Page 56 of Close to My Heart

Dad stood by the door.

We weren’t close, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to get married the traditional way, with my father giving me away.

He held his arm out to me as the girls lined up in front of us. “Is this what you want?”

I nodded. I had to go through with this marriage to inherit the estate. I stood to lose too much if I didn’t.

I couldn’t lose the house. This home was the only one I’d ever known. It had protected me when I felt lonely and sad. It had been in our family for generations, and I wasn’t going to give it up without a fight.

Izzy held her basket of flower petals and started down the aisle. Faith followed at a more sedate pace. Then it was Daphne, Fiona, and Claire’s turn.

When it was our turn to walk, I gripped Dad’s arm tightly, took a deep breath, and we stepped into the room. Everyone rose in one motion and turned to look at me. My face heated. Then I remembered who was waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

Wes. My best friend.

He stood next to his brothers, but I only had eyes for him. He was handsome in a tux, his hands at his sides. But his eyes were full of emotion. Was there hope?

As I moved toward him, I couldn’t seem to look away. It was like he was the beacon guiding me down the aisle.

When Dad gave my hand to him, Wes said, “I’ll take good care of her.”

“You do that,” Dad said, then moved off to the side to sit next to Mom.

My hand was in Wes’s, and I moved so we were facing each other. It was like no one else was in the room.

The minister started talking about lifelong friendship, love, and respect, but I was lost in Wes’s eyes. His grip was firm on my hands as if he was worried I’d float away.

When it was time for our vows, I repeated the traditional ones the minister recited, committing them to memory. This was as real as it got.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Wes pulled me close to him and lowered his lips to mine. It was soft and sweet, but it was filled with so much promise. My chest ached. I wanted this to be real. I wanted Wes to love me and pledge himself to me.

Our family and friends clapped and cheered when we turned with our hands joined. We made our way up the aisle with the girls in front of us.

I felt overwhelmed with the weight of this moment. There was no turning back. We were married.

At the end of the aisle, we lined up with our bridal party and greeted the guests as they made their way into the next room for drinks. While the room was converted from a ceremony space to reception, Fiona led us outside for pictures.

Even though it was cold, we wanted to get some shots in the gardens, and even the fountain where we kissed on New Year’s. The photographer kept it quick.

When we moved inside, the room was converted into a reception hall, complete with round tables covered in white cloths and set with gold-lined plates.

The center pieces were a tall, thin vase with a ball of white roses. The cake was an elaborate tower of cascading flowers by the front door. Everything was perfect.

When we entered the room, all eyes were on us as Wes lifted our joined hands. When he lowered them, he kissed the back of mine. “Are you ready for your wedding reception, Mrs. Calloway?”

I loved the sound of that. When I nodded, he moved deeper into the room where we were met with cheers and whistles.

Music played over the speakers, and Wes led me onto the dance floor for our first dance. I fit into his arms where I felt the most loved and accepted. It was natural for us to dance at events. Something we always did, and it soothed me.

“You’re doing great,” Wes murmured against my temple.

“That’s because you’re here. I couldn’t imagine how I’d feel if it were one of those guys I dated.”

His lips quirked. “I’m glad it was me.”

“I am too.”

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