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"Unconventional is my middle name," I quip, feeling a lightness return to my spirit.
"Actually, it's Marie. I just learned that," Wilder corrects with a proud chuckle, and we all burst into laughter, the sound echoing off the walls, filling the room with life.
The night stretches on, each moment weaving us tighter together. The conversation flows easily, mixed with moments of comfortable silence. We talk about everything and nothing–our dreams, our fears, the silly little details of our lives.
Wilder shares his latest adventure plans, his eyes alive with excitement. Wyatt discusses a book he's been reading, his passion for justice and truth as evident as ever. Emrys contemplates the constellations visible from the window, musing on the vastness of the universe.
And me? I'm right where I belong, amidst their love and laughter, feeling more myself than I have in years.
As dawn creeps up on us, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we're still entwined on the couch, a tangled mess of limbs and contented sighs. Their commitment to me, to us, is palpable, a tangible force that strengthens my resolve.
"Thank you," I murmur into the quietness. "For everything."
"Always," they say, almost in unison, and we fall into a peaceful slumber, our hearts beating as one in the soft embrace of the morning light.
Chapter 43
The zipper of the bridesmaid dress hisses shut, a snug cocoon of soft blush pink satin encasing me. I glance in the mirror, heart doing a tap dance in my chest. Excitement bubbles through my veins like champagne, but there's a twist of nerves too. It's not every day your sister marries the love of her life.
"Kat, you look stunning," Annabelle gushes from behind me, her hands delicately resting on my shoulders.
I meet her gaze in the reflection, a soft smile curving my lips. "This is nothing compared to you. Ethan's going to lose his mind when he sees you."
She giggles, a sound as effervescent as the mimosas we sipped on this morning. Her wedding dress, a masterpiece of lace and dreams, makes her glow like she's been dipped in moonlight. "I'm so glad you're here with me," she says, sincerity painting her words like the finest brush strokes.
"Where else would I be?" I squeeze her hands, sharing a moment that’s more than just sisterly love–it’s a bond, unbreakable and fierce.
A knock at the door pulls us from our bubble. "Just a sec!"
I turn to smile brightly at Annabelle. “I’d wish you luck, but I know you don’t need it. You and Ethan are just meant to be. Focus on him and the rest will fall into place. I love you, Demon-Doll!”
She beams at me, murmuring shakily, “I love you too, Kit-Kat.” I pull her into a tight hug, being careful not to ruffle her hair or smear her make-up, and then I spin to answer the door. My footsteps are light, almost prancing–with each step, as the anticipation of the day builds.
Swinging the door open, I greet the wedding coordinator, who informs me that it’s time to line up and start the ceremony. With one last look in the mirror, I take a deep breath, gather the courage that comes from knowing I have the best backup anyone could ask for, and step into the day that will change everything–not just for Annabelle, but for me too.
We stop in the hallway outside of where the ceremony is taking place and, after the coordinator enters the room, the door closes behind her. With whatever unseen cue she gives, all conversation halts and the music cue starts playing. After a few more moments, the doors slide open to where everyone is gathered.
With one last squeeze to Annebelle’s hand, I glide into the sunlit atrium, my heels clicking softly against the marble floor, and the buzz of conversation fades as eyes turn to me. The wedding venue is a brilliant display of Annabelles rose gold color theme, a masterpiece painted with lush florals and ribbons of silk that dance in the gentle breeze. Sunbeams filter through the glass ceiling, casting a heavenly glow over the guests who are gathered in their finery, their faces alight with joy and anticipation.
The air is heavy with the scent of the salty air and blooming florals, which are woven into garlands that drape elegantly along the aisle. I can’t help but marvel at the transformation of this space; it’s like stepping into a secret garden, one where every leaf and petal has been placed with the utmost care to create an oasis of celebration.
My heart thrums a nervous beat, but as I continue to walk, something incredible happens. My nerves melt away, replaced by an unshakable confidence that surges through me like liquid courage. Each step is more assured than the last, my gown whispering around my legs as I make my way down the aisle, flanked by Ethan's best man. He offers a supportive smile, but my focus is elsewhere.
There, standing like proud sentinels among the sea of guests, are Emrys, Wyatt, and Wilder. Their eyes lock onto mine, each pair telling its own story.
Wilder’s gaze holds a spark of adventure, a mischievous glint that says he's ready for whatever comes next. His tailored suit hugs his frame, hinting at the strength beneath, and his presence alone steadies my pulse.
Wyatt's eyes, warm and inviting, reflect a tenderness that wraps around me like a comforting embrace. He stands tall and elegant, the epitome of charm in his crisp attire, and there's no mistaking the pride shining in his gaze, as if to say, That's our girl.
And then there's Emrys, his intense stare cutting through the distance between us. There's a raw edge to him, like a storm on the horizon, but today it's tempered with a softness reserved only for moments like this. His half-smirk is a silent promise of the passion and protection he brings to our tangled quartet.
I draw in a breath, soaking up their silent affirmations. They're here for me, for us, and knowing that emboldens me further. As I pass them, I allow myself a small, conspiratorial smile, acknowledging the private world we've built together amidst this public display of affection and ceremony.
With each step, the whispers of lace and chiffon from my dress join the symphony of sights and sounds that make up Annabelle's big day. But in my heart, it's not just her fairytale unfolding–it's the beginning of my own unconventional happily ever after.
As I take my place at the beautiful wedding arch, I smile softly at Ethan, who looks like he’s going to puke out his guts any second. He tries to smile back, but he fails miserably, swallowing thickly the entire time the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen take their own walks down the aisle.
When the last person is in place, the music switches and his eyes widen as he turns to look at the now closed doors where we all came from. I chuckle under my breath as he turns a weird shade of green when they fly open and reveal my sister in all her bridal beauty.
