“For what?”
“For trusting me when you were five. For letting me in. For calling me Dad. For being one of the best things to ever happen to me.”
“Daddy,” I choke out over a sob.
“Don’t cry, baby girl. You’ve got one hell of a man waiting for you upstairs, and as much as it pains me to let you grow up, I’m supposed to walk you down the aisle and give you away to him.”
“He loves me.”
“I know he does. Shall we?” He holds his arm out for me to take. In the hall, Elle is waiting for us. She picks up the train of my dress and carries it as we climb up the stairs. Liam and Paige are there when we reach the vestibule. She squeals with excitement, but Liam, he wipes a fallen tear from his face. It’s not lost on me that this was where we said goodbye to my father, where Liam and I bonded instantly. That’s not why I chose this church. This is where life began for our families, where the bridge became strong. Whether Liam knows it or not, he’s the patriarch that keeps us going.
Jimmy opens the doors to the church and I can hear everyone turn in their seats, hoping to get a glimpse. Liam and Paige walk down the aisle first, followed by Quinn and Elle. I can easily say there will be no bridal party hook-ups happening at my wedding.
/> The music changes and my dad’s voice sings out over the loudspeaker. I smile at his reaction. While the moms may have planned everything, I made a few changes. This being one of them. Years ago, he made a demo for Elle and me, our own songs and how he felt about us. I chose to have it playing now, as opposed to later, because he wanted to pick the song we danced too. Either way, I win.
We slowly turn the corner. Everyone stands, a few people gasp, but my eyes are focused only on Noah. Quinn whispers something in his ear and he smiles. He smiles like he’s never smiled before. Each step I take, it’s slow. I’m the tortoise trying to beat the rabbit in a race right now, and my prize is waiting. After what seems like an eternity walking down the aisle, I’m finally face-to-face with my groom, who looks really hot in his suit.
“Who gives this bride-to-be with this man?”
My dad clears his throat. “Her mother and I do,” he says right before he kisses me softly on my cheek.
“Holy fuck, Peyton, you’re beautiful.”
My eyes go wide at Noah’s little outburst. I chance a look at the minister who shrugs. “At least it’s holy.” Everyone in church laughs.
Noah and I look longingly into each other’s eyes while the minister talks about our life, the love we share, and what our future holds. Truthfully, I’m not listening. The only thing I want to do is hear the minister announce us husband and wife, kiss my groom and get to the party where I can dance the night away with the man of my dreams.
“Noah, your vows?”
Noah grins. “Peyton, it seems like all I do is tell you how much I love you. I think part of me is scared that one day I’ll wake up and this will all be a dream. The other part of me doesn’t want you to forget or ever wonder if I don’t. If there’s ever a day that I don’t tell you, kick me, because you deserve to be told every single day of your life. Few people can say they met the love of their life at the age of five. I can. Being in your life has been the single greatest moment of mine. Being your husband is going to be the best part of life yet. Tonight, in front of our family and friends, in this church on Christmas, I vow to you to be the best husband, friend, and father to our children that I can be, and to be the man that you deserve. I love you, Peyton.”
Elle hands me a tissue so I can dab at my tears. I smile at Noah and take a deep breath. “I didn’t know what I was going to say until this moment. You’ve seen the worst of me, even on my best days, and never judged me. Never asked me to change. You only offered guidance, understanding, and help, and for that I love you. For as long as I can remember, you’ve been in my life. Every memory I have, you’re there. You’re present. You know what I’m thinking before I do. You know what I’m going to say before I can form a proper response. You hold my hand and let me jump first, never pushing. I am, who I am, because of you, and I could never imagine my life without you. Today, in front of our family and friends, I become your wife, your partner, and the woman who tells you when your plays are sloppy.” Those final words earn some loud laughter from the people in attendance.
“Noah, you brought me back from the darkness and showed me what it’s like to live. For that, I am forever grateful. I love you more than words can say, more than actions can show, and being your wife is going to be the easiest thing I ever do.”
“Well, I’m not sure there’s a dry eye in the house,” the minister says. “Now if we could have the rings.”
Noah and I each take turns slipping our rings on each other’s fingers and repeat our solemn vow.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Noah, I think it’s time to kiss your wife.”
Noah doesn’t have to be told twice, and neither do I. What I’m not expecting is for my husband to pull me to him and dip me down as he kisses me. “You’re my wife,” he whispers against my lips before helping me stand on my feet.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Westbury.”
Our hands go up, much to the delight of everyone in the church. Noah kisses me again before we walk down the aisle. When we get to the end, we turn and look at our family and friends. Someone yells that we have to kiss, and that’s when I look up and find a sprig of mistletoe hanging above us.
“Can’t leave a girl hanging, Westbury.”
“Never,” he says as he pulls me into his arms.
Never can’t be quantified, and I like that because I want this moment to last forever. Being his wife, it’s a dream come true.
* * *
The End…