The nurse beams from the corner, still recording on Tasha’s phone. “Congratulations, you two!” she says, her voice thick with genuine warmth. “This is going to be quite the story for those little ones to hear someday.”
As I look at Tasha, with the diamond ring gleaming on her finger and the light of happiness in her eyes, I feel more complete than I’ve ever been. We’re about to take on the world together—me, Tasha, and our three little miracles.
I’ve never been more ready.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Tasha
I stare at my reflection in the ornate mirror of the hotel suite, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me.
The white dress I’m wearing is simple yet elegant, hugging my curves in all the right places.
It’s nothing too fancy, but it’s perfect for today. Jasmine really outdid herself. My caramel hair falls in soft waves, and it's pinned back with delicate clips that shimmer when I turn my head. She spent nearly an hour making sure every strand was in place.
I can’t believe it’s only been two days since Brody proposed in that hospital room.
When he first suggested that we get married right away, in Vegas of all places, I almost laughed. I told him no, it sounded too rushed, too trashy.
But he looked at me with those earnest eyes and insisted it wasn’t about the glitz. It was about us, starting our life together on our terms.
“Fine,” I’d said, relenting, “but only if Elvis isn’t the one marrying us.”
Brody had laughed, kissing me on the forehead. “Deal.”
And here I am now, butterflies in my stomach, wondering if I made the right choice. But as I glance down at the diamond sparkling on my finger, I know I wouldn’t want it any other way.
The past few days have been a whirlwind. Josh and Gemma drove down from Chicago, and Jasmine, of course, agreed to be my maid of honor without a second thought. I didn’t bother inviting my own family.
Why would I? They’ve never been there for me, and I don’t need their disapproval hanging over what should be the happiest day of my life.
Jasmine is buzzing around the room now, checking my veil, fluffing out the hem of my dress, and making sure I have everything I need. She’s a ball of energy, practically glowing with excitement.
“Okay, Tash, we’ve got the bouquet, the rings, and the tissues, because you know you’re going to cry,” she teases, giving me a playful wink.
I smile at her, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. “Jaz, are you sure this isn’t crazy?” I ask, my voice soft and unsure.
Jasmine pauses, her eyes locking onto mine. “Areyousure this is what you want?” she asks seriously.
“When Brody came and saved me from that man...I knew,” I say, my voice steady with newfound confidence. “He’s the love of my life. He gives me something I’ve never had before: security and love. I hope I can give that back to him.”
Jasmine’s eyes soften, and she hugs me tightly. “You already do, Tash. More than you know.”
The drive to the chapel is surprisingly quiet, the Vegas skyline fading behind us as we head to a small church just on the outskirts of town.
I half expected one of those cheesy, neon-lit chapels with Elvis impersonators and a drive-thru window, but this... this is something entirely different.
The chapel itself looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. It’s quaint and charming, with ivy creeping up the old brick walls and delicate white roses lining the cobblestone path to the entrance.
As soon as we step out of the car, the scent of fresh flowers fills the air, heady and sweet. I breathe it in, feeling my nerves begin to settle.
Jasmine looks around in awe. “This place is gorgeous. Did you know it was going to look like this?” she asks, her eyes wide as she takes it all in.
“No, I didn’t,” I admit, a smile tugging at my lips. “But I love it.”
As we enter, Gemma rounds the corner with a beaming smile. “Come on, bride-to-be,” she says, taking my arm. “Let’s get you to the makeup room for the final touches.”
I follow her, feeling a little lighter with each step. The atmosphere here is magical, and for the first time today, I feel truly excited.