Finally. The day I didn’t realize I was waiting for has arrived. It’s funny how your life takes one path but then switches to another one. Jenny is the girl I need to be complete. She’s who I want, the one I share everything with. She’s the other half of me.

The past few days have been complete insanity. Looking back, I’m amazed I held it together. Going over to see Ben was harder than I thought it would be. He was in such a bad place. Not to mention he smelled like a garbage dump.

He needed his senses knocked into him and his stupidity knocked out. After Jenny left, I got him cleaned up and decided it was time to talk. Jenny was right. The people we love the most needed to know what was going on.

To say that Ben was a tad upset would be an understatement. His right hook coming at me gave me a pretty good clue. I deserved it though. I mean it is his sister. “You better take good care of her and not fuck it up. I love you, man, but dude, she’s my sister. I will come at you with every weapon imaginable. Hunt you down and kill you. Just so you know.”

It felt good telling him. I think in a weird way it motivated him to get his own shit together and get his girl back. I feel like I’m thinking like a chick, but I think our love saved Ben and Sam. Jenny just rolled her eyes with that thought. Whatever, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

The rest of her family was shocked as well. This was not the plan they had envisioned for Jenny. In all honesty, I thought her dad was going to kill me. It was like daggers being thrown and impaling my body.

Gramps lightened the mood and told her dad to get a grip. “Listen, you are still a jack-ass but I’ve always loved you. You and Jenny are perfect for each other.” He patted the back of my head before giving me a little tap. “You two remind me of Gram and me. You'll be fine.” He came over, patted me on the back, and said, “What took you so damn long?”

Mr. Foster started to raise his voice, but Gramps shut him up. “Oh, relax. I’m going to be a great-grandfather. I never thought I would live long enough for that. A baby is a gift from heaven.” I watched him hug Jenny before continuing. “We are blessed.”

That was all he needed. Well, that and Jenny hugging him and saying how happy she is. Never underestimate the power of love between a father and daughter. He was putty in her hands. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. I only hope I can be half the man and father he is.

Jenny keeps reassuring me that I will be. She said I’ve lived through more than most people have and learned from each experience. Every moment of my life made me into who I am now - the good, the bad, the shitty, and the greatest.

The journey we take can either make us or break us. The mistakes of my past and the choices I made along the way led me to her and the best version of me. The depression and death of my mom and how my father lived his life shaped me. Every struggle I faced, I pulled and lived through it. She tells me daily that she’s grateful for me. I can’t believe I got so goddamned lucky. My Mom must have sent her my way.

Looking out at everyone, I feel blessed to have a family again. Gramps was right.

Ben stands next to me as I wait for my bride. We decided against the eloping thing. After we told everyone, we couldn’t imagine them not being there. This is family and our home. We wanted to start our next chapter with the ones that matter the most.

Jenny appears at the pressing room barn doors. I’ve never seen her look so beautiful. It’s only her mom, dad, gramps, and my sister. Of course, Sam is her maid of honor. I watch Sam walk down the aisle and catch a glimpse of Ben. He’s staring at her as if she’s the only one in the room.

I totally get that now. That whole true love and forever shit…I mean stuff. It’s wonderful that we’re all here, made it to the other side, and are living and loving life.

Jenny’s dad looks at her with so much love as they begin walking to me. You can see that Jenny’s really the heart of this family. I thought Gramps was, but it’s her. She’s always in the background secretly fixing and planning things. She’s so incredibly giving and will do anything for them. Her love knows no bounds and her presence is all you need.

She’s all I ever wanted.