Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 81113 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81113 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
I took a deep breath. I was so excited, my stomach felt like it was erupting with butterflies. “Okay. Hey, c’mere.”
She walked in and I pulled her into a hug. “Thank you,” I whispered. “For agreeing to be maid of honor, for helping us plan all this last minute, for supporting us, just… for everything.”
Brooke hugged me back tightly and I heard her sniffle. “You guys really love each other and make each other happy. I couldn’t ever stand in the way of that. And I couldn’t picture a better man for you, or a better woman for my father.”
I found myself sniffling a little too. It meant so much to me to hear her say that.
“Oh my God, really? You guys are supposed to cry at the reception, not before the wedding!” Andy said, sticking his head in.
Brooke and I both stuck our tongues out at him. Andy was the best man, so he got to escort Brooke down the aisle. His face when we’d told him that had been hilarious. And he’d gotten more serious and focused in the last couple of months so… maybe he would have a shot with Brooke after all. Who knew? I certainly couldn’t have predicted where my life went.
Anything was possible.
Andy offered his arm to Brooke, and they went to walk down the aisle. My father appeared and I took his arm, and then it was my turn.
The music started up, and I think my heart soared right out of my chest. I felt lighter than air, like I was walking on clouds, and when my eyes caught Michael’s at the end of the aisle, I started grinning so hard my face ached with it.
We got up to the altar, and listened to the usual speech. Dearly beloved…
It was really happening. We were finally going to be together. This was the first day of the rest of our lives, a new beginning.
We had, of course, written our own vows. Michael went first.
“Stevie.” He made a face. “I’m sorry but the pastor here calling you Stephanie cracks me up. I’ve never known you by any name other than Stevie. It’s sassy and unconventional, just like you are.”
I grinned, winking at him.
“I’ve known you for a lot of your life, but I didn’t really know you until you walked into my office what feels like ages ago. You blew me away, and you’ve been blowing me away ever since. You’re the most determined person I know. You’re a woman who knows what she wants in life, and you go after it. You’re smart, you call me out on my bullshit, but you also remind me of all the wonderful things in life. The love and the joy in the little things. You opened my eyes to wonder and happiness all over again, and if I can make you even half as happy as you make me every day… then I’ve succeeded.” Michael squeezed my hands. “I love you, and I can’t wait for the rest of our life together to unfold.”
Michael was so composed during his speech, the only sign that he was feeling a strong emotion the gruff tone to his voice. I almost burst into tears when it was time to say my vows, though. I was so overcome with so many emotions. How was it possible for someone to be this happy? It felt unreal, and yet… it was.
“I’ve loved you for so long it feels like it’s always been a part of me,” I confessed. “I feel like I was born to love you, to be your partner, and to have you be mine. You challenge me, you inspire me, you guide me. You make me feel safe, and like I could conquer the world. You’ve never been anything but a gentleman, and frankly you ruined me for other men before I even gave other men a shot. You are a pillar of strength, and you are my comfort and my joy. I couldn’t think of a better father for my child, and I love you, I love you so much, and I can’t wait to find more reasons to love you as we embark on this journey together.”
There was applause as we kissed, but I couldn’t hear it. The world was a roar in my ears. All that mattered, all that had ever mattered, was Michael.
We danced at the reception, although not for long since my feet hurt. I loved my child but boy oh boy was I ready for this pregnancy to be over.
I mentioned that, actually, as we twirled on the dance floor.
“I can’t wait to get you home,” Michael whispered. “So I can peel that dress off you.”
“Michael,” I said, laughing self-deprecatingly, “you can’t possibly mean that. I mean, look at me.”
Perhaps some of my actual dissatisfaction with my body right now showed on my face, in my voice, because Michael turned me around and held me close. “I want you no matter what state you’re in. You get more beautiful to me every day. I’m always going to want you.”