Page 137 of Behind the Bars

“Yes, I did. It’s nothing big, and it just goes with your charmbracelet.”

I took the box and opened it.Thank God for waterproofmascara.

“Dad…”

“It’s a key charm—a key to me. And now, I give you my vows.” He pulled out a piece of paper, and cleared his throat. “Whenever you need to come home, no matter what happens, I’m here. I know Elliott is going to be more than enough for you. He is going to provide for you in every way a grown man should. He’ll stand by your side. He’ll protect you and care for you, but, I give you me too, Snow. I’m always here. As your father, I promise you my love, always and forever. I’m always going to be the first man in your life, and as I walk you down the aisle today and hand you off to your happily ever after, I want you to know I’m here in the shadows cheering you on. You’re the best blessing I’ve ever received in my life. You’re my world. Through sickness and health, till death do us part, for the rest of our lives, I’ll be here for you. For always.” He lowered his paper and wiped the tears falling from my eyes. “I loveyou.”

“I love you, too,Dad.”

He kissed my cheek. “Good. Now. Let’s go get youmarried.”

The moment we walked down the aisle, I felt my heart heal. Elliott was standing at the end of the walkway waiting for me to meet him. Ray’s arm was linked with mine as we traveled down the aisle. My body was overtaken by pure joy as we grew closer andcloser.

This isit.

This isforever.

We reached Elliott’s side, and he stepped closer. Ray held his hand out toward Elliott, and he shook it, then theyhugged.

“Take care of her, son,” Raywhispered.

“Forever,” Elliottreplied.

I took Elliott’s hands into mine, and we walked to thealtar.

“Hi,” hewhispered.

“Hi,” Ireplied.

“You’re beautiful,” hewhispered.

“You’re handsome,” Ireplied.

“I love you,” hewhispered.

“I love you,” Ireplied.

In front of all our loved ones, we promised ourselves to each other. We gave one another our hearts and souls. We began a new chapter to our love story that would last forever. We said ‘I do’ and we’d continue to say those two words over and over again. Through the dark days and the light, through loss and new beginnings. Elliott was my first love, and he’d be mylast.

I’m the luckiest womanalive.

After the ceremony, we headed to the reception hall to celebrate our love. Everyone who meant anything to us were there with the brightest smiles on their faces. We honored Katie by lighting a candle in her memory, and having a table filled with keys as a token of our love for her. Then we proceeded to have the best night of our lives, because that was what she would’ve wanted most—ourhappiness.

When it came time for our first dance, Elliott and I both gasped as TJ moved to the microphone with a saxophone in his hands. “I know you both have a song picked out, and I’m sure it’s perfect, but if you’d allow it, I’d love to play you one of myfavorites.”

“Please,” I begged, tears in myeyes.

“Of course,” Elliott agreed. We hadn’t seen TJ play his music in years. I’d known he was working toward it with the help of great physical therapists, but we hadn’t seen theoutcome.

As he started to play the song, Elliott wrapped me in his arms and we began todance.

“‘At Last’,” I murmured, speaking of the song TJ played. ‘At Last’ by Etta James. “This was his weddingsong.”

“And now it’s ours.” Elliott smiled, pulling me closer tohim.

“This is the best day of my life,” I said, swaying back and forth in hishold.

That night we laughed together, danced together, and ate our wedding cake with vanilla frosting number twenty-eight. Our lives weren’t perfect, but we were beautiful imperfections together. He was mine, and I was his. Always andforever.

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