Page 120 of Hope & Harmony

Hayley beamed, looking at my parents adoringly. I knew she admired their marriage. She loved being around them any chance she could get.

“Okay, okay,” Mom surrendered. “Just a few more of Joshua and Hayley.”

I smiled and threw my arm around my girl as I tugged her toward me.

“Smile. Oh, come on, Joshua, smile!”

“I am smiling,” I griped, unable to take much more, my face fucking hurt from smiling so much.

“You guys look so nice! Now give her a kiss!”

I did.

“Joshua!” Mom chastised. “There are children around! Don’t grab her butt!”

Hayley giggled, pulling away from me.

“Great, are we done now?”

“Yes, my impatient son.”

“You’re going to thank me when you have these amazing photos to look back on one day. You’re just like your father. You have the most beautiful smile too. You used to love pictures as a child. I don’t understand what happened.”

I glanced at Hayley, wanting to smile for her, but her gaze was captivated by someone behind me.

“Babe, you oka?—”

“Mom,” Hayley announced out of nowhere, making my body snap around to the woman who was suddenly walking toward us.

All eyes flew to her mother. My gaze went back to my girl.

“I love you so much.” I kissed all over her face, her mouth. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

Our eyes locked, both of us trying to focus and take each other in.

“I need to ask you something.” I asked.

My eyes widened.

The rest proceeded in slow motion. Especially when we’re standing there at graduation.

I kept thinking I found the love of my life.

She knew what was coming …

Big.

Huge.

Ugly tears.

I didn’t hesitate, pulling away and looking profoundly into her eyes. All I saw was my future, with her as my wife.

I made my choice, it was her.

It was always her.

So I spoke with conviction …

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