Charlotte
One and a half years later
I looked at myself in the mirror in my dressing room. Katie and my mother had just helped me into my beautiful, lacy white dress, and my mother was still fussing over the folds in my gown.
“It’s okay, Mom,” I said. “You can stop. Everything is good. I look good.”
My mom stood up and looked at me in the mirror, her face breaking out into a smile. “You’re right. You look lovely.”
“You look freaking hot,” Katie said.
I laughed at the comment. “Thanks, Katie, but you have to say that since you’re my maid of honor.”
“No, I don’t,” she said. “My job is to tell you the truth, and the truth is that you are gonna break some hearts out there today.”
“There’s only one heart I care about,” I said. “And it’s Talon’s.”
Katie rolled her eyes. “Ugh, so lame.”
“I think it’s sweet,” my mother said. “It’s her wedding day. She’s allowed to be romantic.”
Katie sighed. “I guess so. Still, maybe save it until the reception. I’m not sure I can handle any more mushy feelings.”
“I’ll remind you of that on your own wedding day,” I said, grinning at her.
“Please do,” she said. “If I’m ever as lovey-dovey as you, it means I need a reality check.”
“I don’t care what you say,” I told her. “Nothing is going to make this day any less special for me.”
A knock sounded at the door, and my father’s voice came booming through. “Can I come in?” he asked.
“Yeah, Dad,” I said.
He poked his head into the door and smiled when he saw me. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”
I blushed. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Are you ready to go?” he asked. “It’s time.”
I nodded. “Let’s do this.”
Katie handed me my bouquet. “Knock ‘em dead, girl.”
She left the dressing room and went to line up at the entrance to the church. My mother gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
“Good luck, sweetie,” she said. “I’m so happy for you.”
Then, she left, too, presumably to take her place in her seat at the front of the church. My father extended his arm to me.
“Shall we?” he asked.
I nodded and slipped my arm through his. He led me out into the hallway. The wedding party was lined up just outside. We had a few groomsmen and bridesmaids, followed by Katie, my maid of honor, and Mike, Talon’s best man. After them was the flower girl, who looked adorable in her dark velvet dress.
My father turned to me. “Are you ready for this?”
I nodded. “I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a very long time.”
“Good,” he said. “I want you to know I’m proud of you. I mean, I’ve always been proud of you, but I’m also happy that this moment is finally here.”
“Really?” I asked. “Have you been looking forward to getting rid of me that long?”
He didn’t laugh. “I know you’re joking, but I will always be there for you, no matter what.”
“I know, Daddy.”
“I’m just saying that I always knew you and Talon would end up together,” he said. “He’s a good man. Strong and honest. He treats you right, and he’s always made you happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen you. Ever since I first saw the two of you together, I just knew he was the right man for you.”
“Really?” I asked. “Then, why didn’t you say anything?”
“It wasn’t my place,” he said. “You had to come to that decision on your own, without any interference from a meddling old man.”
“I’m so happy that you approve of him,” I said.
My father nodded. “I like him. Plus, it’ll be nice to have another guy around so I’m not always outnumbered.” He smiled. “Anyway, I just need you to know that I love you, sweetheart, and I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter.”
My chest swelled with emotion, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes. “I love you, too, Daddy. Darn it. You’re going to make me cry.”
My father fished a handkerchief out of his back pocket and handed it to me. I dabbed at my eyes, hoping that I wouldn’t smear my makeup. I took a deep breath to calm my feelings, and the tears receded.
The wedding song started to play, and the first couple started walking down the aisle. I grabbed my father’s arm and held it tightly. Suddenly, my knees felt wobbly, like they could give out at any minute. I wasn’t having second thoughts or doubts, but this was a big moment, and my body thrummed with anxiety.
When it was my turn to walk out, my father held me steadily, as unflappable as a mountain. He led me down the aisle without incident until my eyes landed on Talon, standing by the altar, looking devastatingly handsome in his black tuxedo.
He stood ramrod straight, and his broad shoulders filled out his jacket nicely. He had his hands clasped tightly in front of him, and I wonder if he was as anxious as I was. His face wore a neutral expression, but his sapphire blue eyes told me everything I needed to know.
Their depths were filled with love and affection. He looked at me like I was the most beautiful woman in the world, or like an angel fallen from heaven. His eyes shimmered as he stared at me, as if he was getting choked up. I knew I was.
All the attempts to dab away my tears without smearing my makeup were in vain, because tears spilled down my cheeks uncontrollably. I swiped them away with the back of my hand, hoping I didn’t look like a complete mess. If I did, Talon didn’t seem to care. The closer I got, the wider his smile got, and it filled me with a fluttering warmth.
My father got me to the altar, and then went to sit down. I stood next to Talon, knowing I would be by his side for the rest of my life.
The ceremony was quick and simple. I didn’t need a long, drawn-out ritual. I’d spent my entire life not married to Talon, and I didn’t want to wait any longer than absolutely necessary.
The priest asked Talon if he would take me as his bride.
“I do,” Talon said, tears brimming his eyes.
Then he asked me if I would take Talon as my husband.
“I do,” I said.
“Then by the powers vested in me,” the priest said, but Talon didn’t let him finish.
My husband swept me up into his arms and kissed me, long and deep. That kiss promised me forever, and Talon kept his promise. Forever.