As soon as Griffin and I decided to throw a wedding, I went back to the bridal shop where Isla tried on dresses and bought the gown that had made my heart flutter. It’s somehow both dramatic and elegant with its plunging neckline, beaded lace, delicate straps, and slightly flared skirt.
I do a little twirl, and the modest train sweeps along the floor as I spin. “You like it?”
My brother grins. “It’s all right.”
Our mom chuckles, no stranger to our antics. But despite my brother’s teasing, I don’t miss the emotion in his eyes as he takes me in.
“I’m happy for you, Mir. It may have taken me a while to come around to the idea of you being married to my best friend, but you couldn’t have chosen better. He loves you.”
Smiling, I cross the distance and throw my arms around my big brother. “I know. I love him too.”
“That being said, if he ever hurts you, I’ll still bury him in a shallow grave in the woods.”
“Maddox!” Mom appears scandalized, but I just laugh.
“Noted.”
My brother grins. “Now, are you ready? Your husband is about to wear a groove in the floor of his room.”
I nod, butterflies taking flight in my chest. “Ready.”
Bending down, Maddox kisses me on the forehead. “We’ll get into position. See you out there in a few. Don’t trip.”
Mom shakes her head, and as Maddox leaves, Lexi and Isla walk into the room. They look stunning in their lilac chiffon dresses, and even though they were in the room when I got my dress on and had my makeup and hair done, they both still let out little squeals of happiness.
Griffin has Maddox, Sebastian, Logan, and Ryder acting as groomsmen, but I didn’t feel the need to find two other women to act as bridesmaids. Lexi and Isla are the best friend and sister-in-law I could ask for, and they’re enough. They’ll both just get to be escorted by two hulking hockey players after the ceremony.
It should make for some fun photos.
“You’re getting married,” Lexi cries.
“Again,” Isla adds with a snicker.
“I’m getting married.” We may have thrown this wedding together quickly, but it’s exactly how Griffin and I pictured it. Despite being the height of the summer, we’re getting married outside in the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in front of a beautiful floral arch, surrounded by trees and flowers and so much beauty I can hardly stand it.
“Let’s get you to your groom.” Isla hands me my bouquet before grabbing hers.
“You ready to walk me down the aisle, Mom?”
“I’m not sure any parent is fully ready to walk their child down the aisle, but I suppose since you’re already married…” My mom chuckles, offering me her hand.
I grab hold of her like I did so many times as a little girl, and with Lexi and Isla leading the way, we walk out of the bridal suite and onto the stone path that will lead me to the man I love. The man who is my future.
Music swells as Lexi walks toward the altar, followed by Isla. Then it’s my turn.
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, sweetheart. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
I try to hold back the emotions that clog my throat. “It’s all thanks to you.”
My mom makes a choked, emotional sound just as the music changes. “Ready?”
Always.
“Ready.”
It’s almost golden hour, and the sun casts a diffused, warm light over the garden, making it look less like we’re in the Twin Cities and more like a faerie wonderland. We pass the smiling faces of our friends and family, but I don’t even notice them. I’m too busy drinking in the sight of my husband.
