Page 120 of All Your Firsts

“Okay, back to the bride. Did your brother tell you anything else?” Jess asks.

“Just not to run. As if I would.” I roll my eyes. “And he said to pack warm.”

“Bora Bora,” Jenna exclaims. “It has to be. I wish I could get fake married just for the honeymoon.”

“I bet we can find you someone to get real married to,” Jess offers.

“Ugh, pass. I enjoy being a lone wolf, and let’s be honest, no one can handle my level of awesomeness.”

“Your delusions are getting worse,” Alexa tells Jenna.

“Not any worse than yours. Mrs. Gage Gallo Moretti.”

“I’m going to kill you!” She looks at Jenna.

I love this. The friendships, the sisterhood. And now I’m marrying my best friend.

“Wait, I thought we were toasting me.”

“Right.” Alexa grabs my shoulder and looks at the girls as we get into a big huddle. “Here’s to Rosie, who defied the odds of the families and got the ending she fought for. I’ve seen you in many seasons, and this one is by far my favorite. You are strong and so damn beautiful. I know many more seasons are coming, and I can’t wait to see how you navigate with the grace and compassion you’ve always had. I love you.”

I look out the window as the car stops at a gate. Towering trees create a majestic frame on both sides. Two stone columns support the big wrought-iron gate with intricate detail on the front. With an audible creak, the giant gate swings open, allowing us to pass through. Pillars adorned with lights illuminate the newly concreted pathway.

We make our way further into the forest before the car parks in front of a stone home that looks newly built as well.

A giant sign hangs across the home’s double doors under the wood arch of the entry. “For my beautiful wife, who wanted a house by the lake.”

“He built me a house?”

“How romantic,” Alexa whispers next to me.

“Is this all I have to do for you to forgive me?” Gage asks Alexa in a hopeful voice.

“You can build me a thousand homes, and it still wouldn’t be enough.”

“Sounds like a challenge.”

My mother rounds the corner of the house. A joyful squeal escapes my lips. As soon as I step out of the car, I wrap my arms around her neck. I haven’t seen her since the fateful night I ran. Gage thought it would be for the best, and my mother agreed.

“You look beautiful, my darling baby girl.”

“Thank you, Mama,” I say, tearing up.

She rubs my back and murmurs, “Don’t cry. It’s okay.”

“I’m sorry I left. You must have been so worried.”

“I was, but I don’t blame you.”

“You don’t?”

“No. I’m glad you did.”

“Me too,” I say honestly.

“Papa?” I ask, needing to know.

“He doesn’t know I’m here.”

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