The promise of a future we are building together.
One day at a time.
One decision at a time.
One moment of bravery at a time.
Three months later,I stand in front of a mirror in the guest room at Linda's house, staring at my reflection in a wedding dress.
It's simple and elegant, with lace sleeves and a flowing skirt that makes me feel like someone from a fairy tale. Maddie insisted on helping me pick it out, and she declared it "perfect for a cupcake fairy."
Linda fusses with my veil while Maddie sits on the bed in her flower girl dress, swinging her legs and chattering about how she is going to throw the sprinkles just right.
"You look beautiful," Linda says, her eyes misty.
"Thank you," I say. "For everything. For welcoming me into your family. For loving me like I'm one of your own."
She pulls me into a hug. "You are one of my own. From the moment Dylan brought you home, I knew you were meant to be here."
A knock on the door interrupts us, and Evan pokes his head in.
"You ready?" he asks. "Because Dylan is pacing a hole in the floor out there."
I laugh. "Tell him I'll be there in five minutes."
"Will do. And for the record, you look amazing."
After he leaves, I take one last look in the mirror.
This is it.
The moment I've been both dreaming about and terrified of for months.
The moment I choose forever.
And I've never been more sure of anything in my life.
The ceremony takes place in the town square, right where the phoenix cake stood during the Heart-to-Heart Festival. The space is decorated with wildflowers and string lights, and every person I've come to love in Valentine is here.
Rosie from the diner. Rebecca from the yoga studio. Mara from the bookshop. Evan and the other bakers. Mrs. Patterson and the other fire survivors. The entire town has turned out to celebrate with us.
And at the end of the aisle, standing under an arch covered in roses, is Dylan.
He is wearing a dark suit that makes his eyes look even warmer, and when he sees me, his face does something that makes my heart stop and restart all at once.
He mouths "beautiful," and I've to blink back tears.
Maddie walks ahead of me, tossing sprinkles with the kind of enthusiasm that makes everyone laugh. And then it's my turn.
I walk down the aisle alone, because I don't need anyone to give me away.
I'm choosing this.
I'm choosing him.
I'm choosing us.
When I reach Dylan, he takes my hands, and I see that his eyes are suspiciously bright.
