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Sophie

AshleyandMike’swedding ceremony was wonderful. Not because it was fancy or expensive— it was actually quite simple—but because it was so sweet to see their love for each other and how much Ashley’s children adore Mike.

Drew walks by my side as we make our way over to the small reception area. We walk hand in hand, enjoying the lovely September evening and the comfortable silence that passes between us.

Watching Mike and Ashley—and her children—made me hopeful that Drew and I might get married someday. I never thought I’d be in a place emotionally to even desire getting married again. My grief after losing Sam was so crushing, I didn’t think I’d ever feel like myself again. But slowly, over time, I’ve grown through it. I might be a different woman now than the barely twenty-one-year-old girl Sam married so many years ago. But this new, mature woman I've grown into is worthy of love. And I have so much love to give.

I want to give that love to Drew—and Penny—and any other children we could have. For the first time, I can picture a new life, a new family, a new love. For me and Samantha. Watching Drew interact with her always makes my heart swell. It’s different from watching my dad and brothers with her. There’s a new hope blooming in my heart that she could grow up with a daddy.

A cool breeze brings out goosebumps along my arms. Drew glances over and we make eye contact. A shiver runs through me.

“Soph, you must be freezing in that dress. I don’t even have a jacket to offer you.” His brow furrows. He looks adorable when he’s unnecessarily concerned. But it’s also kind of nice to be fussed over.

“I’ll be fine. I probably should’ve grabbed a sweater.” I snuggle into his side as we continue walking.

We enter the outdoor reception area and it’s just as pretty as the ceremony. There are white chairs in circles for the guests and a small wedding cake at a round table surrounded by gifts from the guests. The botanical gardens are beautiful, so they really didn’t need to add a bunch of decorations to distract from that. I love the simplicity of it all.

We wait in line with the other guests to congratulate the couple. Bernice and Gerda are in front of us, and Lisa and Evie, as well as her adorable little boy, are in line behind us.

Drew pulls his phone out of his pocket and glances through the messages.

“Nothing from the hospital.” He sighs with relief. It’s sweet he wanted to come with me tonight so badly. He shows me his phone screen. “But Emily sent me this.”

His shoulders shake as he laughs. I take his phone and look at the photo. It’s a picture of Penny and Emily covered in black spots.

“What in the world?” I squint my eyes to read the text under the photo.

Emily:Penny said she and Samantha like to use washable markers and make themselves into different animals… She was bummed Samantha isn’t here to play with and practically made me choose an animal. So, we’re dalmatians.

I can’t contain the giggle that comes out of me, which makes Drew laugh even harder.

“Tell her I’m really sorry Samantha is such a terrible influence.”

He shakes his head and tucks his phone back into his pocket. “I really hope that the washable marker comes off easily.”

“It does. Don’t worry. I’d know … I’ve washed various animal prints off of Sam probably a dozen times by now.” I roll my eyes, but I'm still laughing.

The line has continued moving while we were reading Emily’s text and now we’ve made it to the newlyweds. Ashley is wearing a gauzy dress that falls just a few inches above her knees. The fabric blows in the breeze, creating an angelic effect. The top has spaghetti straps, showing off her slim shoulders and neck. Her hair is down in loose curls. She looks effortlessly stunning.

“Ashley! You look beautiful. Congratulations.” I pull her into a hug.

We release each other and she loops her arm through her husband’s. “Sophie, this is Mike. Mike, this is Sophie.”

Mike shakes my hand with a grin. He looks just as happy as Ashley. They make a handsome couple.

“So nice to meet you.” I grab Drew’s hand and bring him closer to us. “This is Drew. Drew, this is Mike and Ashley.”

Ashley shakes Drew’s hand and looks from me to him and then back again, like she’s assessing us as a couple. “We’ve heard so much about you at Wonderful Widow’s, it’s great to meet you.”

“Great to meet you both as well. Your wedding was lovely,” he says with a smile.

“Oh, you’re so sweet. Thank you,” Ashley replies.

Drew takes my hand and we start to walk away. Ashley taps my shoulder as I’m leaving. I turn just in time to see her silently mouth, “Wow, he’s handsome!”

I nod in agreement, and she winks at me.

Drew is walking me to my apartment door after an evening of laughing with friends, eating wedding cake, and dancing beneath the twinkle lights. I feel like I’m in a dream. And I don’t want to wake up. My chest feels tight at the thought of saying goodnight to Drew and going our separate ways tonight. I always feel a little bummed out when we say goodnight to each other, but tonight it feels heavier.