I need to marry Melody Quinn, make her mine, keep her forever.
There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Melody would say yes when I proposed. We are best friends, lovers, and soulmates, and we spend more time together than most couples, enjoying every minute of it. I know without a doubt I cannot spend a day without her by my side. I need her forever.
We’ve worried about today, our wedding day—how one of the most important people in Melody’s life will be missing, but we are determined to create a version of perfection that would make Harold proud.
With the priest on my left and Brody on my right, I feel like I’ve won a jackpot as I wait for the double doors across the church to open.
“Are you nervous?” Brody asks, elbowing me in the side.
“No,” I tell him. “Why would I be?”
“Uh, forever, hello?”
“Yeah, that doesn’t scare me.” I glance over at him. “You are seriously the worst best man.”
“Then my job here is complete,” he says with a grin.
The music bellows from the church organ and my heart races with anticipation, waiting impatiently to see the large white doors open, revealing the girl of my dreams. Both girls, I should say.
The doors open and Parker is the first to make her way through the bright sunlight pouring in from the floor to ceiling windows in the foyer. She’s dressed in a beautiful white princess gown, one she and Melody spent weeks shopping for. Parker is beaming with Abby’s smile as she times each step and scatters a handfuls of rose petals on the red runner.
She’s been practicing for weeks, perfecting her march down the aisle. Pops stands from his seat to snag her up at the end and I hear a silent cheer of, “I did it!”
The music changes to the Wedding March, a slow orchestral version of the traditional song Melody has dreamed of hearing while she walks down the aisle, linked at the arms by Mrs. Quinn and Journey.
Melody is beaming in every way possible. Her cheeks are flushed and glowing from the slight shimmer in her makeup, and the green color of her eyes flash and sparkle in the sunlight. A choky feeling rushes through my throat as she approaches me, and all I can think is, I can’t believe how lucky I am after everything I’ve been through. If someone told me twelve years ago what I would have to go through to win the girl of my dreams, I’d do it all again for this moment.
Mrs. Quinn kisses Melody’s cheek and takes a seat, second chair in from the right side, leaving the first chair open for Harold.
Journey takes the bouquet of sun gazer lilies from Melody’s hand and steps to the side, opposite of Brody and I take my girl’s hands, knowing I never have to let her go again.
The words that Melody and I wrote and promise to live by, float through air as the minister recites them just before our final vows. We take turns slipping rings onto each other’s fingers, and our kiss is full with the promise of tomorrow and currents of electricity striking every nerve in my body. We won. It’s the finale, and a new beginning.
“I love you,” I whisper just before hearing the announcement that we are husband and wife.
“I love you,” she replies, “forever.”
There isn’t a dry face in the church as Melody and I step hand in hand down toward the aisle. I don’t know who arranged this but I notice a bottle of bourbon resting in a plush bed of roses on Harold’s seat. There is a bow neatly wrapped around the neck, and the label is stark white with the words “Mr. & Mrs.” scripted in black ink. Beneath, are the words: “Here is my blessing.”
Melody notices the bottle at the same time, and we pause to take in the sight. “He’s here. He’s smiling down on us.”
Parker runs to our side and I lift her up as the three of us make our way toward the sun filled foyer, beginning our beautiful future together as a family.
23
Six Months Later
For once,things have been easy, allowing us to move forward on our journey together as a family. My relationship with Melody is beautiful and unbelievably flawless. It seems easy to have only one job; being here for my love, being her rock and showing unconditional love.
I know without a doubt, I will always be here for her.
But, there’s one thing ...
Blinded by love and the reality I buried behind me, I failed to ask an important question: what happens when life falls onto its side for me? Is Melody strong enough to pick me back up and be my rock? I naively assumed she wouldn’t have to step up to a role because I convinced myself I’m strong enough for the both of us.
I was sure I was.
I was so sure of it—until today.
