Page 30 of Happily Ever After
"Oh God, Rhi, I wanted to marry a prince, ride to the church on a pet unicorn, and wear a dress made entirely of glitter."
"And I remember the reception was going to be in a castle!" Rhia adds, her eyes sparkling with joy. "We were so imaginative."
"Or delusional," I tease, nudging her with my elbow. "But you were going to be my maid of honor, even back then. That part came true."
Rhia pretends to wipe a tear from her eye. "I'm honored, really. But seriously, look at us now. Your wedding may not have a castle or a glitter dress, but it's even better. Could anything beat getting married on your own fricking private island and in that stunning lace dress we found?"
I nod, feeling a warm surge of emotion. "Yeah, this is better than what I dreamed up. And while it's different in so many ways, the love is exactly what we imagined. Even more, actually."
Rhia smiles and hands me a glass of bubbly champagne. "I knew you'd find your happily ever after. Even if the journey to get here was bumpy—"
"Understatement of the century," I chuckle, interrupting her.
This time, a real tear descends Rhia's cheek. "I could have lost you so many times since August last year. Your daring escape attempts from Tiero, his enemies taking you, and then your dire heart diagnosis. And the heart transplant's success was never a given either."
"Wasn't it though?" I ask, pulling my friend into an embrace and burying my face in her fiery red hair. "Given the deep connection I had with Tiero and he with me, there never was a chance that my body would have rejected his heart."
Rhia pulls away slightly to study me. "I think you're right."
I feel myself tearing up. Stop it!This is not the time for tears. So I change the subject.
"And hey, I might not be marrying an actual prince in a castle, but at least Ade's last name means that."
"Burg?"
"Yep. It's German for castle."
"Neat. That counts for ticking one of the boxes."
Rhia takes my hand and squeezes it. I grin, so happy to have my best friend by my side.
"I'm so happy for you, really. Seeing you this happy is all I ever wanted for you," she says, her eyes glistening watery all over again.
"And me for you," I say, my throat a little tight. "We both found our happily ever after. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us."
"To a bright future." Rhia raises her glass in a toast.
"To a bright future," I repeat, and we clink our glasses together.
"Oh, before I forget. I've got something for you." She reaches into her bag and pulls out a small box. "Remember this?" She holds it out to me, her eyes shining with a mixture of nostalgia and love.
"Oh my God! Is this what I think it is?" I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth.
I lift the lid of the papier-mâché box Rhia and I made all those years ago. And sure enough, a familiar silver chain-art belt lies nestled in amongst tissue paper.
"This was the first piece you ever made," I say in awe, letting my fingers glide over the delicate chain structure.
Rhia got into making chain art when we were teenagers. She's so freaking talented, and even her first piece looked like a professional had made it.
"I told you it was yours on your wedding day. You didn't think I would forget, did you?"
Tears well up in my eyes, and I can't hold them back.
"No, but I had… until now, anyway," I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. "I can't believe you still have this."
"Of course I do," she replies, her voice warm and comforting. "It's always been yours. I knew this day would come. And I'm beyond thrilled that it's with someone as wonderful as Ade."
I take the belt from her, feeling its cool, familiar weight in my hands. The memories flood back—of childhood dreams, teenage plans, and the unwavering support Rhia has always given me.
