Andrea’s dad chuckled. “Well, come on, then. We don’t want to keep David waiting.”
With Jackie holding their makeup bags and bridesmaids’ bouquets, and Paris holding the train of Andrea’s dress, they made their way outside to the waiting car.
Even though Jackie didn’t believe in happy-ever-afters, she did believe in love. And Andrea and David were so in love it made her heart ache.
CHAPTER8
Aidan stood beneath the canopy of the large oak trees inside The Fairy Forest. Daniella had transformed the venue into an enchanting oasis for Andrea and David’s wedding. If anything, it was even more spectacular than the last time he’d seen it.
Flowers in every shade of the rainbow filled the gardens, and the tables had vases full of deep red roses and glittering hearts. Glowing lanterns strung across the ceiling added an old-fashioned charm to the enormous room. If that wasn’t enough to set the scene, soft music played in the background as the wedding guests chatted with each other.
He smiled when he saw some of the younger guests noticing the little fairies hidden throughout the garden. More than one child had abandoned their parents to go exploring.
Aidan adjusted his tie, feeling the weight of responsibility as he stood beside Andrea’s two boys, Charlie and Andy.
“When will Mom be here?” Charlie asked.
David looked at his watch. “She won’t be too far away. Your mom doesn’t like to be late for anything.”
The music changed, and the gentle notes of violin music filled the air, signaling the arrival of the bridal party.
Andy and Charlie turned around and stood on tippy toes, hoping to see their mom.
Aidan glanced at David. He was almost in tears and the wedding had only just begun. Bryce, the other groomsman, must have noticed how David was feeling. He whispered something to him, and David nodded. Taking a deep breath, David focused on the bridal party moving toward them.
Paris was walking along the rose-covered aisle, her long hair cascading down her back and her smile radiant. But it was Jackie who held Aidan’s attention. As she stepped into the aisle, her dress floated around her legs and her auburn hair shone in the glow of the lanterns. She was stunningly beautiful and, even from this distance, her eyes were sparkling with joy.
Something deep in his chest clicked into place. There was an honesty about her that made him wish he lived in Sapphire Bay. Made him wish for a lot of things he’d never thought would be possible.
When Andrea appeared beside her dad, everyone seemed to sigh. She was breathtaking. Her gown flowed gracefully behind her, sparkling under the lanterns, as she approached her soon-to-be husband.
David’s expression softened with awe, and Aidan couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.
As Pastor John spoke, Aidan’s gaze kept drifting back to Jackie. He thought about his previous girlfriend and the things he’d taken for granted in their relationship. Though he worked long hours, he doubted Jackie would have acted how his last girlfriend had. There was a resilience about Jackie that he admired. She’d had a difficult childhood, but she’d used those experiences to make a better life for herself.
Aidan knew that no matter what challenges she might face, she’d never shy away from them or step on anyone else to make her dreams come true.
Charlie and Andy stood patiently beside their mom as Andrea and David exchanged wedding vows. When it was their turn to speak, Charlie waited for Aidan to hold the microphone in front of him before talking in a firm, clear voice.
“Mom and David. We promise to be super good kids. We’ll listen and be nice, even when things are different. If we’re worried about anything, we’ll talk to you. We want to be a happy family and do lots of fun things together. But, most of all, we’re glad David’s part of our life.”
When he’d finished speaking, Andy smiled at his younger brother. “You did good,” he whispered.
Charlie stood a little taller as Pastor John started speaking.
They were great boys, and Aidan knew they’d be very happy in their new family.
After more music and a touching poem written by David’s sister, Pastor John smiled at the wedding guests. “This is the part of the ceremony I like the best.” Holding his bible close to his chest, he said, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Applause erupted around them as David and Andrea shared their first kiss as a married couple.
Aidan watched Jackie talk to Charlie and Andy. Today was all about the power of love and the ability to let go of the past and start again. Everyone deserved a second chance, and David and Andrea had found theirs in each other.
* * *
Jackie lookedaround The Fairy Forest as the last table of guests moved toward the dessert buffet. The caterers had done a great job of organizing the food for Andrea and David’s wedding. Everything had been delicious and exactly what they wanted.
David had told them that the statement piece behind their table was every bit as spectacular as he’d imagined. He was so impressed by the large, heart-shaped frame that was smothered in roses, sparkling crystals, and fairy lights, that he’d asked Aidan if they could have something similar at BioTech’s Christmas gala.
