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THIRTEEN
~ Aria ~
I looked at myself in the mirror and could hardly recognize the woman looking back at me. I’d never seen myself with such a big smile plastered on my face. I was clearly a woman in love.
“Are you ready?” Kelly asked, walking into the room.
I turned to face her, and I could hear her gasp in joy, “You look so beautiful.”
“Do you really think so?”
“I wouldn’t say it otherwise. You’re practically glowing.”
I grinned, “You look gorgeous too. I knew that color would suit me.”
“You did well. At least you didn’t force me into one of those horrendous poofy dresses.”
I laughed as she came over and adjusted my hair. After finishing, she took a step back and let out a long breath.
“I can’t believe the day has finally come. My little sister is officially a grown woman.”
“And what have I been for all these thirty-seven years?”
“You’ll always be the baby of the family, you know?”
She offered her arm, and I latched onto it. Taking a steadying breath, we left the confines of the room and made our way down the corridor. The windows were flooded with light from the Summer sun, and I could feel it warm my face. By the time we reached the main door, my nerves were on edge.
“You look amazing, honey.”
Grinning, I looked up at my dad. Despite his illness, he had refused to listen to the nurses and had flown all the way back to Cherrywood Falls for the day. Mom was anxious, but I knew she was happy to be back in her hometown and attending the event. I could imagine her sitting next to Maya and catching up on all the gossip while they waited.
“You ready?” he asked.
I smiled, “More than ever.”
As the doors opened, a hushed silence fell upon the crowd. The music started, and Kelly first made her way down the aisle, followed by dad and me. Everyone’s eyes were on me as I entered, but the only eyes I cared about were those of my groom. When dad handed me off to him, I could see tears glistening in Sam’s eyes.
“You look stunning,” he whispered before the ceremony started.
It went quicker than I had ever imagined, and before long, we were told to kiss to seal the deal. We were officially husband and wife, and I couldn’t be happier. As he dipped me low, a cheer went up from the crowd. Our lips met, and it all faded away. It always did when I was with him. It was him and me against the world. Afterward, we made our way outside, where everyone showered us with confetti. As we waited for the car to arrive, Maya pulled us to the side.
“I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride,” she smiled.
“Thank you.”
She looked at Sam and me, “James would have been so proud of you both. I feel like he’s here now, looking down on us with all his blessings.”
I felt a lump in my throat, and Sam looked choked. It meant the world to us to be surrounded by family on our happiest day, but there was a void where Sam’s dad should have been. Hearing those words from Maya just made us appreciate it even more.
“Thanks, Maya.”
“No more of that. You can call me mom.”
I grinned, “I’d be honored.”
The reception went by in a blur after that. All I knew is that I smiled so much my cheeks hurt afterward and I felt connected to Sam in a way I had never felt before. After we came back from our honeymoon, I moved my things into the Banks house. I no longer travel the world for work. I opened my own events agency in Cherrywood Falls and have the time of my life running it. Having Kelly and the boys next door means I’m always close to family, and Maya has treated me like a daughter anyway. Above all, Sam and I are stronger than ever. The love we feel for one another increases by the day, making us realize just how potent it had become since our childhood.
After all, who knew a little perseverance would lead to rediscovering your soulmate?
~Aria Taylor & Samuel Banks
