Mom pulls a folder from her handbag that could fit half a kitchen, and opening it, she mutters, “Let’s do this. We have nine months to plan the perfect wedding.”
“I’m not wearing any shade of pink or purple or orange,” Lindsay immediately jumps in.
“You’re wearing midnight blue,” I state, my tone clearly saying it is non-negotiable. “I want an evening wedding under the stars. Dozens and dozens of fairy lights.”
Mom writes fast to get all the details down, her head bobbing as she agrees.
“My dress must shimmer, and I’m going barefoot.”
Her hand pauses, then she frowns at me.
“I’m not spending my wedding day in pain. Barefoot, Mom.” I tap on the page. “Write it down.”
“Fine,” she huffs.
O’Brien comes to press a kiss on my hair, then asks, “What are you up to?”
I grin up at him. “Planning the wedding.”
Grinning, he leans down lower, giving me a happy kiss. “Plan away. I’m starting the steaks. Will you keep an eye on the garlic bread?”
“Yeah, sure.”
As soon as he’s out of hearing distance, Mom says, “I have ten thousand saved for the wedding. Did you manage to save anything?”
“Daniel’s paying for everything, Mom. There’s no limit.”
Her eyes widen. “I want to contribute.”
“You can pay for the wedding dress,” I say, knowing it will mean a lot to her.
“Good.” She smiles, clearly relieved. “What kind of dress?”
“I want my fairy tale dress, Mom. All chiffon and satin.”
Her face starts to crumble with emotion. “We’ll get you your fairy tale dress, sweetheart.”
Spending the afternoon with Lindsay and Mom while planning the perfect wedding, I couldn’t be happier.
O’Brien
With our families here, the mood is relaxing.
Uncle Carl and Clive hit it off. JJ, Lindsay, and Olivia are planning the wedding.
Life is perfect.
My eyes are glued to JJ, her beauty still catching me off guard at times. Mostly, the way her eyes shine like a million stars… God, thank you.
“Aww,” Olivia croons. “Just look at the way Daniel’s staring at JJ. Now, if that’s not true love, I don’t know what is.”
JJ’s eyes meet mine, and I can almost taste her happiness.
“Daniel, who will be your best men, and how many?” Olivia asks.
The corner of my mouth lifts higher as I turn my attention to Uncle Carl. “Will you be my best man?”
His eyes crinkle at the sides. “Of course.”
“Just my uncle,” I say to Olivia.
“Any other family?” she asks, not even looking up as she makes notes.
“Rossi and her husband, Finch and his wife. Eric and his girlfriend,” I list our family.
“They’re our team,” JJ mentions to her mother.
“From my side, there will also be James Geary and his wife,” I quickly add.
Olivia scrunches her nose, then looks at JJ. “Are we inviting the whole family?”
“God no,” JJ chuckles. “I want our wedding to be intimate. Make sure the invites state they have to wear dark colors. Black. Dark blue.”
Our wedding.
The planning happens well into the night, and by the time I shut the door behind our guests, I’m ready for bed.
I check all the locks then meet JJ at the foot of the stairs. Taking hold of her hand, we slowly head up.
“Today was a good day,” she murmurs.
“Yeah. Uncle Carl and Clive got along well enough,” I mention.
“My mom’s in heaven with all the wedding planning,” she chuckles.
When we walk into the room, there’s a flicker of sadness on her face I don’t like one bit. “What is wrong?”
She shrugs. “Just wish my dad was here. And your parents.”
Realizing something important’s been forgotten, I ask, “Who’s walking you down the aisle?”
JJ lifts her chin. “No one. I’m already yours, so no one needs to give me away.”
Tugging her closer, I murmur, “Mine.”
“Always have been.” She presses her mouth to mine, then whispers, “Always will be.”
Kissing the woman who’s saved me in so many ways, my heart overflows.
Epilogue
JJ
October fifteenth…
“Oh my God, JJ,” Lindsay breathes, then her eyes mist up, and she quickly fans her face, blinking like crazy.
Lifting my head, I look at my reflection in the mirror. Intensity overwhelms me, and I have to close my eyes to breathe through the emotions.
Once I feel calmer, I try again. This time, I take in the chiffon and lace. My lips curve up, my wedding dress a dream come true as it falls softly around my body.
My hair’s twisted up with loose curls framing my face, and there’s a delicate crown of baby’s breath on my head to round off the look I wanted.
Turning around, Mom gives me a quivering smile. “You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart.” She digs in her bag, then takes a moment to fight her tears before she holds a box out to me. “Something borrowed.”
When I open it, I’m hit hard with a wave of emotion. “Dad’s badge.” I focus on my breaths to stop the tears from falling so I don’t ruin my makeup. Taking the badge out, I clip it onto the lace around my bouquet then give Mom a hug. “Thank you.”
“Damn,” Lindsay mumbles. “I tried not to cry.”
Mom and I pull her into a hug, and holding them, I give up and let a tear fall.
When we pull apart, Mom asks, “Are you ready?”
I nod and watch as Lindsay and Mom leave. Turning back to the mirror, I make sure my makeup’s still okay, then take a couple of deep breaths.
When I open the door, I hear the soft guitar notes. I chose to walk down the aisle to Can’t Help Falling In Love With You and found a singer with a gorgeous voice to sing.
I suck in another deep breath then wait for all the lights to dim before stepping forward. A soft spotlight starts to glow, making my dress sparkle.
I get to walk down the aisle toward O’Brien. I get to marry him. I get to love him forever.
This is it. In a matter of ten minutes, I’ll be Mrs. O’Brien.
O’Brien
As the spotlight shines on JJ, I lose my ability to breathe.
Thank fucking Christ I somehow managed to make her love me.
She starts down the aisle, looking like a shooting star.
My star.
Swallowing hard, I suck in deep breaths of air, so I don’t start crying.
When JJ stops in front of me, I struggle to find my voice, and it’s nothing more than a hoarse whisper. “You take my breath away.”
JJ’s eyebrows draw together, inhaling deep past her tears. “You are every breath I take.”
Christ.
Unable to stop it, a tear escapes, trailing down my cheek. I quickly brush it away as we turn to face the minister.
Throughout the formalities, I keep looking at the exquisite woman at my side, then we turn to face each other.