“Stop fidgeting.”
“I’m not fidgeting.”
“You’ve adjusted your veil six times in the last two minutes.” Eli swatted my hand away. “You look perfect. Stop.”
I looked at myself in the mirror. The dress was simple—ivory lace, fitted bodice, and a flowing skirt that moved when I walked. Brynn had helped me pick it out, insisted on the off-the-shoulder sleeves that showed just enough skin without making me self-conscious.
My hair was down in loose waves, the way Cole liked it. Jess had applied makeup with the skill of someone who’d wrangled two small children into looking presentable.
“What if I trip?”
“You won’t trip.”
“What if Garbage humps someone important?”
“He’s wearing a bow tie. That’s as dignified as he’s getting. We’ve accepted our limitations.” Eli turned me to face him.“Autumn, you’re getting married to the love of your life in thirty minutes. This is supposed to be happy.”
“I am happy.”
“You’re terrified.”
“That, too.”
He smiled and squeezed my shoulders. “Marcus didn’t deserve you. He made you small. Made you doubt yourself. Made you think love was about sacrifice instead of celebration.”
My throat tightened.
“But Cole? He sees you. All of you. The messy parts, the scared parts, the strong parts. And he loves every single piece.” Eli’s voice wavered. “You deserve this, Autumn. You deserve to be cherished.”
“Stop. You’re going to make me cry and ruin my makeup.”
“Jess can fix it. That’s why she’s here.” He hugged me tight. “I love you, and I’m so proud of you.”
“I love you, too.”
A knock on the door. Brynn poked her head in. “Ready? Everyone’s seated.”
I took a deep breath. “Ready.”
The mountains surrounded us. String lights hung from the trees. Fifty chairs filled with everyone who mattered.
Brynn stood at the altar in sage green, tissues already in hand, with Decker beside her in a matching suit.
And Cole.
God.
He stood there in a black suit that fit him perfectly, his hair styled but still slightly rebellious, his eyes locked on me the moment I appeared.
The look on his face said I was the only thing in the world that mattered, and it nearly broke me.
Eli walked me down the aisle. No father to give me away. Just my best friend, the person who’d been there through everything, handing me off to my future.
“Take care of her,” Eli whispered to Cole.
“Always,” Cole promised.
The ceremony blurred. Words about love and commitment and choosing each other. Our hands trembled slightly when we slid the rings onto our fingers. Voices shaky when we said “I do.”
