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I knelt down to kiss her forehead, a tender smile on my face. "Leia, you're going to be the most beautiful flower girl. You and I are going to make this day unforgettable."
She gave a little jump, her excitement contagious. "I can't wait! For all of it, but for you to become my family most of all."
My heart swelled. "There's no greater honor for me than this, Leia."
As we shared this tender moment, my mother's eyes glistened. We were creating a new family filled with love, laughter, and the Southern charm that bound us together.
In that small room, the bride, mother, and soon-to-be daughter held each other close, finding strength in our bond.
"It's time," Mama finally said.
We'd chosen Fairview Park for our ceremony. It was a whimsical wonderland that had been transformed into a makeshift wedding venue. Here, under a historic oak tree, Reed and I would take our vows.
The entire space was bathed in a vibrant floral theme as if nature herself had taken brush and palette in hand.
Soft blush pink and lavender hues embraced the scene, punctuated by bursts of vibrant coral and delicate white.
An abundance of blooms cascaded from every corner, from towering arrangements of hydrangeas to delicate sprays of roses and peonies.
Intoxicating scents of jasmine and honeysuckle perfumed the air around us.
Miguel and Asher had insisted on taking care of the decor, although I couldn't see them doing it. But, bless their hearts, they'd delivered.
Chantilly lace adorned the tables, cascading like delicate waterfalls.
Vintage-inspired lanterns adorned with ivy and twinkling fairy lights cast a warm and romantic glow over the gathering.
The tables were adorned with floral centerpieces, each one a masterpiece of nature's artistry.
Delicate bone China and crystal glasses awaited the guests, reflecting the sunlight.
All of it passed me in a haze as I walked toward the man in front of me, his love as apparent as the sun in the sky.
Today, the blue of his eyes was a tender reflection of everything he hoped for in our future.
Flanked by Miguel and Asher, he smiled.
And I swore I could have melted then and there. I saw him rub a lone tear from his eyes. I let mine fall free, not caring about anything except that I was walking into the arms of love.
"You are beautiful. I feel ..." Reed smiled and took my hand as I joined him. "I feel complete."
"So do I," I whispered.
The best part of the day was the exchanging of vows, because both of us had come marvelously unprepared. He went first.
"Juniper. You've taught me to become a better person just by being who you are. You've shown me that the greatest of strengths comes from having a brave fucking heart, excuse my language.
"And I've never been good with words, but today, I'll tell you this much. I'm so fantastically lucky to have found you, to have been humbled by you more than once, and to have nearly come to the point of losing you.
"Because with every moment, you've taught me I am whole only when I have you by my side. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my days growing old with you. I cannot wait for our life to begin."
The audience sniffed audibly, and my hold on Reed's hand tightened.
"I am ... when I tell you I feel like the luckiest and most pregnant bride in the world," I began, half-laughing and half-sobbing, "thank you for showing me a mirror to my best self, Reed. I could find a thousand new reasons to say how wonderful you are, but the best, the biggest reason I love you is because you made me a mother the second you introduced me to Leia.
"You're infuriating at times, and then at other times, I swear I want to beat you with a bat, but even with those days, I love you.
"More because of them, actually, because its good to know someone this gorgeous can also be an absolute clown. I love you so much, Reed Smith. I will always love you."
