6 Months Later
As I stand here, looking at myself in the mirror, I think about everything it took to get me here. Running a hand over the bodice of the white beaded dress, I fight back happy tears. No way in hell am I screwing up this makeup today.
“Who would have thought he’d be the one to save me.” I smile to myself, unaware of Martha’s presence.
“Posh! You saved yourself, Sweet Tea. All you needed was the confidence to believe you could. That’s the gift my Declan gave you.” Her eyes meet mine in the mirror. “You never needed a man to save you. You needed a man who wanted to save you.” Her eyes bore into mine, holding me in place.
Before I can form a response, Celeste bursts through the door, her heels clacking on the marble floor. Light filtering through the beach house’s floor-to-ceiling windows highlights the fury in her eyes.
“That man is so pig-headed! I don’t understand how one person can be so infuriating! Ugh!” She huffs but her irritation wilts as she takes in my dress.
“Teagan, you look absolutely radiant. Declan’s not going to know what hit him.” She smirks, pulling me into a huge hug. “Maravilloso.”
“You can’t call me things if I don’t know what they mean.” I smirk at her.
“Chill, home slice, it’s your wedding day. Even I’m not that vile,” Celeste says with a pointed look.
Martha’s soft chuckle fills the room before she poorly attempts to cover it with a cough. She loves giving Celeste a hard time. Both women are equally feisty, and it makes for very comical family get-togethers.
Celeste’s smile borders on maniacal, but I expect nothing less from my best friend.
“Thank you for being with me today.” My voice shakes with the emotion I’m trying to veil.
“You really think I’d be anywhere else? I’m nothing short of flattered that you chose me to be the one on your side as you take this step. You’re a living romance novel!” She beams. “Besides, you’re fucking insane if you thought I’d let you pick anyone but me.”
A soft knock sounds at the door before it opens slowly, and Manny’s dapper frame fills the doorway.
“You ready Baby G—…” His words are cut short as he takes in my bridal get-up. “Hermosa, mi hija.” His eyes mist as he tags me into a comforting embrace. “The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you, Manny. I couldn’t have picked a better father if I’d tried.” I take his outstretched arm, my heart warming with affection.
Manny walks me out to the pier, Celeste and Martha right on our heels. Stopping just before the trees open to the ocean, the spot Declan took me for our first date, Martha kisses my cheek softly.
“Sweet Tea, you once called Manny and I the closest thing you had to family. Today, we become family. If I know one thing, it’s that you will never be alone again.”
Those are her parting words as she smiles at me and continues on to find her seat for the intimate ceremony. Every nerve in my body tingles as years of loss, pain, and despair exit my system. No longer holding back my tears, they flow freely. I smile through the mist, each drop a memory I no longer want.
Come Away with Me by Nora Jones pipes through the speakers as Celeste, very reluctantly, takes Aiden’s arm and they begin their decent down the aisle.
It’s time.
Manny grips my arm tighter in solidarity as I put one foot in front of the other. Clearing the line of trees, I suck in a breath. Of their own accord, my eyes zero in on my future. Declan stands before me, smiling as if he were standing at the pearly gates of Heaven.
My stomach flips, reminding me that this really is the beginning.
This morning I was given the greatest gift, one I have yet to share with Declan. They told me I had a better chance of winning the Florida State Lottery.
Guess I better buy a ticket.
It’s a powerful feeling to know you carry life when everyone tells you it’s impossible. Slowly, I am finding Mark didn’t take anything from me but what I allowed him.
Now when I give my love away, I am not afraid. My love will never again be used to manipulate me.
Reaching the end of the aisle, I search Declan’s face for any sign of nervousness. Not that I’m afraid he has cold feet, he just looks adorable when something manages to rattle him.
All I’m met with is sheer awe. Like he can’t believe he’s going to have me for the rest of his life. Now that gives me butterflies.
The officiant speaks, but I tune him out, choosing to focus all my energy on the man before me. His expression takes on a devilish quality as he leans forward, whispering in my ear.
“I can’t wait to be on the fucking beach, watching you drink fruity little cocktails in a bikini.” His voice is low and gravelly. “After I spread you out like the best fucking buffet I’ve ever had.”
My thighs tighten, trying in vain to quell the sudden pressure. I force myself to shake the very good visions he’s painted.
“I can’t drink,” I whisper.
“Huh?” His face scrunches in confusion.
“I. Can’t. Drink.”
A knowing smile takes over my face as I watch him. His expression slowly morphs from confusion to suspicion before his eyes land on my stomach. He stares in awe for several seconds and I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows thickly. His eyes travel north, the skin around them, rimmed in red. His incredible green irises shine with unshed tears. He says nothing, but his eyes beg me for confirmation.
I nod my head once and a rogue tear streaks down my cheek.
His face splits into a huge grin at the same time I hear someone clear their throat. My eyes snap back to the officiant, who’s looking a bit annoyed.
“As I was saying, do you, Declan O’Connor take this wom—“ he continues, but is immediately interrupted when Declan’s warm hands take over my face.
“I do.” He growls, taking my mouth in a desperate kiss—one I am positive was not meant for public consumption.
Looking into the eyes that hold my heart, it feels like I’m finally coming home. Where I was always meant to be. A place I now know I deserve.
If you fight hard enough, you just might get what you need in life. The journey to happiness is riddled with pain and sacrifice, but the struggle makes the reward that much sweeter. I managed what I once believed to be impossible. I fought. And now…
I am alive.
I am free.
I am loved.
The End.