Page 84 of The Lake House

Everyone in the pews laughs.

Roger smiles at her with tears in his eyes and he walks over to her, placing a kiss on her forehead. “Youlook like a princess, baby girl. Thank you so much for being a part of my wedding.”

She smiles brightly once more. “I’m the best flower girl!”

We laugh and Roger says, “You are!” Then he gets back in position and once she’s situated, I go to stand beside him.

Moments later, it’s go time.

“Oh God, here she comes. I think I’m going to puke,” Roger whispers to me as the doors close once more and the Wedding March begins. Rachel is about to walk out with her father. Everyone rises from their seats.

“You’ll be great, and once you see her, you’ll relax and know this is everything you’ve ever wanted.”

He nods. “I know… I know. I just—”

As the doors open, the image of Rachel stops Rog dead in his tracks.

Rachel’s face is hidden underneath the veil, but her smile is evident, and she’s staring directly at Roger.

I look over at him, and he’s got tears, once again, in his eyes.

“Oh my God, she is so beautiful,” he whispers.

I smile. “She is. You are a lucky man.”

He chuckles lightly and then murmurs. “You know what, Dec? I am. I’ve known it ever since Rachel gave me the time of day. She said yes after I asked her out, and I knew right then and there that she was going to be the girl I’d someday marry.”

I thought I knew, too, but my ex had other plans.

He speaks again. “All I’m saying, Dec, is not to let Giules pass you by. She’s a great girl, she’s beautiful and smart, and she’s here for you. You’re just as lucky, my friend, even if it took some time for you to get here.”

I consider his words. It’s true. It did take time, but thankfully, it all resulted in Giuliana coming into my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Rachel’s father lifts her veil and places kisses on both of her cheeks. He then hands her off to Rog and then they stand side by side in front of the priest.

I see them whisper to one another and then the ceremony begins.

* * *

“There you are,” I say to Giules after all the pictures were taken and the big entrances and dances were made at the reception. She looks incredible in her little tight black dress that I wish I could strip her out of right now.

But this is not the time or the place. Instead, I kiss her on the cheek as our hands entwine.

As we pull apart, she smiles at me. “Hi. You were great. And so was Lily,” she says, pointing to my girl, who has already teamed up with Rachel’s nieces, parading around the dance floor.

I smile back. “Thanks. Were you able to get here okay? I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you sooner.”

She waves a dismissive hand my way. “It’s fine, I get it. You had to stay with the bridal party. No worries on my end.”

I let out a sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted was for Giules to feel uncomfortable or out of place. “I’m glad, but I’m all yours now.”

She kisses me lightly. “Good, because I was getting lonely without you.”

I smile at her again as Lily comes cascading into me.

“Hi, Giules! I like your dress!”

Giules smiles and bends down to be at eye level with her. “Thank you, Lily! I really love yours, too. You did great out there!”

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