Page 27 of My Kinda Wedding (Summer Sisters 6.50)

“Nick is a lucky man, but he already knows that,” he says with a soft smile. As he extends the crook of his arm toward me, he adds, “Shall we?”

Smiling up at him, I take his proffered arm. “Yes. Definitely.”

My dad guides me toward the open door and into the sunlight. It’s not too bright, thankfully, but it instantly warms my back. Carefully, we walk down the stairs and to the beach. Toward my future.

Family and friends all stand as I approach, but my eyes are riveted on one man standing at the front. Nick. My Nick. He’s smiling widely, drinking in my appearance. As I approach, I notice how bright his eyes shine, unshed tears filling those perfect hazel eyes.

When we reach the front row of chairs, Dad and I stop. I glance to my right and smile at Nick’s parents. His sister Natalie is there, too, while Stuart, Natalie’s husband, stands up at the front by Nick’s side.

Then I glance to my left and my heart starts to gallop in my chest. There stands Cindy, smiling brightly, unchecked tears streaming down her face. My own tears threaten to fall as I convey just how much her love and support has meant to me these last few years. We never say a word, but I know she understands when she gives me a head nod and reassuring grin.

My grandparents sit on the other side of her, their own happiness reflecting in their eyes. I can’t help but wonder if Nick and I will have the kind of marriage they have. Maybe with a bit less over-sharing on the sexual details, but one where you adore the other person so much you can’t help but tell them and show them every moment of every day.

I glance back at the second row, and even though I know they’re there, my heart starts to pound when I see them. Josh’s parents. John and Angie. Their own eyes are swimming with tears. My vision clouds as my eyes connect with Angie, who just gives me a knowing little grin.

Then, my eyes return to the row in front.

To the two empty chairs on the end.

To what those two chairs signify.

One for each of the two people who aren’t here today.

My mom.

Josh.

A single corsage sits on the first chair, one that would have been worn by the mother of the bride.

A single red rose sits on the other, an ode to love that once flourished wildly in my heart. It’s still there, that deep love, but now it occupies a bit less real estate than before.

Closing my eyes, I feel the breeze pick up in that moment, and I know he’s here.

Just like he told me he’d be last night in my dream.

I offer a small smile and send up a silent thank you to the man who once loved me, and how he let me go. To the man who once held my heart in his hands, and then gingerly handed it over to another. To the man who will always watch over me, as I build and grow a life with someone else.

“Thank you, Josh,” I whisper in the breeze, letting myself feel it as it washes over me.

When I open my eyes and look forward, I’m staring at my future.

My forever.

Nick gives me a knowing, reassuring smile. He knew how hard it was on me, as this day on the calendar drew closer. I’ll probably always be afraid that it could all be ripped away – that Nick could be stolen before our time was completed. That’s why he reminds me to live for today. As Josh’s mom once said, ‘Tomorrow isn’t a promise. Hold onto today with both hands.’

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the minister says from beneath the trellis.

“I do,” my dad replies confidently, though I pick up the slight hint of emotion in his voice.

Turning to face the man who has been right by my side since day one, I offer my dad a bright smile. “Go,” he whispers. “Live.”

“I will. I promise,” I reply right before he pulls me into his arms and kisses my forehead.

Then he lets go.

And I take a step in the opposite direction.

Toward Nick…

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