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“We’ll talk later, Rivers.” She scoffs, making everyone laugh because we know she’s not serious.
He focuses back on me. “The second I saw you, it was like something punched me in the gut. I couldn’t think straight, and everything that came out of my mouth only made it worse. I knew that the only way to get you to give me a second look was to open up and let you see another side of me – a side I’ve always kept hidden in fear of getting hurt. The thing is, you made it so easy. Falling in love with you wasn’t a conscious effort – it just happened, like gravity. We’ve been through a lot together, but no matter what, we always find a way back to each other. I feel so incredibly lucky for getting to spend the rest of my life with you by my side.”
The tears are pouring down my face like a waterfall. Holden takes the cloth from his pocket and hands it to me. I thank him quietly and use it to dry my eyes, careful not to smear my makeup.
“Beautiful, Holden. Now, Kayleigh, would you like to read your vows?”
I nod, taking a deep breath to compose myself. “Holden. I met you the beginning of freshman year, and honestly, how I felt about you then makes me laugh now. The way you came off was an obvious front and yet you had everyone fooled. It wasn’t until you found out one of my darkest secrets that I had no choice but to let you in. The thing is, you let me in, too. You dropped that façade and allowed me to get to know the real person behind the mask. From there, I had no choice but to love you. The way you looked at me, the way you still look at me – it never fails to make me feel so important. Now we’re expecting a baby together in just a few months, and I am so excited to begin this next chapter of our lives together. I love you, for everything you are and everything you stand for.”
“Very nice.” The officiant smiles. “Do we have the rings?” Holden turns around to take the rings from Brandon. When he faces me again, the man begins. “Holden, we’ll start with you. Do you, Holden Edward Rivers, take thee, Kayleigh Madison Jacobs, to be your wife? To have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”
He slips the ring onto my finger, then looks up at me. “Every step of the way.”
A broad grin stretches across my face as the officiant turns to me. “And do you, Kayleigh Madison Jacobs, take thee, Holden Edward Rivers, to be your husband? To have and to hold, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”
I slide the ring into place and giggle softly. “Not going anywhere.”
“Then by the power vested in me, by the state of Hawaii, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Holden doesn’t waste any time. As the sun dips beneath the water line, he pulls me into his arms and presses his lips to mine in a heated kiss. I can feel the blush cover my cheeks, knowing our parents are watching. He
pulls away after a moment and stares deep into my eyes.
We turn to walk back up the aisle. I stop him from going anywhere and take my bouquet from Emily. I pull three of the calla lilies from it, handing one to my mom, one to Heather, and placing one on the empty chair reserved for his mother. When I’m done, I rejoin him. He has a tear in his eye as he bends down to kiss my cheek.
“Thank you.” He whispers.
I look at him, confused. “For what?”
“Being you.”
I DIDN’T EXPECT TO have a reception, but I shouldn’t be surprised by the fact that Holden arranged one anyway. We have our first dance to Fall for You by We Three. He holds me close as we sway to the music, their voices softly flowing through the room.
“How’s your hand?” He asks, referring to me hitting Bianca earlier.
“A little sore, but I’m okay.”
A small laugh leaves his mouth. “What happened to not letting her affect you?”
I sigh. “She’s the TMZ source.”
“What?!” He growls and stops moving.
“She told me at the party last week.”
“That’s it. I’m pressing charges.”
He looks around the room for Dan but I pull his head down to face me. “Don’t. She’s not worth the second thought. You’re mine now, and that’s all that matters.”
“Baby, I’ve always been yours.”
THE TIME COMES FOR Emily and Brandon to give their speeches. Holden and I sit close together, holding hands as we listen to our two best friends. Emily is the first one to stand, tapping her spoon on her glass to get everyone’s attention.
“I’ve known Kayleigh since we were little – when boys had cooties and butterfly hair clips were all the rage. When she first told me about Holden, it was the first couple weeks of school, and she was groaning about the ‘arrogant moron’ her roommate was dating. The funny part of that is, when I asked if he was hot, she almost forgot how to speak and mumbled ‘that’s not the point’. The next time I heard about him was a couple months later when she showed up at my house and introduced him as her boyfriend. Every part of me wanted to ask questions, but when I saw how happy she was, and the look in her eyes when she smiled at him, I knew I didn’t have to. Holden, I have never seen my best friend this happy in all the time that I’ve known her. Thank you for that. I’m so excited for your future together, and I wish you all the best things in life.”
I stand up to hug her, allowing the tear to slide down my cheek as I do. Holden repeats my actions and then we sit back down to listen to Brandon. He seems nervous at first, but when he looks at H and laughs, I know this will be good.
“Just saying, this is the one part of the night Holden has no say in. I’m going to take advantage of that.” We all chuckle. “When H first told me about Kayleigh, it was a text that I still have to this day. It said…” He looks down at his phone and reads it word for word. “Bran, I think I met the girl of my dreams today.’ Now mind you, this is the guy who never believed in soulmates or anything like that, so as soon as I read it, I was intrigued. Little did I know, the next few months would consist of constant whining. She won’t even look at me. Why do I keep messing this up? Ugh, the one time I fall for someone and she’s the only girl who can’t stand me.” Brandon mocks Holden’s voice. “When he brought Kayleigh home that Thanksgiving, I saw a look on him I’ve never seen in the nineteen years I’ve known him. They really are perfect together, and I’m really glad they have each other.” Turning to look down at Holden and I, he grins. “My future niece or nephew is the luckiest kid to have the two of you.”
