Page 51 of Intertwined Hearts

“I’ll make sure to let you know more after we talk about the details,” I said.

We finished our conversation, and my mind raced back to my parents. This was the bittersweet moment I’d suspected it would be. I was so happy Hunter and I were engaged, but was sad my parents weren’t here to help celebrate and enjoy this time with me. My mom had always been the perfect person for me to talk to, and I missed her so much. And I couldn’t imagine anyone other than my dad giving me away to Hunter, either. I didn’t know who would give me away, and that’s why I wanted to just have a small wedding. I leaned back with my butt against the counter edge. My hands covered my face, and I fought back the tears.

“Hey, what’s wrong, baby?” I jumped at the sound of Hunter’s voice.

I wiped my eyes and inhaled deeply before replying. “I’m okay. I was just thinking about my mom and dad. It made me a little sad, that’s all.”

He walked over and placed his hands on my shoulders, then pulled me into him, cradling me in his arms. I felt so safe with him.

“I wish I had gotten to know them. I know they were fantastic people. Did your mom tell you about her wedding?”

“Yeah,” I said. I couldn’t help but smile at the memory. “She told me that she and my dad had a beautiful wedding. They invited everyone they knew. She told me she wore a beautiful white gown with a really long train. My grandmother sat in the front row and my granddad gave her away. The pictures from that day were amazing. She and my dad were so happy. They were always happy.”

“Do you want a wedding like that?”

My smile faded. “No.”

“Why not?”

“I just can’t see myself having a big wedding like that. My mom and dad can’t be there for me. Who would give me away?”

“I’m sure there has to be someone who could give you away, but if you don’t want a big wedding, I’m fine with that. I’m fine with whatever you want. I just want you to be happy.”

“I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.”

“And I feel the same way. If you prefer, we can elope. Then we’ll come back and have a party to celebrate. You name it, and it’s yours.”

“I love you.” I threaded my fingers into his hair and gave him a slight tug, pulling him down to let our mouths unite.

Hunter

I had no idea what to say. I wanted to jump up and down with joy when Jackie said she preferred a small wedding, but I knew not to get my hopes up. We hadn’t picked a date, and there was always a chance she’d change her mind. If she did, I’d honor her request. As much as I thought a small wedding would be nice, something deep inside me was hoping for a bigger event. I knew my mom would like to see that.

“We have plenty of time to figure everything out,” I said.

“Nikki is already planning our big day.”

“We can reel her in if we need to. It’s your day.”

“It’s our day. I just don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

“Darling, if we choose to run off, that’s what we’ll do. If we want to go to a justice of the peace with a couple of witnesses, well, we’ll do that. I’m only aiming to make you happy.”

“When would you like to get married? Summer, winter, spring, or fall?”

“I’m leaving all of that up to you. I kind of think winter would be nice since the weather will be milder, but I’m flexible.”

“Winter or fall both sound nice.”

“I think so too.”

Chapter 39

Jackie

The months flew by. We had so many balls in the air.

The adoption process had finally picked up steam. We had our orientation meeting, had taken all of the required training courses, and had the background checks and home study completed. We got approved and were just waiting for the final go-ahead to expand our family by one. One very special little girl named Elisa who we would spoil and love.

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