Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 151044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151044 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
“Not at all,” I told her honestly. “This is exactly where I was always meant to be.”
“Elle, you’re up,” Quinn called, and then I was on my own.
I stepped forward and the wedding planner smiled as Josette fluffed my hair. “Ready to become Mrs. Hale Davenport?”
I nodded and a rush of butterflies took flight in my stomach.
Quinn reached for the door as the first piano note played in the tune of Florence + the Machine’s Never Let Me Go. My spine tingled as the cymbals punched through the air, carrying over the New York skyline, and the choir hummed.
Just as the female vocalist belted out the chorus about being carried away in the arms of the ocean, the doors opened, bathing us in sunlight, and my breath hitched. The moment I crossed the threshold he was there, waiting at the altar.
And so our journey began.
When I stepped, he stepped.
It was perfect.
It was Hale and me.
I didn’t tremble or hesitate. As long as I kept my eyes on him my balance didn’t falter. Steady and sure, he remained my anchor through any storm.
When we met in the middle, he smiled into my eyes. “You made it.”
“We made it,” I corrected.
His gaze dropped to my dress. “You’re stunning.”
I blushed and touched his lapel. “Garage sale?”
“You know it.” He pressed his forehead to mine and grinned. “Ready, gorgeous?”
I slipped my arm into his. “Don’t let go.”
“Never.”
The angelic voices of the choir echoed his promise to never let me go as we stepped closer toward our future. Sunlight spilled over the guests and greenery, casting the world in pinks and gold. It was, indeed, the most surreal moment of my life.
I’d never forget how my mother looked when she smiled at me. Or how Remington nodded his consent and blinked back the tears clouding his sharp silver eyes. Or how Phina clutched her hands to her heart or how Barrett lovingly gripped his brother’s shoulder and winked at me when we reached the altar. Tyler bounced Elara on his hip and whispered in her ear, pointing and drawing her attention to us. She squealed happily and chattered our names.
Everyone I needed to be there was there.
As the minister stepped forward, chills danced over my arms. I wish I could recall what he said, but I couldn’t hear anything over the rapid beating of my heart in my ears.
When he told me to repeat something I did. And when he asked for the rings they magically appeared. Everything was so flawlessly orchestrated.
All I needed to do was hold onto Hale and say I do.
And boy, did I.
When the minister proclaimed, “By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife!” I threw my arms around my husband and kissed him like there was no tomorrow.
The crowd cheered, their applause spilling over us loud enough to reach the civilians below.
“You’re finally mine, Mrs. Davenport.”
“Silly man, I’ve been yours since the first moment you looked at me.” I glanced at the diamond band circling my finger. “But this was definitely worth the ring.”
Entwining his fingers in mine, Hale lifted our hands overhead and the guests went wild. Elara filled my arms, and the photographer snapped pictures as we each kissed her pudgy cheeks.
Together, as a family, we took our first steps toward the rest of our lives.
The End—
Just kidding! It would be terrible if I ended the story there! Come on, now. How much of a letdown would that be if you came all this way and missed the actual circus? I mean wedding!
No one heard that.
Champagne erupted the moment we said our I dos. And then it was off to the reception in a horse-drawn carriage where more guests waited while white-gloved servers saw to their every wish.
My jaw hit the floor the moment we were announced. It was so much more than an inspirational pillow. The space looked nothing like it once had. Every detail from the vision boards had come to life. Ceilings were draped in lace and candles cast every ivory inch of silk in amber and gold.
The centerpieces were the size of yoga balls. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the rafters. While trees—real trees—bloomed overhead. It was an absolute fairytale come to life, and I was the princess.
Hale made a toast about his dreams coming true. My mom blubbered into Tyler’s shoulder, leaving smears of makeup in her wake.
Barrett’s best man toast was full of old stories that had everyone laughing and cheering for the amazing groom. Elle didn’t make a speech, but I didn’t need her to. My needs were met.
Music played and we danced right out of our shoes, which was fine because I had pre-arranged with Quinn to have flip-flops handed out as soon as the final dinner courses were cleared. No one cared about my shoes anymore, because everyone’s feet now looked the same.