He had no memory loss, no changes in his personality, no damage to his motor skills. The only thing that Gabe lost was the threat of his next seizure. He hasn’t had one since before the surgery and Dr. Franklin assures us he will most likely never have one again.
Looks like Roxy is out of a job. Thank God. She will never be out of our hearts, though. She’s a part of our family and today she will be a part of our wedding. She’s Gabe’s best man.
Once Gabe was back on his feet, he proposed again with the most beautiful diamond ring I’ve ever seen. The antique round-cut diamond is surrounded by sixteen French-cut princess diamonds that cascade down the sides of the hand-engraved white gold band. Gabe had it custom made, but it looks like it belonged to eighteenth-century French royalty. I look down at my one-of-a-kind engagement ring, resting on my finger where it will stay forever.
It’s hard to believe how much has changed this year. It wasn’t that long ago, but I can hardly remember what my life was like in Raleigh. The pain I endured after I lost Gabe was washed away by the tide that brought him back to me. But I’ll never forget the struggle, and I wouldn’t want to. I don’t think I would be able to appreciate the calm if it weren’t for surviving the storm.
I’m going to marry Gabriel North today. I laugh quietly to myself and butterflies fill my stomach.
“What’s so funny?” Trisha asks over the diamond-encrusted bobby pin that’s hanging from her lips. She’s in charge of my hair.
“I just can’t believe I’m actually going to marry Gabe today.”
“Well, believe it, sister,” she says, placing the last pin in my hair, “because you’re ready to walk down the aisle.”
“Not yet.” Audrey holds up my wedding dress—a simple, sleeveless, V-back gown made of ivory tulle and Alençon lace, accented with ivory ribbon that ties in the back and falls down the length of the delicate train.
Alençon lace is made in France, and authentic Alençon lace is extremely hard to find, so naturally it was the first and last dress I tried on.
Audrey and Trisha help me get into it.
I stare at myself in the mirror for a few long seconds, thinking of everything that brought me to this day.
“You okay?” Trisha asks.
I nod over a wave of emotion as I stare at my reflection. Trisha did a beautiful job on my hair. It’s hanging in long waves down my back, but the front pieces are swept off my face with the jeweled bobby pins. It’s casual, but elegant.
She also did my makeup, which I better not ruin with tears. It compliments my hair perfectly. Both look soft and natural. Perfect for marrying Gabe outside under our old oak tree.
“You did a beautiful job,” I say, turning around to hug her. “Thank you. I really don’t know what I would do without you.”
“You’re welcome.” Her voice shakes a little and my eyes prick with tears.
“Knock it off,” Audrey says, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
I pull her in for a group hug. “I love you both.”
“Okay, stop it,” Trisha says, standing up straight. She holds me back by my shoulders and grabs a tissue. “I cannot recreate perfection!”
I laugh and try to compose myself.
“And your hair and makeup would be hard to redo too.”
“Trisha.”
“Kidding.”
I laugh again. “Seriously. Thanks for being a part of today. It really means so much to me.”
“Liv, I’ve seen you on some of your worst days”—she smiles and holds my hand—“but today I get to see you on one of your happiest. There’s nowhere else I would rather be.”
“I love you, Trisha.”
“I love you too.” She hugs me and grabs another tissue.
“Okay, we seriously have to get it together now,” Audrey says. “It’s almost time!” She widens her eyes and lets out a little squeal.
My eyes widen to match hers and I inhale a deep breath. “Okay. I’m ready.”
I hear my mother and Jackie talking as they climb the steps to my and Gabe’s apartment, where I’m getting ready. I broke the lease on my condo before I ever stepped foot in it. Once Gabe decided to go through with the surgery, and I knew how much he’d need me after, I didn’t want to be anywhere but here in our home.
“Liv?”
“Almost ready, Momma.”
I stand in front of the dark wood-framed floor mirror beside our bed, staring at my lace-clad reflection. I turn from side to side, admiring my gown, feeling the soft tulle under my hands. I love this dress. I hope Gabe likes it.
I hear quiet gasps when my mother and Jackie walk inside.
“Oh, Liv,” my mom cries, crossing the apartment to stand beside me. She holds her hands to her face. “You are absolutely breathtaking.” She wipes a stray tear.
“Thanks, Momma.”
“I mean it. I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride.” She cries a few more tears.
“Momma, stop crying.” I smile and hold her hand.
“Just wait until your daddy sees you. Wait until Gabe sees you.”
“Do you think he’ll like it?” I ask Jackie, who is smiling at me adoringly.
“Gabe would marry you in sweatpants, bébé.” She laughs and reaches for my hand.
I smile and nod. “That’s probably true.”
“But what a gift to give him this vision to hold in his heart for the rest of his life.” She pulls me into a hug and whispers, “Tu es son ange”. You’re his angel.
My eyes well up.
“No!” Trisha yells, making us jump. “No more crying!”
I blink back the tears. “I’m not crying.”
“Yes, you are and there’s no time to redo your makeup now.” She runs toward me with a q-tip, which seems to have appeared out of thin air. I wonder if she has them stashed in her bra for exactly this reason. Knowing Trisha, she probably does. She dabs my eyes, careful not to smudge her masterpiece.
“Baby, it’s time,” my dad says from the doorway.
I turn around and face him. “I’m ready.”
His eyes mist over, but not for long.
“Do. Not. Cry,” Trisha says, pointing her finger at him. “If you cry, she cries. And she cannot cry!”
He shakes his head and clears his throat until his emotions are contained. Then he smiles and holds his arm out for me. “Well, don’t make the boy wait.”
I smile and take his arm.
“Hold on! Your flowers,” Audrey says, handing me my bouquet of creamy white magnolias and baby blue hydrangeas.
I take them from her, imagining Brandon walking her down the aisle and taking his place next to Gabe in a matching suit, looking handsome and probably bigger than he was at twenty-one. I try not to let myself think about how much I miss him right now, but I see my mother wipe her eyes again, and my heart aches involuntarily.
I’m here, little sister.
Brandon. I love you, Brandon.
My heart is wrapped in warmth and I imagine him walking beside me as my dad leads me down the stairs. He helps me into the vintage blue Ford pickup truck that seemed only fitting for our outdoor wedding by the barn. I also thought it paid homage to Gabe’s pickup. It’s an F-150 like his, but about forty years older.