Page 115 of Love or Leave

Suddenly, the pianist in the corner of the room shifted the music, cuing the start of the procession and a lump rose in his throat.

This was it.

Ethan and Natalie came down the aisle first, grinning as they linked arms. Ethan gave him a wide smile and a playful shrug on the way down. He was pretty sure his best friend never thought he'd see this day.

Next were Max and Willow. She looked pretty and happy. He looked… stoic. Adam wouldn't have expected anything else.

Then came Cara and Antonio, walking in perfect sync, happy and light. He was thankful they'd worked out their problems. It was good to see them happy. Cara gave him a little thumbs-up and Antonio flashed him a grin.

Finally, Jae came down on her own. When she got to the end, he knew this was it. Chelsea was on her way.

He inhaled deeply as the music changed again, and the doors opened. And there she was.

His wife.

All he could see were her stunning aqua eyes, misty and beautiful, shining at him from down the aisle. He fought off the urge to speed things up, get this done so he could start the rest of his life.

Beside her, holding her hand with a serious expression, was Ben. He tugged her hand forward, and Adam's heart cracked open wide. He watched as his little family walked toward him.

He felt the sting of tears and forced himself to keep it together. But the lump in his throat swelled as they got closer and closer. He glanced toward the crowd for a split second, and everyone was dabbing their eyes.

When they reached him, Ben passed Chelsea's hand over to him with a nod, as they'd practiced. Adam whispered, "Thanks, buddy," before standing to face the love of his life.

The officiant began, but Adam barely heard a word until it was time for the vows.

Chelsea went first. She talked about how he was her biggest supporter, her love, her best friend, her safe place.

He had to blink back emotion as he read his vows to her and Ben, and when he told her she made life worth living, his voice choked and a tear came free.

Finally, the officiant got to the easy part—saying "I do." An overwhelming feeling came over him that his life—the life he was always meant to live—was finally beginning.

"You may now kiss your bride."

He leaned in, took Chelsea in his arms and kissed her, and the room erupted into cheers.

Adam smiled against her lips, and when he pulled back, he got her beautiful dimples.

"I'm never going to stop loving you," he said.

Chelsea smiled that smile he loved so much and kissed him again. "Same."

The snow began falling again in soft, drifting flakes, settling on the stone path behind the golf course. The photos were taking longer than expected—too many people, too many candid moments—but Cara didn't mind.

Everyone was glowing with love and the glass of champagne she'd been sipping warmed her from the inside. She stood just off to the side under a canopy the photographer had set up, her fingers intertwined with Antonio's.

Across the way, Chelsea and Adam laughed, faces lit with happiness as the photographer snapped shot after shot. Ben was up high on Adam's shoulders and covered his eyes with both hands as Chelsea leaned in to kiss Adam.

Cara smiled, her heart was warm despite the chill. She leaned into Antonio's shoulder and sighed.

"They look so happy,” she said.

"They are," he said, voice low. He bent toward her and kissed her temple.

So was she. And everyone else.

She glanced across the path at Willow, who had her hand on her stomach, and wondered if she was waiting until tomorrow to tell Max.

The thought of being an aunt had filled her heart all day, but it had also brought up many questions she had about her own future.

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