It was my wedding day. Not the one under the stars and snow at the rental house during my spring break. And not the secret one at my cousin Rachelle’s house almost a week later. It was the wedding I’d spent the last few months planning. The one where my father would be walking me down the aisle. The one where Christian would be standing at the altar, waiting for me to say our vows with our closest family and friends in attendance. Of course, all of them with a few exceptions, didn’t know that we’d already been married—twice. We chose to go through with this formality for several reasons, the first and most important being that we wanted to have a ceremony where our loved ones could take part. I'd had my grandfather hold off on filing the paperwork for our hasty nuptials at Rachelle's house. It made sense, and was a lot easier to just fill in the details using today's date.

Rachelle didn’t object when I asked Daisy to be my maid of honor. Besides, Rachelle had asked if she could play the piano during the ceremony. Slade was Christian’s best man, Jason was an usher, and Ruthie and Dillon would each hold one of Abby’s hands as the three of them walked down the aisle.

I stood and walked to the full-length mirror. I was alone in the bridal waiting room at our little church. I was told the mirror had been installed back in the seventies to accommodate brides, as was the small couch that sat adjacent to the church secretary’s desk. The sofa showcased a loud floral pattern that had seen better days. Then again, it was over forty years old. I wondered how many brides had sat on it.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My silk gown was simple, with a round neck and long sleeves. It was summer in the mountains, but the air was cool. The sleeves were made of a thin sheer material that was overlayed with a pattern of intricate lace. I had my hair pulled back and gathered at the nape of my neck. One of my cousins had braided an elaborate design through my thick brown locks, weaving in baby’s breath and pearls since I’d opted not to wear a veil. The only jewelry that adorned my body was my silver cross necklace, pearl drop earrings that had been a wedding gift from my husband, and a gaudy blue synthetic stone that hung from a silver chain and rested between my breasts and against the white silk of my gown.

I liked what I saw in the mirror, but was angry with myself for what I’d done to make sure the dress wouldn’t be too tight on my wedding day. For as many times as Christian had taken me to the gym to do battle with Ed, I'd allowed my eating disorder to win when it came to my wedding gown.

I still had some time to myself so I glided over to the worn sofa, picked up my bouquet, carefully sat down, and reflected on the last few months.

Though not physically draining, thinking about all that I'd managed to accomplish was mentally exhausting. Prior to graduating, I'd spent two long weekends each month in Florida with Christian where we’d found a lovely home to rent with an option to buy. It was a three-bedroom, two-bath, ranch-style house with a two-and-a-half-car garage. It sat on an oversized lot and butted up to a small lake. The back yard showcased an enormous tree where the previous renters had erected a solitary swing.

After that, we partially furnished our new home. I graduated college with honors, and moved out of my dorm. I shipped my belongings to Florida, planned a wedding, and still squeezed in time to see Ruthie and Dillon earn their yellow belts in karate. I should've been worn out, but I was too excited about the future to be anything but floating on air.

I was more than relieved that Lucas never bothered me after he'd been expelled from school. I’d heard through the grapevine that after his expulsion, things had gotten even worse for him. I didn't ask for details because I didn't care. I was grateful that he'd been too preoccupied with his own unfortunate circumstances to hassle me anymore.

I remembered having a small concern that Lucas might crash graduation, so I'd insisted that nobody, not even my mother or grandfather, attend. They were reluctant to agree, but I was adamant. I'd spent four years living cautiously so as not to bring attention to my family. The last thing I wanted was a potential confrontation with an angry ex-boyfriend. And of course, Christian couldn't be there due to his parole limitations.

The graduation ceremony was recorded so my family would be able to pop in a DVD and watch me and a thousand other students walk across the stage. And it wasn't like graduation was a lonely affair. Sandy's parents were there. Not only did they invite me, Jeanie, and Marilyn to a celebratory dinner at a five-star restaurant, but they rented us a suite in the ritziest hotel in town for our last night together.

I sighed and studied my bridal bouquet as a special memory from graduation night warmed me from the inside out. I'd been in line, getting ready to go up the few steps to the platform to accept my diploma when the hair on my neck bristled with electricity. I knew he was there. I felt him so vividly, it was as if my lungs tingled with the recognition that I was breathing the same air as him. The auditorium was big, but my eyes immediately zeroed in on the solitary figure casually leaning against an open doorway on the opposite end of the massive space.

It was Christian.

After accepting my diploma I broke with protocol, and instead of returning to my seat I headed straight for Christian. I threw myself at him, and he caught me and spun me around.

"I'm so proud of you, Mimi. I could never miss this." His hot breath caressed my neck as he held me aloft.

"But your parole?" I asked as he set me back on my feet.

"I have permission to be gone two days. I got here in time to see you walk across the stage and I'll leave tomorrow. You already told me about your plans with your friends, and I'm not interfering with those. All I'm asking is that after they fall asleep, you sneak down to room 204." He handed me a keycard. "I'll be waiting for you, baby."

"I'll be there," I whispered breathlessly.

My daydreams were interrupted by Rachelle who opened the door and peeked her head inside.

"Ten-minute delay," she informed me. "Don't ask how, but Ruthie managed to already get her dress dirty. We need ten minutes to get her cleaned up. Your parents will come see you in a few minutes."

Not the least bit surprised by the announcement, I nodded and smiled.

"Oh, and your husband is the hottest groom I've ever laid eyes on. Don't tell Travis I said that," she said with a goofy grin.

"Cell phones and cameras?" I asked.

"Everyone is respecting your wishes and leaving them in a basket. They know they'll get them back after the reception." She quietly closed the door.

I was relieved. It wasn't like we'd invited a ton of people to the ceremony, but I didn't want to take any chance of a picture getting posted on social media. My cousin, Scott, was not only an exceptionally talented photographer, but a trusted friend. I knew he wouldn't share anything I didn't want him to. I planned on making sure everyone would get a wedding picture of me and Christian in the thank you cards I intended to send.

Only a few minutes passed when my mother let herself in the room.

"Christy is helping get your sister cleaned up. I wanted to have a few minutes alone with you." She took a seat beside me on the sofa.

"First, I want to tell you how proud I am of you, Mimi. You've gone above and beyond, not only with your grades, but with all the planning, and moving." She waved her hand in the air. "Everything. You've been like superwoman!"

I knew something was coming. "But?" I asked, tilting my head to one side.

"I hope it wasn't at the expense of your health. You've assured me you've been taking care of yourself. I want to make sure you continue."

She was talking about my eating disorder. I'd tried to squeeze in a few sessions with a therapist while at school, but I'd been so preoccupied and busy with everything else, I'd be lying if I said it helped. "I promised you I would talk to someone, and I did, Mom. And I'll make it a priority as soon as I get settled in Florida."

She nodded, and I saw that a mist started to form in her eyes. "You're sure about this, Mimi?"

"I've never been more sure about anything in my life, Mom." And I meant it.

"I know it's been a few months now, but you and Christian haven't been together the whole time. Are you still sure this isn't just infatuation, Mimi?" Her eyes were warm as she reached for my hand.

Squeezing her hand, I said, "When I think of infatuation, I think of immediate desire." I shook my head. "I read somewhere that it's like one hormone calling to another."

She smiled at me.

"But, love. Love is friendship that has caught on fire. And Christian is my best friend, Mom. He always has been. I just didn't let myself remember it. I don't know if many married couples can call their spouse their best friend." She nodded her understanding. "The article also said that infatuation is filled with insecurity, whereas love is a mature acceptance of our defects. It allows you to be yourself, and know that you are unconditionally loved. Flaws and all. I totally agree."

I watched as she waged a battle within herself. She was genuinely happy for me. She'd even admitted that considering our family's secret, and long history with the Bears, Christian was the best choice for a husband. She just needed to make sure I wasn't settling because of it. A moment passed before a wide smile broke out on her face, and she pulled me toward her. "I'm happy for you, Mimi." She squeezed me tightly. "Truly happy."

"Thanks, Mom," I whispered in a hoarse voice as a wave of unexpected grief descended on me.

She released me and stood up. She was smoothing out her dress when she saw my face.

"Mimi, what's wrong, honey?"

She reached for my hands after I laid down my bouquet and stood up to face her. "He should be here, Mom. He should be part of this day."

"I miss him, too," she admitted.

We were talking about the man who'd raised me until his untimely death in 2001. Tommy.

"My heart hurts, Mom. I just wish he could be part of this somehow," I explained.

"I already anticipated this, Mimi. And Rachelle and I have a surprise for you. It's why she agreed to play the piano. I hope you don't mind, but we've changed up the music a little bit. I'm afraid it's not going to be very traditional," she said somewhat sheepishly.

My tears threatened, but didn't spill over as my father came in the room and told us, "Ginny, you need to let Jason escort you down the aisle. Everything is ready." I was relieved. I didn't want to ruin my makeup before the ceremony even began.

Her eyes got wide as she remembered something. Turning to me she asked, "You said that after Micah starts with the traditional vows, you and Christian are going to say your own. Do you have them written down?"

I shook my head. "I didn't need to write them down, Mom. They're permanently etched on my heart."

She gave me a curious look before I added, "Just like Christian is permanently etched on my soul."

I looked up at my father, and admired his strong profile as we stood in the church vestibule and waited for Rachelle to play the piano to announce our entrance.

Without looking at me he said, "I love you, Mimi. There isn't much I can give you except my blessing. I hope that means something."

"It means more than you could know, Dad. And you'll see. Christian will prove himself. I know he will."

He looked down at me and his smile was genuine, but his eyes conveyed that Christian better.

I clutched his arm tighter and whispered, "And I love you too."

So much for not wanting to ruin my makeup. Mom was right. The piano selection she had chosen wasn't traditional, but was exactly what I needed to feel like my other father was with me on this special day.

I glided down the aisle on Grizz's arm to the piano interlude at the end of “Layla” by Derek & the Dominos. It had been Tommy's favorite song, and after his death in 2001, I'd played it in tribute to him at my piano recital. Rachelle had slowed it down a bit for today’s occasion—perfect.

When I got to the altar, Christian was waiting for me. He stepped over to shake Grizz's hand, and wiped my tears with his thumbs. I'd purposely asked my grandfather to leave out the part that asks who gives this bride, because like I'd already explained to my father, he wouldn't be giving me away. I would always be his daughter.

Before I knew it, we'd gone through the first part of the traditional marriage ceremony, and Micah was telling the guests that it was now time for Christian and me to recite our vows.

I looked up at Christian, and swallowed the lump that had started to form at the back of my throat.

Without removing his eyes from mine, he began: "I, Christian Bear, take you, Mimi, as my wife." He smiled, and my heart melted.

"I, Mimi Dillon Hunter, take you, Christian, as my husband."

"I felt you in my soul before I knew how to even form words, Mimi. You've always lived there, warming my cold places, bringing light to my dark spaces."

I swallowed thickly now just as I had done that night under the stars and snow.

Filled with emotion, I began: "I never knew how lost I'd been until you found me, Christian. My world wasn't one of darkness or light, but somewhere in between. Dull and without color. You've brought me into the sunshine and made everything bright."

"I will always love you, Mimi." He reached for my left hand. "I will always cherish you, protect you, listen to you, be faithful to you, put your needs before my own."

"I will always love you, Christian." I squeezed his hand. "You'll always have my love, my loyalty, my faithfulness, my heart." I paused and brought his hand to my chest. "My soul."

"I’ll never lose you again, Mimi. Never."

"I'll never be lost again, Christian."

Micah continued with the traditional vows, and I drifted in a dreamlike state for the rest of the ceremony. My grandfather had just told Christian it was time to kiss his bride when Abby, who'd been sitting quietly on Aunt Christy's lap, made her way up to the altar and wedged herself between us. We broke from our kiss to look down at her smiling face. It couldn't have been more perfectly timed if we'd planned it. My grandfather saw his opening and took it.

Addressing the congregation, he said in a booming voice, "And now, I present to you, Christian, Mimi, and Abby." He paused for comedic effect. "The three Bears."