Page 100 of The Valentine's Bet

I get to marry the man who’s become my rock. The man who stands by me through thick and thin, through all of life’s ups and downs. The man who understands my quirks, who appreciates my flaws, and who sees the real me beneath the facade I often put up for the world. The man who fiercely respects, protects, defends, and uplifts me. The man who challenges me to be a better version of myself and encourages me in my pursuits and dreams.

I get to marry the man who loves mejustlike my dad loves my mom.

As I stand here, taking in the moment, the door to the bridal suite swings open, and in walk my parents.

My dad’s eyes well up with tears as he sees me in my wedding gown, a proud smile stretching across his face. “You look absolutely stunning, Amy,” he says, his voice filled with emotion. He crosses the room in a few long strides and wraps me in a warm embrace. “I can’t believe my little girl is getting married today. I couldn’t be prouder of the person you’ve become.”

Tears prick my eyes as I hold onto my dad, feeling his love and pride envelop me. My mom joins in, her eyes sparkling with joy as she looks at me. “Oh, my sweet girl. Your father is right—you’re absolutely radiant.”

I feel a surge of love and gratitude for my parents who have shown me what true love and commitment looks like. Their unwavering support and endless love have shaped me into the person I am today, and I can only hope to have a marriage as strong and loving as theirs.

Mom pulls back slightly, holding out a small box wrapped in shimmering blue paper. “I have something for you,” she says softly, placing it in my hands.

I look down at the intricate bow and delicate ribbon, the color reminding me of a clear summer sky, and carefully unwrap the gift. My heart pounds with anticipation.

Inside, nestled on a bed of velvet, lies a stunning sapphire necklace. The deep blue stones glint in the soft light, casting tiny rainbows around the room.

I gasp. “Oh, Mom. It’s beautiful.”

She smiles warmly. “It’s your something blue,” she explains. “It belonged to your late grandmother. She gifted it to me on my wedding day, and now I’m honored to pass it down to you.”

I carefully lift the necklace from its resting place, feeling the weight of history and love in my hands—my grandparents were married for over sixty years before they passed, and my mom and dad have been married for thirty-eight years and are still going strong. As I fasten it around my neck, the cool stones rest against my skin,a tangible reminder of the strong marriages that have come before mine.

“It’s perfect,” I murmur, turning to look at myself in the mirror once more.

“You’re perfect,” she whispers before kissing my cheek. “Parker is a lucky man.”

I’m the lucky one.

Parker

“You got this.” Dad looks at me and grins. “You look great. How do you feel?”

“I feel like I’m about to throw up,” I admit, grabbing my stomach. “You know I don’t do these kind of heights.”

“Just don’t look down.” He bursts into laughter as he reaches out, straightening my tux.

“I don’t think I’ll have that problem. I’ll just be looking at her.”

“Good plan.”

Amy and I are getting married in a penthouse atop Central Park Tower, the tallest residential building in the world and the closest thing to skydiving I could come up with withoutactually skydiving...

It would be pretty hard to say your vows while strapped to a parachute.

“Is Susie here yet?” I ask, glancing toward the door.

Dad grins. “Yeah, she is. She’s hoping she’ll be next.”

“Of course.” I laugh. “You better get on that. She’s been waiting long enough.”

Dad shakes his head just as Nick—Eliza’s husband—and Weston step into the room. “I’ll go check on her and let you talk to your friends.”

I nod, swallowing the nerves in my chest—which have nothing to do with marrying Amy. With her, I’m all in. I knew the moment I gave in to my feelings that she was the only one for me.

However, getting married at this height in front of a bunch of people?

Yeah, that’s nerve-wracking.

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