We stand at the back door, waiting for the music to start. Mama comes up beside me and interlaces her arm with mine. I smile at her, then look toward my best friends in front of me. I truly am blessed.
Dolly Parton’s “More Than I Can Say” begins to play as the girls open the door and part the pink curtain behind it. I catch a small glimpse of my groom and my heart sputters. Maddie starts walking down the aisle as the curtain closes.
Lucy and Lorelai give me one last smile before stepping through the curtain and walking down the aisle together. Braxton only wanted Michael as his best man, so he’s already standing beside him under the pavilion. We transformed the old playground set in my backyard to a pavilion area for cookouts and things. It’s also serving as the wedding altar.
Braxton is moving into this house with me. It was a big decision for him since he designed and built that log cabin by hand. But I needed to stay here because I couldn’t bear to sell Grandmama’s house.
However, Braxton’s house was sold to someone we trust.
The music shifts to the wedding march, and I take a deep breath. I’m caught somewhere between wanting to run to him and not wanting to take a step. Mama pulls me forward, holding the curtain open for me.
I get my first full view of Braxton. He’s so unbelievably handsome in his dark gray tux. Not to brag, but he’s all mine. Working construction with Michael has done a number on him. He still has several years until he finishes the program at Juniper Grove University, but he has been interning under the current architect at the request of Mason Kane.
I take a step through the curtain as the people I love stand from their seated position. The peripheral vision I was using withers away as my eyes focus solely on my best friend standing too far away from me with a tauntingly wide, kissable smile. Mama’s steady pace and strong hold on my arm keeps me from bolting down the aisle.
When we make it to the front and Mama gives my hand over to Braxton’s, a peace unlike anything I’ve ever felt washes over me. His green eyes pierce my soul as Braxton’s father begins the ceremony.
The words the pastor speaks run together in my mind as I stare at the handsome, loving, kind, caring, thoughtful man in front of me.He’s all mine.I have never felt more sure about anything in my life. My past doesn’t matter right now because I know Braxton accepts me for who I was and loves me all the same. All of me.
His father asks if Braxton takes me to be his wife. Short and sweet, just like we wanted. Though my heart knows his true vows.
“I always have,” he whispers to me with a smolder. I want to ask everyone to go home. Then he proudly boasts the traditional two words, “I do.”
“And do you take Braxton to be your husband?”
“There’s never truly been anyone else,” I whisper to him, trying to match his smoldering stare. It must work because he swallows. Then I throw my hands up in victory and shout, “Heck yeah, I do!”
As his father declares us man and wife, Braxton whispers in my ear, “Don’t miss this time when you kiss me.” I shake my head with laughter, then draw the man’s lips down to meet mine in perfect harmony.
This is true happiness.
“Hello,Wife,”Braxtonsaysas he snatches me away from dancing with his dad—my father-in-law.
“See you later, Mr. B.” I break free of Braxton and wrap his dad in an all-consuming hug.
“No need for that,” he huffs in typical fashion, but his arms lightly wrap around me. Then he whispers, so softly, “I’m glad you’re my daughter now.”
I freeze, and then squeeze him tighter. “Thank you.”
Trying my hardest to hold back sobbing tears, I turn back to Braxton and lock arms with my best friend.
My lover.
My husband.
“Hello, Husband.” I give him a quick peck on the lips as we begin to sway to the live acoustic guitar. Mason Kane was in town to check the progress on his vacation house, so we asked him to come to the wedding. He volunteered to play and sing acoustic versions of his songs, much to the pleasure of our family and friends. Minus Karoline, who left when he started to play about fifteen minutes ago because she said she felt sick. Maybe I should text her and make sure she’s okay. It’s more for my sake than hers. I do NOT want to have to take care of a sick Braxton on our honeymoon, so I need to know just how sick she is.
“Having the wedding here was such a great idea,” I say as I look around at my friends and new family. I wave to Brandi and Michael who are swaying back and forth across from us on the makeshift dance floor. “Because we can kick everyone out and go ahead and get started on the honeymoon before leaving for Chesapeake tomorrow.”
“Say the word and they're gone,” he rasps against my ear. A nervous laugh escapes my lips.
“We’re fixing to head out.” Mary Anne’s signature voice catches our attention. We break apart to hug her and David goodbye.
“Oh, there’s one more thing I need to do before we kick everyone out.” I wink at Braxton, then jet off to find my very special guest. To my surprise, he’s already chatting up the woman I wanted to introduce him to.
As I walk closer to Finley Andersson, I realize it’s not Lucy he’s talking to, but Lorelai.
“Finley, thank you for coming. It means so much to have you here, especially after you ratted me out back at Fableland Amusement park.” He chuckles, running his hand through shaggy, blonde hair. “I see you’ve met Lorelai Spence.”
