And just like that… that chapter of my life feels fully closed.
I sit in the car for a moment before starting the engine. My hands rest on the steering wheel as I let out a long breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
That conversation could’ve shaken me months ago. Maybe even weeks ago.
But now? There’s a strange sense of peace in my chest. I just feel steady. Not because the past doesn’t matter. But because it does—and it led me here. To Lizzie.
I picture her smile. The way her eyes light up when she laughs. The quiet peace I felt the night I prayed about proposing. The certainty that didn’t feel rushed… just clear.
Tomorrow doesn’t feel like an escape from my past. It’s the next step after it.
I start the car and pull away from the curb.
Tomorrow, we drive two hours down the road to get married. To start a new life. A life that doesn’t pretend the past didn’t happen… but one that weaves the past and present together into something hopeful.
I could’ve given up after my divorce. I could’ve decided it was safer not to try again. Not to risk, not to trust, not to hope. Looked at the bad and not given anyone else access to my heart. Bitterness would’ve been easier.
But every day, we get a choice. Focus on the hurt… or look for the good God is still doing.
Close ourselves off… or take the risk of loving again.
Assume the worst… or believe the best.
It’s the same with God. When people hurt us, it’s easy to start expecting Him to do the same. To brace ourselves, waiting for disappointment. Wondering if He’ll let us down like others did.
But His Word says He won’t. And at some point, that leaves us with a decision: do we believe Him… or not?
Trust is choosing to believe in His character even when the evidence hasn’t fully played out yet. It’s taking a risk and saying, yes, Ichooseto believe. It’s saying, “Yes, I’m scared. But I’m going to believe You’re still good.”
When I made that choice… it reopened my heart. To love. To life. To the possibility that God could take my most broken chapter and turn it into something beautiful.
So here I go.
Toward tomorrow.
22
Lizzie
I’m sitting on a chair out the back of this little church.
We’re at a church by the beach, tucked into a room for finishing touches before the ceremony. It’s the cutest little church. White walls with green borders around the doors and windows, a deeper green on the door and shutters that makes the lines pop just so. Palm trees frame the scene on all sides, and the crystal-clear blue water stretches right up to the front entrance.
A year ago, I was just praying, waiting, wondering if God had someone for me at all. And now… here I am.
I may have dreamed of a big wedding, a sweeping white dress, trailing behind me with every friend and family member showing up. But really… what matters most is who I’m marrying. And who I’m celebrating with right now—my nearest and dearest.
“Are you ready, Lizzie Bell?” Gabby greets me, perfectly catching onto Pimenta’s nickname for me.
I turn around and she gasps.
“Gabby, make sure your sister is ready in the next five…” Mom’s voice trails off as they both stop in front of me.
They pause, without saying a word.
I blink. “What is it? Is my hair going crazy? Oh no… it’s getting poofy already, isn’t it?”
“You look so beautiful!” Gabby exclaims, eyes wide and sparkling.
