“Oh!” Christy gasps, her eyes lighting up as she takes my hands in hers. “You look beautiful!”

I smile, warmth blossoming in my chest as I absorb her words. I must admit, Ifeelbeautiful. The delicate lace of my dress drapes gracefully over my shoulders, and a hint of shimmer catches the light as I move. My hair is arranged in an elegant updo, with tendrils left loose to curl around my face.

I pull Christy into a hug, fighting the happy tears threatening to spill and ruin my carefully applied makeup. The familiar scent of my best friend’s perfume surrounds me, grounding me in this perfect moment, reminding me of every laugh, every shared secret, every time she’s been there for me.

There was never a doubt in my mind that I’d say yes to Jake the moment he made it clear he wanted us to build a life together. I still can’t quite believe that Christy and Carter plotted to get Jake and me on the dating app. I didn’t think I’d been that obvious about my attraction to Jake, but I guess best friends have a way of noticing these things, seeing into the spaces in our hearts that we think we’ve hidden.

Christy pulls back, giving me a playful wink, her eyes soft with pride and happiness. “Come on. Jake’s waiting for you, looking all handsome for a change.”

I laugh, rolling my eyes. “He always looks handsome.”

“Yeah, maybe to you,” she says, scrunching her nose, “but I don’t need those details, thanks.”

We both laugh, our voices mingling with the soft strains of the wedding music floating through the air. She gives my hands one last squeeze before stepping back, her smile radiant as she prepares to lead the way. I watch her go, my heart swelling with gratitude and love for the friend who helped bring me to this moment.

I take a deep breath and turn toward the staircase, my pulse thrumming with excitement. The soft rustle of my dress fills the quiet as I step down, each movement drawing me closer to Jake, to the life waiting beyond the doors.

My father stands at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes a little misty as he looks up at me. My throat tightens with emotion. His hand is warm as he takes mine, threading my arm through his as he prepares to walk me down the aisle and give me away.

Christy moves through the doorway first, slowly walking ahead of me, her figure graceful as she takes her place as my maid of honor. My father and I follow, stepping out into the crisp afternoon air. The backyard is transformed, filled with family and friends, all seated and smiling, the soft glow of fairy lights strung above casting a gentle glow over everyone. Flowers in soft shades of cream and blush line the aisle, the warmth of love radiating from each detail, each petal, each familiar face turned toward us.

As the music begins to play, my heart skips a beat, and I glance toward the end of the aisle. There, standing in a suit thatfits his burly frame perfectly, is Jake, his gaze locked on me, his expression a mixture of awe and love. The sight of him steals my breath, and suddenly, everything else melts away. I only see him—the man who’s ready to share this new chapter with me.

With each step, my excitement grows, my nerves melting into joy. By the time I reach Jake, I know my life is only just beginning.

I release my father’s arm, stepping forward as Jake’s hand reaches out to take mine, his touch steadying, grounding, and full of promise. And as we stand together, surrounded by everyone we love, a profound sense of peace envelops me, knowing that this moment with this man is exactly where I’m meant to be.

Jake

My heart thrums, swelling with emotion when Riley appears at the end of the aisle, her radiant smile and sparkling eyes locking onto mine as she begins her walk toward me. She looks breathtaking in her ivory wedding gown, a vision of elegance and beauty that takes my breath away. She looks like a dream. And she’s mine. I’m the lucky bastard who gets to love her every single day for the rest of my life.

I try to remain focused, but my mind wanders into the endless possibilities of our future, imagining a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories. My tux suddenly feels too tight as I struggle to contain the rush of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

The ceremony passes in a joyful blur, making us husband and wife. Soon, we’re dancing, eating, and celebrating with our friends and family, laughter filling the room. All I want is to whisk Riley away so it’s just the two of us, and I can hold her close without interruptions.

“Love you, wife,” I say, stealing a kiss.

Riley grins, her eyes twinkling with happiness. “Love you, too, husband.”

Nearby, Shelli and Carter sway slowly to the music, her belly round with their first child. They plan to marry sometime after my nephew is born, and I can already imagine the love and joy that will fill our house as it overflows with little ones again. My mom’s face lights up with happiness as she watches them, and I know she’s dreaming of her soon-to-be role as a grandmother, already counting the days.

“Penny for them?” Riley’s voice breaks into my thoughts, her fingers brushing softly over my cheek before she stands on her tiptoes to press a gentle kiss to my lips.

I smile down at her, marveling at how lucky I am. “I’m happy, Riley. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

She laughs softly, the sound filling me with warmth. “Yeah, I am pretty amazing. But not as amazing as this.”

Christy appears behind her, passing her a small gift bag before disappearing as quickly as she came.

Riley holds the bag out to me. “Today is the perfect time to give you this.”

I take the bag, frowning curiously. “I thought the bride buys gifts for the maid of honor, not the groom?”

She laughs again and shakes her head. “Just open it,” she says, linking her arms around my neck as a slow song begins. There’s just enough space between us for me to peek inside the bag.

Nestled among tissue paper is a tiny onesie, soft and white, with “Baby’s First Christmas” embroidered on the front. My heart stops, my breath catching as the realization dawns. I look up, eyes wide, and Riley’s warm, joyful smile confirms what I already know.

“I’m going to be a dad?” My voice is barely a whisper, the words catching in my throat.