My happiness filled every dark corner of my heart and my smile stretched across my face. My belly had begun to pop, and instead of an empire-waisted gown to hide my condition, I’d opted for a form-fitting dress that enunciated my curves.
I wanted the world to know.
Tears of joy gathered in my eyes.
“Please don’t cry,” Mia said. “If you cry, my milk will let down, and I’ll walk down the aisle with wet blobs on my dress.”
A bubble of laughter escaped my lips, and Mia grinned. “Crisis averted.”
Jazz briefly hugged me to her. She smelled like lavender and vanilla. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I don’t know what I’d have done without you,” I said into her shoulder. “Without you…”
“You would’ve found a way.” Jazz pulled back and looked at me. “But I’m glad it worked out this way.”
I reached for Brielle’s hand, and the three of us had a soul-sister circle moment.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I—”
“Pull it together, woman,” Brielle said with a laugh. “Think of Mia’s breasts.”
The band—the same one that played at Horace and Angie’s anniversary party—struck up a chord.
“Okay, let’s get you married,” Mia said.
Mia went down the aisle first, followed by Linden. Brielle was third, and Jazz, who acted as my maid of honor, was last.
I took a deep breath and whispered, “Love you, Dad. Wish you were here.”
Something made me pause before stepping up to walk down the aisle. Not a hesitation, but a moment. I closed my eyes and it felt like my father was suddenly next to me, taking my arm, ready to guide me toward my future.
And then I began to walk to Slash. He stood underneath a white tent on the back lawn of the house he’d bought me not even two weeks ago.
There was nothing but him. I didn’t see the guests or hear the music. Only the beating of my own heart.
By the time I made it to him, I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. The look he gave me was one of complete adoration. His eyes made all the promises, and his spoken vows would be public proof of his commitment.
But we’d committed to one another long ago without even realizing it.
The night we’d spent together had changed the course of both our lives forever. It was funny; sometimes a wrong turn put you on the right path.
Slash slid a gold band onto my finger and then brought it to his lips for a kiss.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the Justice of the Peace announced.
Cheers erupted from our guests. Slash gathered me close and pressed his lips to mine, and when he pulled back, I saw no sadness from the past in his eyes. Only hope for our future.
* * *
“Best wedding ever,” Lily said as she stuck a fried chicken drumstick into her mouth.
Joni ruffled Lily’s curls. “You say that at all the weddings.”
Lily shrugged. “I mean it this time. I’m eating fried chicken, and Brooklyn made a cake just for me.”
“I let you wear fairy wings down the aisle as my flower girl,” Joni reminded her. “Have you forgotten that?”
“My. Own. Cake.” Lily grinned up at me. “Thanks, Brooklyn.”