Page 83 of The Risks of Reuniting

Allie joins in, telling Dani how she'd be a perfect side character with the way she likes to make sure Holt is behaving himself. Soon all of them are laughing, and I'm basking in the warmth of the afternoon together. I could not have asked for a better feeling to permeate the backyard. I'm giddy knowing it's about to get better.

I suddenly remember that I left their gifts inside. With all the rigamarole when Holt and I returned from Peru, and getting settled into our relationship, it had been two weeks before I'd remembered I had souvenirs for everyone. By that point Holt and I had decided to get married and I thought they'd make perfect wedding party gifts. Thankfully he'd also purchased things for his parents, and they're also ready to be given today.

I pop up and rush into my old bedroom to grab the brightly wrapped packages that have all been placed into a large tote. With a huge smile I pass them around, bubbling with happiness as my favorite ladies unwrap their llama earrings and compare colors while the men hold their T-shirts against their chests. I feel a little bad that I didn't know Alisha existed, or would be here today, but when I apologize she laughs and waves it off graciously.

I tell all the women to try on their earrings, and they do. Some of them have to remove earrings they were already wearing, but in the end the "wedding party"officially matches in some small way and I love that they have no idea what's coming.

When everyone is done eating, I tell them to sit tight, that I'll grab dessert. Holt offers to help, and follows me inside. We go to separate bathrooms and I change into a sleeveless, white A-line dress with a square neck, jeweled belt, and white satin sandals. I trade out my gold chains for the silver sun necklace Holt got me in Peru, and do a quick touch-up on my make-up.

Holt is waiting for me when I emerge from the bathroom, wearing a light-blue linen suit that hugs him in all the right places, and I don't even pretend to not look him over with a gleam in my eye.

"Dang, baby, I'm marrying a hottie," I say, and he laughs and pulls me in for a hug. "The best part is that he's even better looking on the inside."

He hums happily against me. "I can't believe it's finally happening," he says, pressing his lips to my forehead to keep my lipstick intact.

"Forever," I whisper.

"And ever," he agrees.

We arranged for a neighbor Holt grew up with to officiate, and a childhood friend of mine to photograph the event, and they both arrived while we were changing. They're both standing in the living room, wearing dark suits and grinning, loving being in on the surprise.

The officiant confirms that he has the license, and our photographer takes one quick shot of us together in my parents' living room, before Holt grabs the wedding cake from the basement while I gather the pretty serving utensils, and the slightly fancier plastic plates I'd purchased. With a big breath, and shared smiles, the three of us walk back out to where our unsuspecting guests await.

Mom is the first to notice us, and when our eyes catch she does a double take before squealing and jumping up, her hands pressed over her open mouth. I hear the camera click, capturing the moment and smile wide.

"No way, no way, no way," she repeats in a voice that gets higher pitched with each exclamation. Then she looks over to Grandma Sue with shining eyes. "Mom, my baby is getting married."

Holt and I start laughing as the rest of the guests realize what's going on. Sandra, Holt's mom, is on her feet, too, and then Dad and Victor are clearing dishes off the table for us to put the cake down on, whileGrandma Sue comes rushing over asking how she can help – and the whole time the camera is going click, click, click.

I wave my arms and get everyone quiet, and then Holt says, "Welcome to our wedding."

More cheers as we direct everyone to pick up the chair they were sitting on and create a semi-circle around the gazebo. It's total, happy chaos, and while I still think Gavin in a swimsuit is funny, I pull him and Alisha aside and tell them we're happy to wait if they'd like to hurry and change. Alisha thanks me sincerely and takes off jogging toward the house, but Gavin pretends to think about it for a moment.

I slap his side and he pulls me into a hug, careful not to mess me up or get me wet.

"Best surprise ever," he says before letting me go and hustling back inside too.

It takes a few minutes to get everyone settled. Holt asks our dads to be witnesses, and my dad finally realizes he's still wearing his chef's apron and hurries to tug it off. That seems to make everyone realize that they're chilling here in T-shirts and shorts, with flip-flops and baseball caps, and there's a mad moment of doing their best to clean up, but I don't care one bit. This is perfect. It's been easy, and they're all here, and the pictures will tell the story forever.

When Gavin and Alisha reappear, everyone takes their seats.

Mr. Snow – our officiant – stands in the gazebo and Holt and I join him, with Victor and Dad standing up with us. Our moms are crying, Grandma Sue is beaming with her arm through Grandpa Tim's. My aunts and uncles, my cousins and Allie, are all sitting on the edges of their seats with broad smiles and bright eyes. I even manage a smile for cousin Kaden, who looks a little unsure about his seat on the back row. He's such a front row boy.

I feel a little bummed that Holt only has his parents here today, but he was very pragmatic about it when I expressed concern, telling me that's how life is when your dad's family is in Peru and your mom is an only child of deceased parents. Now, though, he'll have more family than he may have wanted.

“Hello and welcome!" Mr. Snow calls out, and all falls silent. "Chloe and Holt, welcome to your wedding! I am thrilled to be here today. We are all excited for the life that you are creating together and for your marriage – which begins right now. You have rediscovered each other, made the conscious decision of commitment, and today you step into the first day of the rest of your shared life."

Tears spring to my eyes as Holt takes both of my hands and stares back at me. We did it. We took the worst detour ever, overcame so much, and we're finally here.

Mr. Snow continues, "To the guests – you are the most important people in Holt and Chloe's lives. You are the ones who know them well, and you are an integral part of this ceremony, for the witnesses of a ceremony are just as important to the ceremony as the participants themselves. Holt and Chloe love you and want to thank you for the support you've given over their . . ." he clears his throat and chuckles, ". . . somewhat rocky road to this day."

The group chuckles and I feel a tear drop. Holt pulls a handkerchief from his pocket and I dab at the tears. He mouthsI love youand I do the same.

"Chloe and Holt asked me to keep this simple and brief, and so I'll do that," Mr. Snow says. "From this day forward,do the two of you promise to share your life, to love each other,to laugh, to build your dreams together while allowing each of you to grow your own dreams? Will youpromise to support each other in times of trouble, rejoice in times of happinessand to have faith in your journey? Chloe?"

Mr. Snow turns to me and I grin. "Yes, I do."

Mr. Snow looks to Holt. "And Holt?"

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