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“I’m sorry it took me longer to find you,” I say.
“I didn’t mind waiting,” she says, pulling her arms up around my neck. Her fingers tangle into the hair at the nape of my neck, sending tingles down my spine. I love it when she does that.
And though I don’t want to call her a mom, I think she will make an amazing role model of any kind to Connor. These are the types of thoughts I have now, late at night with myself. It feels so domesticated. It feels so amazing.
“Let’s go to bed,” she says. “We can eat after.”
Oh, I know what that means. My hunger for her has not wavered. I want her all the time. Now and forever.
Epilogue
WILL
Have you ever had your wildest dreams come true? What do you think the ratio is between people who have a wild dream and people who actually get to live out their wildest dream?
This morning I woke up at Hawk’s place and stared at the white dress hanging from the closet door. I had breakfast with Ava and Drew, eyes foggy. I could barely focus on what was happening.
This afternoon, we all went to get massages, manicures, pedicures—the works. The man who did my makeup was gay and beautiful. I’ve never looked this pretty in my life.
Six minutes ago, Drew helped me slip into this silk wedding gown, white and pure. The back is almost completely out, lace around the edges. It’s the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen. I drape pearls across my neck, checking my hair one more time.
In just a few minutes, I’ll leave this little room, trailing behind my flower girl, Ava, and my maid of honor, Drew.
I thumb the petal of one of the white roses in my bouquet. Despite myself, I feel surprisingly calm. I’m definitely not the ball of nerves I thought I’d be.
I barely register whether the door has opened or that the woman in charge seems to be telling us it’s time. My vision blurs for a moment as we exit, the faint sound of music somewhere ahead of us.
My vision only clears when I see him: Doctor Derek Tanner, boy in my heart, man of my dreams. His black tuxedo looks perfect. Not a single wrinkle.God, I’ve missed him.Three days away and I’m going crazy.
His crystal eyes look glossy and pink.Me. I did that.I brought Derek Tanner to tears.
My bottom lip trembles as I stop in front of him, turning to face him.Derek. The word, his name, is like a secret on my lips.
He mouths “hi” and I return a smile. The man performing the ceremony is busy welcoming everyone, going through all the introductions, but all I can feel is Derek’s hands wrapped around mine. The smell of his cologne in the air between us. All I can hear is the memory of the night he proposed playing in my mind.
I steal a glance at Connor, who’s at Derek’s side along with Hawk. He gives me a little wave and smile and I return the smile.
“I believe the two of you have written your own vows?” the man asks.
My hand trembles as we break contact to be handed slips of paper. Hawk clasps Derek on the shoulder as he hands his over. Drew hands mine to me with a small smile.
I go first, inhaling deeply before I start. “Derek,” I begin, “for the longest time, I didn’t believe in fairytales. I didn’t believe in the traditional forever-and-always stories I read about in novels. But then, mine came true. You’re the person I’ve always wanted, and I promise to spend our life together loving you with the same intensity as the first day I realized it.”
Derek smiles, unfolding his slip. “Willette,” he says, “I’ve played our events over and over again, about how we found ourselves together. I’ve tried to think about what it’d be like had I known all those years ago. But honestly, I think our story played out exactly as it was meant to, exactly how I needed it to. And though you’ve loved me longer, I promise to spend the rest of my life trying to make up the difference. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your love. I’ll try my hardest to make sure I’m worthy of it.”
A tear streaks my cheek as the man announces us husband and wife, and the next thing I know, Derek’s mouth is pressed firmly against mine.We’re kissing. And we’re married.
I am married to Doctor Derek Tanner.I am Mrs. Doctor Derek Tanner.We exit to a limousine parked out front, ready to take us to the reception.
For the first time in three days, we’re alone together.
I stare down at the ring on my left hand, still reeling with excitement and a touch of disbelief.
“Well,” he says. “Mrs. Tanner, can I interest you in a glass of champagne?” He pulls the bottle from the ice bucket and begins pouring two flutes.
“I think you can, Mr. Tanner,” I say, laughing. Our glasses clink together, then I take a sip, letting the cool bubbles tickle my throat.
“Do you think we have time for a quickie in the limo before we make it to the reception?” Derek asks.
