Gemma and I step into the cozy dressing room filled with soft lighting and bouquets of flowers. She turns to me, her eyes sparkling. “I heard the news: triplets! I’m so excited for you,” she says, rubbing her own small baby bump.
I place my hand over my belly, feeling a surge of warmth and happiness. “Yeah, it’s still sinking in,” I admit with a laugh. “But it’s kind of amazing, isn’t it?”
Gemma nods, her eyes shining with joy. “We’re going to be pregnant together! Our kids will grow up so close. I can’t wait.”
I can’t help but smile at the thought. For so long, I’d felt alone in the world, like I didn’t belong anywhere. But here I am, surrounded by people who care about me, people who are about to become my family.
Gemma places her hand on my shoulder, looking at me with genuine affection. “You make Brody a better man, you know that? I’ve never seen him so happy, so at peace. You’re exactly what he needed, and I’m so happy to call you family.”
Jasmine, who’s been watching from the side, sniffles and dabs at her eyes with a tissue. “Oh my God, you’re going to make me cry before we even get to the ceremony!” she laughs.
I reach out and squeeze both of their hands. “You guys have no idea how much this means to me. Brody’s family...it’s everything I never had. And now, it’s mine too.”
Tears well up in my eyes, but they’re tears of joy. For once in my life, I finally feel like I’ve found my place.
The door opens, and a tall, distinguished man with a kind smile steps inside. “Hello, ladies,” the officiant says, his voice warm and welcoming. “I just wanted to let you know that the last of the floral arrangements and crystal glasses are being set up as we speak. Everything will be ready in about ten minutes.”
I blink, taken aback. “Wait... floral arrangements? Crystal glasses?” I had expected something simple, maybe just a few chairs and an arch, but this sounds like an actual dream wedding.
The officiant nods with a smile. “Yes, Brody wanted to make sure everything was perfect. He’s quite the romantic, isn’t he?”
Jasmine nudges me with her elbow, grinning. “See? I told you he’s a keeper.”
Gemma laughs softly, leaning in. “He hired a whole team to make it happen. I helped him with some of the calls, but all the ideas were his. He wanted this to be completely stress-free for you.”
My heart swells. I had no idea Brody could be this thoughtful. I can hardly believe he pulled all of this together on such short notice. I feel a lump in my throat as I realize just how much effort he’s put into making today perfect.
“Let’s get you married, Tasha,” Jasmine says, her voice full of excitement as she hugs me. The butterflies in my stomach turn to joy.
The music starts out as a soft, lilting tune from a violin that fills the air with elegance. Jasmine and Gemma walk down the aisle ahead of me, their dresses fluttering as they move gracefully away from me.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself before I step out.
The scene before me takes my breath away. A magnificent crystal chandelier adorned with cascading white wisteria and ivy hangs above the center of the room, sparkling as it catches the last rays of the setting sun.
The aisle is draped in a champagne-colored runner, sprinkled with white rose petals that seem to glow in the soft candlelight. Gorgeous floral arrangements burst from every corner, and candle sconces of varying heights line the empty pews, casting a warm, intimate glow.
I swallow hard, my eyes stinging with tears. This is more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. And there, at the end of the aisle, stands Brody. He’s waiting for me, looking impossibly handsome in a black tuxedo.
His smile is bright, his eyes soft as they meet mine. The look on his face tells me everything I need to know: I’ve made the right decision.
With each step I take, I feel like I’m walking into a dream, a future I never thought I could have.
The officiant welcomes everyone and begins the ceremony, his voice strong yet soothing. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Brody and Tasha,” he says, smilingwarmly at us. “Today, we celebrate love, commitment, and the beginning of a beautiful journey together.”
When it’s time for our vows, Brody takes my hands in his, his thumbs gently brushing over my knuckles.
“Tasha, from the moment I met you, my life changed. You brought light and laughter where there was only darkness. You’ve taught me that love doesn’t have to be perfect to be real. I promise to be by your side, to support you, and to love you, no matter what life throws our way.”
My tears spill over as I begin my own vows, my voice shaky but full of emotion. “Brody, you’ve given me things I never thought I would find: safety, security, and unconditional love. You believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. I promise to cherish you, to be your partner, and to love you through every joy and challenge we face.”
The officiant smiles. “With these vows and by the exchange of these rings, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Brody, you may kiss your bride.”
Brody leans in, his hands cupping my face, and when our lips meet, it feels like everything in the world has finally fallen into place.
I’ve never been happier in my entire life.
As we drive away in Brody’s rental Corvette, the wind whipping through my hair, I can’t stop grinning. The bouquet of white roses is still clutched in my lap, and I can’t stop staring at the sparkling ring on my finger.