Page 185 of Forever

“We’re married!” I yelled and lifted my hands in the air.

“You’re supposed to start walking,” Mason said. “Everyone’s freezing their asses off.”

I laughed and Matt lowered me to my feet.

“We’re married,” he said again, this time like he couldn’t believe it. Like he really did think he was dreaming.

“You’re my husband.”

“You’re my wife.”

Hearing him say that made tears pool in the corners of my eyes.

Sixteen years ago we’d dreamed of a future where we’d be married. Our future was finally here. Our happily ever after.

I grabbed his hand and lifted it in the air.

Everyone cheered again.

And then we ran through the falling snow toward the restaurant.

For some reason I kept laughing. Like I’d been holding on to all this joy in my chest and it finally wanted out.

From this day on I was choosing to be happy.

From this day on I was Brooklyn freaking Caldwell.

It was a blur of pictures and congratulations. We took a lot of pictures inside but ventured outside in the falling snow for a few in front of our bridge.

Rob almost pushed Tanner into the freezing cold water, but luckily Tanner had excellent balance.

But I was barely paying attention.

I kept waiting for someone to pinch me.

Because for a while there, I was so scared I’d never smile again. And now I couldn’t seem to stop.

“So this was the dress you picked out in high school?” Matt whispered when we were supposed to be posing.

“With a few alterations.” I put my fingers on the tulle between my breasts.

Matt groaned. “Who knew that 16 years would make you such a tease.”

I laughed and pushed on his arm.

“But seriously, baby. You are the most beautiful bride.” He intertwined his fingers with mine. “And I am the luckiest man alive.”

For so long I’d felt like bad luck. But it was easy to believe my luck had changed when I was standing here in my wedding dress. “I feel pretty lucky myself.” I squeezed his hand.

“This is the best day of my life.”

“You might feel differently in several months.” I put my free hand on my stomach. He didn’t know the joy of holding his child for the first time.

He dropped his forehead to mine. “I’m scared for someone to pinch me.”

I smiled. I’d just been thinking the same thing. “Oh, this is very much real.” I reached out and pinched him.

He laughed.

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