that was supposed to take us to our honeymoon weekend on Long Island, Mom’s words echo through my head. I’ve never been more grateful we didn’t move to Atlanta before the baby came. Everyone we know and love will be here to welcome our daughter into the world.
I set Ava down and help her into the limousine, telling the driver about the change in plans.
We get her situated inside and she doubles over. She looks up at me, frightened. “What you said to your mom about it taking a while? I’m not sure it will.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve been having contractions all day. I thought they were Braxton Hicks.” She’s visibly becoming more anxious as the moments pass. “I assumed they were just happening more frequently because I was nervous and excited.”
I scrub a hand across my jaw. “Jesus, Ava. You’ve been in labor all day?”
She shrugs, looking guilty. “Maybe since late last night.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me—yourdoctorhusband?”
“I didn’t want you worrying, and I didn’t want anything taking away from this day.” She looks down at her soiled dress. “I’m sorry I ruined everything.”
I get on my knees in front of her and take her hands. “You ruined nothing. I got to plan the wedding of my dreams. I saw you walk down the aisle.” I sweep my eyes across her. “You’re fucking beautiful, by the way. I got to stand up at the altar in front of all our friends.” I chuckle. “Even if it was only for thirty seconds.” I move our entwined hands to her belly. “And now I get to watch our daughter come into the world. I can’t think of a better or more memorable day.”
She doubles over again, eyes closing, face scrunching.
“Shit, babe. That was only a few minutes since the last one.”
Her eyes widen like saucers. “I’m not going to have her here in the car, am I?”
“No, of course not.”At least I hope not.We are thirty minutes from the hospital. “First babies rarely come that quickly.” Still, I turn and shout to the driver, “As fast as you can safely get us there.”
