When our eyes meet, he smiles, and I can see him mouth the words, “You’re beautiful.”
The walk down the aisle feels like a dream. I’m vaguely aware of our guests—friends and family who think they’re witnessing the culmination of a fairy tale romance, not knowing they’re actually seeing the beginning of our real love story. I smile at their presence, but all my attention is focused on Ben, waiting for me with an expression of wonder and love that I know is completely genuine.
When my father places my hand in Ben’s, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
“Hi,” Ben whispers, just for me.
“Hi.”
The ceremony itself is a blur of beautiful words and meaningful moments. Ben’s vows make me tear up, my chest swelling with an amount of love I used to think was impossible to feel.
When it’s my turn, I speak from the heart about the boy who became my best friend and the man who became my everything. I promise to love him not just in the easy moments but through all the challenges life will bring us. I promise to be his partner, his supporter, his person for the rest of our lives.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Illinois,” the officiant says finally, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ben, you may kiss your bride.”
And he does, soft and sweet and full of promise, while our guests cheer and the photographer captures the moment that transforms us from fake fiancés to real spouses.
Later, during the reception, Red and Marnie Dawson approach us at our table, both of them beaming with happiness.
“Congratulations,” Red says, shaking Ben’s hand warmly. “That was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed.”
“Thank you,” Ben replies. “It means a lot to have you both here.”
“It means a lot to be here,” Marnie adds, hugging me carefully so she doesn’t wrinkle my dress. “You two are clearly meant for each other.”
“Actually,” Red says, pulling a folded document from his jacket pocket, “we have something for you. Consider it a wedding gift.”
Ben takes the papers, and I watch his face change as he reads. His eyes widen, and he looks up at Red with something like shock.
“This is the land contract,” Ben says slowly.
“Signed and notarized,” Red confirms with a grin. “Marnie and I decided we couldn’t think of a better wedding present than securing your future together. You two clearly have something special, and we want to be part of helping you build the life you deserve.”
I feel Ben’s hand tighten around mine under the table. This deal—the whole reason we started this charade in the first place—is finally complete. But now it feels like a bonus rather than the main event, because we already have everything we really wanted.
“Red, I don’t know what to say,” Ben manages. “This is… incredible. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank us yet,” Marnie says with a laugh. “Wait until you see how demanding Red can be as a business partner. He’s going to want updates on every turbine, every maintenance schedule, every efficiency report.”
“I’ll take that challenge gladly,” Ben says, standing to shake Red’s hand again. “This means everything to us.”
After Red and Marnie move on to mingle with other guests, Ben and I sit for a moment in stunned silence.
“We did it,” I say finally. “The deal you wanted, the marriage we both needed… we actually did it.”
“No,” Ben says, bringing my hand to his lips. “We got something better than what we planned for. We got each other, for real this time.”
The rest of the reception is gone too soon. We dance to songs that actually mean something to us now, instead of performing for cameras. We laugh with our families and friends, accepting congratulations that feel genuine because our happiness is genuine. We cut the cake, make toasts, and pose for photos that will hang in our home instead of just appearing in magazines.
When the last guest finally leaves and we’re alone in the bridal suite, still in our wedding clothes but with our shoes kicked off and my hair starting to escape its elaborate styling, Ben pulls me close.
“So, Mrs. Lawlor,” he says, “how does it feel?”
“Perfect,” I say, and for the first time in months, I mean it completely. “Everything about today was perfect.”
“Even the part where Red nearly gave me a heart attack by pulling out that contract during dinner?”
“Especially that part. Did you see his face when he handed it to you? He was so proud to surprise us.”
