AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Matthew’s dressed in a three-piece tuxedo. The crisp black suit jacket hugs his muscular arms. I swallow a steadying inhale. His eyes find me, and the effort to remain calm shatters.
His hand shoots over his mouth when he sees me. He tosses his head back. The whites of his eyes quickly turn red.
Tears sting my eyes. Thank goodness I wore waterproof mascara.
A boutonniere of winterberries is notched into his satin lapel, matching my red dress.
“Molly.” Matthew steps toward me, outstretching his hand. Tears stream freely down his face, and mine start gliding over my cheeks. This is the happiest I’ve ever felt in my life. “You are—” His words get caught in his throat.
My knees shake as I approach his spot under the arch made of winter wildflowers.
Lolita stands beside him. The relationship expert not only agreed to marry us, but she became the second investor in The Griffin and will be leading classes here once we open.
She was eager to get out of the Arizona heat, and her excitement about officiating our wedding makes me think that she missed having us around.
“Hey, you can’t cry, or else I’ll keep crying,” I laugh through my sobs.
Matthew pulls my fingers into his hand, holding me with a firm grip, as though I might float away. But I’m not going anywhere.
The air feels thick as I make one final step up to our altar. Bear and Brave—an orange barn cat we adopted five days ago—are snuggled up on a large blanket next to the fire.
He reaches for my cheek, gliding his warm hand against the damp skin. “My darling girl, you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid my eyes on.” My heart glows, surely visible through the tight lace of my corset. “I—god,” he chokes out. “I can’t believe I get to spend my whole life with you.”
“You better believe it, Hudson.” I pull his fingers to my lips, staining his knuckles red.
“My favorite lovebirds,” Lolita fawns. “Should we begin?”
Taylor Swift’s voice sings in the background.
Today was a fairytale
I’m getting my happy ending. Though I suppose it’s more like a happy start.
* * *
The snowoutside is draped with shadows of blue and gray. Our upstairs bedroom in The Griffin is warm.
I barely remember Matthew lighting the fire last night. The moment I reached our bed, I was asleep.
Who could possibly have the energy to make love after a full day of wedding activities?
Our wedding was small, but we danced for hours. Matthew’s family, the kids, and our closest friends. Our bellies were stuffed with Analise’s amazing dinner and loads of bubbly. I even broke out some old salsa moves I hadn’t done in years.
At about four in the morning, my husband carried me up the stairs. I’m giddy as the word glides through my thoughts.
Husband.
Today is my first official day as Mrs. Hudson-Greene.
I feel so freaking complete.
I’m turning twenty-seven in only a few weeks, and my birthday always felt like a dreary day. Specifically when it was tied to my trust.
Now it feels like my life is just beginning. I wish I’d known that while I was growing up, that it can start whenever.
“Good morning,” Matthew says in a sleepy voice.
From my place by the window, I glance over my shoulder, admiring the rugged look ofmy husbandin bed.
