One Year Later…

“Do I look okay?” I ask Pippa nervously while twisting from side to side. “Does it fit me okay?”

“Doll, you look incredible. The best I’ve ever seen you. That dress is amazing on you.”

I run my fingers down the ivory silky material while smiling to myself. I do want to look good for Jayden, especially today more than any other day. That’s why I spent such a long time agonizing over each and every dress in all the stores around to make sure that when I finally landed on one, it was the right one.

The slim-line fit, the sweetheart neckline, the lace detail, it’s all a million miles away from the first time around I did that, but that felt like a dream and not in a good way. This is my incredible reality.

“Okay, thank you, Pippa. I just can’t help being nervous. It’s a big day today.”

“I know. It’s the first day of the rest of your life. Trust me, you’re going to be fine.”

I breathe out a big anxious breath and nod. Then I flip the veil over my face and I steel myself. “Okay, I think I’m ready. I think it’s time. Can you go and grab my dad and tell him that I’m ready?”

Pippa leaves the room and I gasp a couple of times to myself while I wait. I spend so much time with other people these days it’s weird to be alone. With Bryan, I always felt like I was by myself, alone, lonely, now I don’t have time for that emotion and it’s the loveliest feeling in the whole damn world.

“Are you okay, Mommy?” Peter flies into the room looking absolutely adorable in his suit. “You look nice.”

“Oh, thank you.” I bend down to my knees as much as I can to stare into his eyes. “That’s so kind of you to say and you look lovely too. Where’s Jayden? Aren’t you supposed to be standing with him?”

“I am. I’m the best man,” he tells me with absolute pride. Just like he has done every single time he’s talked about the wedding. “But he said I could come and say hi. Tommy is with him anyway, so he’s fine.”

Me and Peter have an even deeper bond than before these days. The terror that struck us during that horrible mess with Bryan has brought us even closer, the aftermath too. But we’ve spent the last year since the trial was done rebuilding and growing closer together. I couldn’t be more proud of my boy, he’s done so well.

“I’m doing well, baby. As soon as Grandad comes here, I’ll be out in there anyway, so you think you can wait for me with Jayden? I’m looking forward to you standing up there, making me proud as my big boy.”

He nods and leans his head against me for a couple more moments. “I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you too, baby. I always will. You know that.”

With that he takes off at the speed of light, leaving me in a trail of dust behind him. My dad wanders around the corner only seconds later chuckling to himself. “That boy never stands still for long, does he?”

I shake my head and rise. “No, but it’s good. After all that time locked away, he needs to run.”

Dad holds out his arm to me and I take it. “I know, but today we’re really putting all of that behind us, aren’t we? I know we pushed it to the back a while ago, but today it’s done forever.”

“I know, it is and I’m glad. This is the fresh start that all of us need.”

“Speaking of which…” Pippa’s head pokes around the corner. “Every one is waiting. It’s time to go.”

We haven’t invited many people to our wedding, I want this one to be the polar opposite to the last one. Jayden has his family and work friends, I have my dad and some of the new people that I’ve met at college, then of course, we have our closest friends in the wedding party. It’s only right since they helped us get to this point. It’s only the important people, which is perfect. I don’t want to share my love with anyone else in the world.

“Right, I’m ready. I’m nervous, but I’m still ready. Let’s go.”

Pippa goes ahead, followed closely by me and Dad. We walk all the way to the hall in which the wedding ceremony is being held and I gasp with sheer delight as I see it. It’s decorated beautifully, just the way I wanted it, with pale pink and white flowers, and twinkling lights everywhere. Like a dream, but in a good way.

And then I see my dream man at the end of the aisle, looking absolutely incredible in his suit. He actually takes my breath away he looks so amazing. He’s giving me that beautiful smile, the one that I feel in love with ten years ago, and seeing it again just makes me grin right back. I have to restrain myself so I don’t run down the aisle to greet him. Already, I feel like I’m in a desperate rush to hold him in my arms again.

“Hi,” he mouths at me as I get closer. “You look beautiful.”

“So do you.”

I slip my hands into his as my dad gives me over willingly and I feel an intense rush in my chest. Lust and love swirls around me, I can feel it touching me everywhere intensely. This is where we need to be.

“We are gathered here today…”

I tune out as the vicar goes through all the usual spiel related to weddings. I’m not bothered about that part, I’ve heard it all before, what I’m really excited to get to is the real part. The vows. We’ve written our own and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say. I’m also excited to say my piece as well.

Luckily, I don’t have to wait too long. “Savannah Donald, I am so glad that we’re here today and you’ve finally agreed to be my wife. I promise you now, that isn’t going to be a pleasure that I take for granted ever. I will love you, take care of you, and make you happy forever more. I will be sure to make you breakfast in bed every morning, to kiss you every night before we go to sleep, and keep the hell out of your way if you’re doing your college work.” A titter of laughter breaks out in the crowd and I join in. Maybe I haven’t been taking it a bit too seriously, but I want to get it right this time. “Basically, I intend to make you the happiest woman alive.”

I gulp down, suddenly realizing that I have a thick ball of emotion lodged into my throat. His words got to me more than I thought they would. His sweet little promises, which I know mean bigger things too, make me feel incredible. I suck back and prepare myself to get my own vows out.

“Jayden, you are my super hero, you know this. You have saved me from so many things, more than anyone knows, and I love you for that. I love you so much that I never want to be without you. You’re mine and I’m yours forever more. I will always love you. Until death do us part and all that.” I get some laughter of my own. “I don’t have any specific promises to make you, such as breakfast in bed, but I will be the best wife I can be to you. I will do what I can to make you happy every single day.”

We smile brightly at each other, drowning in one another’s words. It feels great to know that we’re finally here at this place where we’ve always wanted to be.

“Do I bring the rings now, Mommy?”

I turn to smile at Peter before beckoning him forward. This is all about him too since we’re bringing Jayden into our little family. Luckily, us all living together has been amazing so far. It’s only been a couple of months but I just know that it’s going to be awesome. We all love one another so much.

I crouch down with my arm around my son as we exchange the rings, swirling in happiness. This is it now, the future that I’ve always wanted. It was a rocky path to get us here, but we’ve made it and now we can get through anything. I’ve found my happy place, my happy ever after.

It’s the start of a brand-new era in my life and I love it so much.

“I now pronounce you man and wife.” Never have I been so happy to hear those words. “You may now kiss the bride.”

As Jayden crashes his lips down onto mine, I fill with hope and promise.

Everything is perfect.