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The crowd cheered, their applause spilling over us loud enough to reach the civilians below.
“You’re finally mine, Mrs. Davenport.”
“Silly man, I’ve been yours since the first moment you looked at me.” I glanced at the diamond band circling my finger. “But this was definitely worth the ring.”
Entwining his fingers in mine, Hale lifted our hands overhead and the guests went wild. Elara filled my arms, and the photographer snapped pictures as we each kissed her pudgy cheeks.
Together, as a family, we took our first steps toward the rest of our lives.
The End?—
Just kidding! It would be terrible if I ended the story there! Come on, now. How much of a letdown would that be if you came all this way and missed the actual circus? I mean wedding!
No one heard that.
Champagne erupted the moment we said our I dos. And then it was off to the reception in a horse-drawn carriage where more guests waited while white-gloved servers saw to their every wish.
My jaw hit the floor the moment we were announced. It was so much more than an inspirational pillow. The space looked nothing like it once had. Every detail from the vision boards had come to life. Ceilings were draped in lace and candles cast every ivory inch of silk in amber and gold.
The centerpieces were the size of yoga balls. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the rafters. While trees—real trees—bloomed overhead. It was an absolute fairytale come to life, and I was the princess.
Hale made a toast about his dreams coming true. My mom blubbered into Tyler’s shoulder, leaving smears of makeup in her wake.
Barrett’s best man toast was full of old stories that had everyone laughing and cheering for the amazing groom. Elle didn’t make a speech, but I didn’t need her to. My needs were met.
Music played and we danced right out of our shoes, which was fine because I had pre-arranged with Quinn to have flip-flops handed out as soon as the final dinner courses were cleared. No one cared about my shoes anymore, because everyone’s feet now looked the same.
And the cakes! Oh, the cakes! We had five different styles since I never made up my mind which one was best. And then there was one massive five tiered cake to cut when it came time to do the whole first slice ritual thing. I got to shove frosting all over Hale’s face, and he got back at me by giving me one of the sloppiest kisses of my life, but it tasted delicious.
“Will Remington Davenport please report to the dance floor?” the DJ announced as we cleaned up from the cake.
I looked over at Seraphina, who smiled and nodded her approval. I didn’t want to do anything that might take away from her, but I also wanted to do something that acknowledged how much I loved and appreciated this other man in my life.
Hale smiled and released my hand as I turned to his scowling father.
“What is this, Meyers? I was just about to have my dessert.”
“Dessert can wait.” I slipped my manicured hand into his cool, wrinkled one just as the first notes of Van Morrison’s Someone Like You started to play. “I need five minutes.”
The lights dimmed and the guests cleared the floor as we took the spotlight. Remington, always a class act under all the gruff intolerance and grouchy grumbles, fell into formation and started to lead. I smiled and rested my cheek on his sturdy shoulder.
“What you said to me the other day…” I thought long and hard about what I needed to say, but it took work to get the words out. “It was more than I ever imagined hearing from a father figure, Remington, because it was genuine.”
His hand pressed at the center of my back in a sort of hug as we turned. “Well, I meant it.”
“I know. And, Remington…” My throat tightened. “I look at you like a father. And I know you’ll always watch out for me and love me, even on my worse days.”
A gruff chuckle left his throat. “Have I been around for one of your good days?”
“Shut up.” I laughed. “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Meyers.”
“I know I don’t. But I want to. Without you, I wouldn’t be standing here. You changed my entire world. In a way, I think you saved me. But more than that, I think you saved Hale.”
He cleared his throat. “I don’t know about that.”
“I do.” I sniffled. “Healing takes time. It’s a process. You two will get there. Just give him time.”
