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Yeah, maybe I grew up as the spoiled girl, but I’ve grown into someone different.

I’m no longer the girl I was. I wouldn’t be able to have this incredible life if I were.

Humans are capable of change; I’m living proof of that. Some change is gradual, while some is drastic. Sometimes change is slow, while other times it’s instant. My journey is all of the above, I guess. Every day, through his love, I learn who I am and who I want to be. And I’m damn proud of the woman I’m becoming.

I’m so grateful for the life I have. More than anything, I’m thankful that I’ve become someone worthy of Boss’s love.

Today is going to reflect everything we’ve built. Guys from the firehouse pitched in to help with every aspect of the day. Boss’s mother and her church friends have spent days cooking up a delicious smorgasbord of food. Some of the guys have helped with the barbecued meats as well.

Our wedding will be the greatest and most fun Fourth of July party that anyone here has ever attended. Apparently, this holiday is one of the busiest days of the year for firefighters. Only this year, Boss’s crew has it off. When deciding what day to get married, we chose this one. What better way to celebrate marrying a firefighter than to get married on the most explosive day of the year?

I’m not only committing to him. I’m jumping headfirst into this life. These people are my family.

“So the violins are here?” I ask Cam.

She nods. “Yes, Pauly’s cousin and her quartet arrived ten minutes ago. They should be set up now. Cinder has his DJ equipment all set up for the reception. Mrs. Boston has the food table prepped and ready. All the serving dishes are covered.”

“And Cap?”

She smiles wide. “He’s nervous but ready.”

Boss asked Cap to get ordained so he could marry us, which will be the icing on the cake.

“Oh! Has the cake been delivered?”

“Tiny’s bestie already set it up. It’s so cute. There’s like a waterfall of cascading daisies down the side of it. You’re going to love it.”

“All that’s missing is you.” My mom smiles toward my reflection in the mirror, her eyes misting with emotion.

“Dad?” I question.

“Right outside the door. He’s been waiting for this moment his whole life,” Mom says, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

For a brief moment, I feel guilty that I didn’t allow them more part in today. I am their only daughter. “You’re okay with everything today, right? I know it’s not what you envisioned.”

Her eyes, twins to my own, widen. “Oh, honey, absolutely. We just want you to be happy, which you are. There is no greater gift as parents than to see your child find their joy. That’s all we ever wanted for you. The life you and Tony have here is breathtaking. There’s so much love. It’s a gift.” Her voice breaks as she swallows down a sob.

“Okay. I just didn’t want to let you down.”

“Never.” She shakes her head. “Plus, we had just as much fun planning your honeymoon.”

“True.” I chuckle.

As a consolation for not planning and paying for my wedding, I agreed to let them plan our honeymoon. They took that assignment and ran with it, for sure. It will be the single most extravagant vacation Boss and I ever take, and it will be amazing.

I stare at myself in the full-length mirror. My dress is simple but stunning. It hugs all the right curves, making my silhouette beautiful. The delicate fabric flows out behind me in a whisper of a train. I look happy, healthy, and in love.

“Let’s do this,” I say, turning away from my reflection.

Cam hands me my bouquet. “Okay, I’ll see you out there.”

My dad comes in looking happier than I’ve ever seen him. “You look amazing, Lexi-Pie.” His voice is thick with emotion.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“I’m so proud of you and the woman you’ve become.”

“Thank you,” I answer, and for the first time, I agree with the sentiment.

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