Six months later …

JADE

I haven’t stopped smiling since the moment I got out of bed this morning. Even though Brock already feels like family to me, today it becomes official. In under an hour I’ll be Mrs Jade Weston and I can’t put into words how happy that makes me. I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for this moment. I’ll finally belong to someone.

‘You look beautiful,’ Rupert says as he straightens my veil. ‘I’m honoured to be giving you away today.’

‘There’s no one else I’d rather,’ I reply. And that’s the truth. ‘You’re the closest thing I have to a father.’

‘I’m so proud of you, Jade.’ I have to fight back the tears when I hear his voice crack. ‘From the moment I met you, I hoped that one day you’d find happiness. I’m so glad I get to witness it.’

‘I love you, Rupert,’ I say as I wrap my arms around him. I’ve never told him that before, but I do.

‘Jade,’ he replies, choking up. ‘I love you too. Although I lost a daughter, I’ve gained another in you. I’m extremely grateful to have you in my life. You were the one who kept me sane for all those years.’

I wipe the tears from my eyes and see Rupert do the same. ‘I don’t know what I would’ve done without you either. You made my life bearable.’

Our moment is broken when Brock’s mother enters the bedroom. Brock and I decided to get married at his—our—house, and I’m getting ready in our bedroom. Brock is using one of the bedrooms on the ground floor.

‘Oh my gosh,’ Elaine says, holding her arms out wide. ‘Look at you. You’re breathtaking. I can’t wait to see my son’s face when he sees you.’

I feel like a princess in this dress. It’s simple but elegant. The mermaid-style dress is white, which is quite ironic, of course. It’s tight fitting until mid-thigh, before flowing loosely to the floor. It has a sweetheart neckline and dips low down my back. The dress is covered in a sheer lace that extends over my breast bone and down my arms. My hair is pulled back in loose curls that are pinned into a bun at the base of my neck.

‘Thank you. I hope Brock likes it.’

‘He’s going to love it,’ Elaine says, closing the distance between us and folding me into her arms. ‘Thank you for making my son so happy.’

‘He makes me happy too.’ Happier than I ever thought I’d be.

‘I know. Oh, that reminds me, he sent me in here to find Josh, and to give you this.’

I have no idea where Joshua is and, come to think of it, Theo is missing as well. I asked him to be my brides-man today. It’s unconventional, I know, but he’s my best friend, so I wanted him by my side. Brock asked Joshua to be his best man.

I find a note from Brock inside the envelope Elaine gives me.

Tears rise to my eyes when I unwrap the tiny piece of tissue paper enclosed with the note to find a bride and groom charm to add to my memory locket.

*

The wedding should have started five minutes ago, so when there’s still no sign of Joshua and Theo, Rupert and I split up to find them. We know they’re here somewhere. There are only so many places they can be.

‘What the hell?’ I screech, coming to an abrupt stop when I open the door to one of the spare bedrooms. ‘Did you forget we have a wedding here today?’ I say, trying not to laugh as I cover my eyes with my hands.

‘Fuck. I’m sorry, babycakes,’ Theo says, clearing his throat.

‘I’m sorry to,’ Joshua chimes in. ‘We lost track of time.’ I can hear them both shuffling around the room, but my hands are still over my eyes so I can’t see what they’re doing.

‘There’ll be plenty of time to make out after the wedding. Brock’s waiting for me.’

‘We’ll be down in a minute,’ Joshua says.

Stepping back into the corridor and closing the door, I do a little fist pump. It looks like my matchmaking has finally paid off. Theo and Joshua are perfect for each other.

I’m smiling as I head back downstairs to find Rupert. It’s time for me to marry the man of my dreams.

*

BROCK

As I stand under the gazebo by the pool area with the wedding celebrant, I rub my sweaty palms down the front of my trousers. I’ve been looking forward to this day, so I’m surprise by how nervous I am. It was my idea to rush through the wedding plans. I was eager to make Jade my wife.

We opted for a small wedding. Jade invited a few people she’s met through her cooking classes, and I have some work colleagues and a couple of friends I’ve kept in contact with over the years. Since there’s only thirty people in attendance, we set up the back patio with a long table overlooking the pool for the reception later. I’ve hired chefs to cater the event, as well as waiters and bar staff. I would’ve liked to have been able to give her something a little more elaborate, but this is what she wanted.

I smile at my mother when she comes to stand beside me. ‘She’ll be out soon,’ she says. ‘She looks beautiful, Brock.’ I didn’t doubt that for a second. I can’t wait to see her.

‘I bet she does.’

‘How are you holding up, you look nervous?’

‘I am, Mum. I honestly thought marriage wasn’t on the cards for me, but when I met Jade all that changed.’

‘The love you have for each other is rare. Hold on to that.’ I have no doubt in my mind that we will. She means everything to me and I intend to cherish her for the rest of my life. She completes me. ‘You’re going to give me the most beautiful grandchildren.’

I chuckle at her comment. She’s brought the subject up a number of times since we announced our engagement. My mother has flourished since my father’s death, but there are times where she seems lost. Grandchildren would help fill that void I gather. She’s very active in mine and Josh’s lives now which is great. I love having her around.

‘Hopefully one day we’ll be able to give you grandchildren.’ It’s not like Josh will be able too. Leaning forward I place a soft kiss on her cheek. I would love nothing more than to start a family with Jade one day, but for now I just want to enjoy her.

‘I’m going to go and take my seat. Good luck, honey,’ she says, rubbing her hand affectionately down my arm.

I roll my shoulders and take a deep breath trying to calm myself. Where the fuck is Josh? I look down at my watch. They’re late. A few minutes pass before my brother comes rushing down the red carpet that was laid on the lawn earlier. He’s breathless as he comes to a stop beside me.

‘Where the fuck have you been?’ I ask in an angry whisper.

‘Long story,’ he replies. By the look on his face I know he’s been up to something and that makes me feel uneasy. Before I get a chance to pry further, the music starts playing, signalling Jade’s arrival. She chose the song Endless Love sung by Stan Walker and Dami Im, to walk down the aisle too.

‘Shit,’ I mumble nervously to myself as I turn and face the house.

‘You’ve got this,’ Josh encourages, placing his hand briefly on my back. ‘You guys were made for each other.’

The moment she appears on the patio I take in a sharp breath. She looks even more beautiful than I imagined. Theo walks down the aisle first, but I barely notice him because I can’t take my eyes off Jade. Her arm is linked through Rupert’s as they slowly make their way towards us. My heart is thumping rapidly against my ribcage. When she is within metres of me, she gives me a breathtaking smile. The tears that glisten in her eyes bring a lump to my throat.

I reach for her hand and lace our fingers together when she comes to a stop beside me. ‘You look beautiful, sweetheart,’ I whisper. Her grip tightens around my hand as we both face the marriage celebrant. I’m eager to start my new life with her by my side.

She’s my best friend.

My dream girl.

My soulmate.