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"I love you," he says when we pull away, his eyes shining with happiness.
"I love you too," I reply, feeling like my heart might burst with joy.
We sit there together for a while longer, wrapped up in each other's arms and talking about our future together. I can't wait to start our life as a family, and I know that with Jake by my side, we can handle anything that comes our way.
Chapter twenty-four
Sarah
Theonlythingbetterthan watching someone else's vision come to life in the perfect wedding is watching your own unfold.
My dress floats around me in layers of glittering white and silver and gold as I listen to the music start, and the first of my wedding party walks through the door in front of me. I can feel my heart racing as I take in the sight of my bridesmaids in their coordinating dresses, each one carrying a bouquet of red and orange roses to match our fall theme.
Reagan grins at me, looking gorgeous in a peach-colored dress.
"Are you ready?" she asks, the last one to go out before me.
I look over at Teresa Hart, who's walking me down the aisle. My dad wasn't invited--I don't think he would have come anyway--but Teresa has been here for me every step of the way.
And I nod. "Of course I am," I say.
I can't wait to marry the love of my life.
As I take my first steps down the petal-strewn grass aisle, I feel the warmth of the sun shining down on me through the orange fall leaves above. The scent of fresh flowers fills my senses, and the music soars...
...and I see Jake for the first time all day, smiling wide.
He looks so handsome in his charcoal gray suit, and his eyes light up as he catches sight of me. His smile is infectious, and I can feel my own lips turning up in response. I feel the baby kick lightly, as it always does when I see the man I love.
We gave ourselves two months to plan the wedding, eager to get married and start our lives together. Now, it's October--the perfect time for the perfect wedding, the leaves falling all around me, lodging in the veil trailing behind me.
As I reach the altar, I take Jake's hand and feel a sense of calm wash over me. The pastor of the local church stands at our side, swept up in the joy of it all. I've been to dozens of weddings officiated by this same man, but I never thought I would be doing this myself.
I guess that's where I was wrong.
You just have to meet the right person.
The pastor begins to speak, his voice soothing and warm, as he welcomes everyone to our wedding.
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of two souls, deeply in love with each other. It is a beautiful day, with the sun shining down upon us, and the leaves falling all around us. Everything is perfect to help these two along on their next great adventure."
I nod in agreement, feeling blessed that everything has come together so well.
The pastor continues, "Jake and Sarah, you have chosen to declare your love for each other in front of your family and friends, and it is an honor to be a part of this special moment. Marriage is a union of two hearts that becomes one, and it is a bond that should be cherished and celebrated every day."
I stare at Jake, who is looking at me with such adoration and love in his eyes that my heart swells with emotion.
The pastor invites us to exchange our vows, and Jake takes my hand as he starts to speak.
"Sarah," he starts. "When I met you, well...I think everyone here knows I wasn't looking for anything serious, and I know you weren't lookin' for anything at all. But I knew from the second I met you that you were the one."
I'm already starting to tear up, and I sniffle and swipe at my eyes as I look at Jake. Even he gets emotional, his eyes sparkling.
"And you kept telling me you didn't want anything serious...but it was already serious, wasn't it? It was always gonna be serious, because this was fate."
He pauses.
"I ain't the most eloquent man in the world, but I want to make you a promise. I promise to build you a home...to provide for our family. To make you..."
