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His gaze sweeps over me, and now he’s teary, too. “Oh, baby. You look so beautiful.” He hesitates, then adds, “I don’t want to make you cry. But I have to say, your mom would be so proud of you.”
As I blink away more tears—what is it with weddings and crying—Ari flings tissues toward me. Her voice firms. “No crying! You’re not getting married with bloodshot eyes!”
My dad throws Ari an apologetic look. “Sorry!” And now he’s laughing, too.
With one last dab at my makeup, one more adjustment of my dress, Ari steps away. “Okay. I’m going to go sit down. I’ll see you in there.”
Now it’s just me and my dad. He takes my arm, and we walk down the hallway, toward the swell of music and soft murmurs. Several kaleidoscopes have taken up residence in my belly, and my legs are like jelly.
We’re walking slowly, approaching the renovated section of the library. Ben wasn’t sure when I suggested getting married here, but I assured him that nothing could make me not love it here. And it’s where I first got to know Ben and Laila, so it’s the perfect place.
As soon as we step into the main area of the library, everything inside me calms. All my nerves disappear, replaced by this steady certainty. This is the start of my life, and I couldn’t be more ready for it.
It’s beautiful in here. Sparkling lights are draped along all the bookshelves and more hang from the ceiling. Flower bouquets made from discarded book pages decorate the room—something Georgia and Laila worked on for hours. Literary quotes are written on wooden signs, all my favorite quotes about love.
Everyone I care about is here, and they all go silent as they turn to look at me.
Ari is sitting next to Cash; little Winnie looking adorable in his lap.
The men and women from the corps and Station 4 fill a large portion of the seats, with Grant, Ian, Ryan, and Willow sitting at the front.
All the Blade and Arrow people are here, too. Leo gives me a little nod, and Georgia mouths, you look beautiful.
And yes, Mrs. Plimpton is here. How could I not invite her, after everything?
Laila is sitting in the front row, Emily right next to her. When she sees me, Laila lets out an excited cheer before clapping her hand over her mouth. But above her hand, her eyes are sparkling.
I’m so grateful that everyone’s here, but my eyes are drawn to Ben.
So handsome, achingly so—his dark hair still slightly messy even though I know he tries to tame it. His suit fits him perfectly, the charcoal fabric draping over his broad shoulders, the crisp white shirt emphasizing his golden skin.
And his eyes. Deep green, filled with so much love, brimming with tears.
My dad walks me to Ben, and they give each other manly little nods. Then Ben turns to me.
“Sweetheart,” he breathes. His hands tremble as he takes mine in them. “You look so… you’re breathtaking. I can’t believe—” He swallows hard. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
The first part of the ceremony is a blur. All I can do is stare at the man I love more than anything.
“And now, the bride and groom will share the vows they wrote for each other.” Mr. Clancy, who’s a retired judge and our officiant, nods at Ben. “If you’d like to go first, young man.”
Ben gives a jerky little nod, but his gaze never moves from me. His fingers tighten around mine, and he takes a shaky breath before starting. “Thea. I don’t think I can ever express how much I love you. It’s more than words. It’s more than I ever imagined it could be.”
“Loving you is this indescribable gift. Being with you makes everything in my life better. I’m happier. Stronger. Calmer. I’m a better person because of you.” His green eyes go shiny. “You’re wonderful, sweetheart. Kind. Smart. Funny. Fantastic at trivia.”
He pauses, smiling as Ian and Ryan make little cheering noises. “And you’re loving,” Ben continues. “You never hesitated to open your heart. And you hold mine. Always. You’re my soulmate, Thea. And I will spend my life doing everything I can to protect you, to comfort you, and to make you happy. I love you.”
Oh. There’s no way I’m not crying now.
A tear starts down my cheek, but Ben catches it with his thumb.
I squeeze his hand until I trust myself to speak without bawling.
“Oh, Ben.” My voice wobbles. “I never dreamed I could be this happy. That I could love someone this much. From the first time we met, I was drawn to you. I couldn’t explain it, but now I think I know. My heart knew it was you. That you’re the one I’ve been waiting for.”
“You’ve given me so much. Your love, your support, your protection—not just keeping me safe, but you protect my heart, too. When I was hurting, or scared, or uncertain…” I pause, holding his gaze. “You were there. And when you need support, I will always be there for you.”
Glancing away from Ben, I look over at Laila. “And I’m not just marrying Ben. I’m joining this family. And I am so honored… Laila, sweetie… I will always be there for you, too.”
