“We need to get you dressed,” Catherine says, heading towards the bathroom.
“Go get ready,” Ryan says. “I love you.” He kisses me and leaves.
Elle pushes me toward the bathroom, where my dress hangs.
The girls clue me in about Axel as we get dressed. He won’t say why he was late. Something is going on with him, but they don’t know what. I guess we can worry about it later.
I turn to see myself in the dress. It’s beautiful and simple. A flowing silk gown that shows off my curves. It has a long train and makes me feel like a princess. Reminds me of Caroline Bassette’s dress.
A double-check in the mirror shows me my makeup’s still holding, and my dress looks good. Elle hands me my bouquet. I take a deep breath; I’m ready.
I follow my friends down the stairs to the kitchen, where I meet my mom. She’s giving me away today. Neither of us bothered telling Dad because we didn’t want him here.
I glance through the back doors to see how the yard has changed. It’s filled with flowers. It’s stunning and makes me feel like crying. I shared wedding photos I liked with my mom, and this looks exactly like those photos.
“Mom, it’s beautiful,” I say, squeezing her hand.
“You deserve it. But you need to thank Ryan; he’s the one who made sure it’s exactly like the pictures.” I see him standing there watching me. He did it for me, despite saying it was for our moms.
The music begins, and it’s time to go. The girls lead the way, followed by me and Mom. I remember very few details about the ceremony. I don’t even remember repeating my vows. But I distinctly recall the minister declaring us husband and wife and our first kiss as a married couple.
I never imagined getting married or meeting the man of my dreams. But life is full of surprises, because that’s exactly what happened to me.
EPILOGUE RYAN
After a tiring day at work, things reached their peak when the bank’s security system was triggered. It was a false alarm, but we still had to exercise heightened caution. Now, I’m eager to get home and relax.
As I pull into the driveway, a huge smile spreads across my face. There’s a tricycle on the sidewalk and toys all over the front porch. When I first bought this place, I dreamed of it being filled with the laughter and energy of kids.
Entering through the front door, I notice the television playing a cartoon. It feels like ages since we last watched an adult show or a complete football game.
Laughter draws me to the kitchen, where two little dark-haired heads are engrossed in a project on the island while Parker tends to the stove. I pause for a moment, simply observing my family. I’m so lucky.
My children are three and five. The oldest is Ryker, and he’s the spitting image of me. We call him RJ, and he’s a handful and keeps us on our toes. Emily is a girly girl who loves all things pink and sparkly. She follows her brother everywhere and doesn’t like to be left behind. I adore them both.
“Daddy’s home,” Emily screams. The kids launch off their chairs and come running toward me. RJ wraps his arms around my leg, and Emily jumps up and down, wanting to be picked up. I hoist her into my arms.
Parker comes over and kisses me. “Supper will be ready shortly,” she says, returning to the food. It smells like a roast, one of my favorite meals.
“What are you two up to?” I ask Emily.
“Grandma bought us coloring books. Mine has princesses.”
She wriggles to be let down. I set her on the floor, and RJ grabs my hand. “Dad, can I play T-ball? The other boys are playing. Please?”
I look over at Parker. She gives me a little nod, letting me know she’s already taken care of it.
“Of course. It sounds like fun.”
He gives a first pump. “Yes!”
“You two need to wash up, then we’ll eat,” Parker tells the kids as she dishes the food.
They run out of the room, and I walk up behind my wife and wrap my arms around her. Nuzzle her neck and breathe in her lavender scent.
“After the kids go to sleep, I want you naked in our bed.”
She spins around and kisses me.