“What are you waiting for? Don’t leave the poor guy hanging,” my father teased, raising his fist in the air. “Say yes,” he said, joining the chants.
The moment those words left his lips, it felt like the world paused. Everything I had ever wanted, everything I had ever hoped for, was falling into place. My father’s approval was the last piece of the puzzle. With a heart full of joy, I turned to Ethan, my voice shaky with excitement. “Yes!” I said, extending my hand to him.
Ethan’s smile widened as he slid the ring onto my finger. He lifted me into the air, swirling me around, and I giggled, my heart fluttering with excitement. It was a moment of pure bliss, as though nothing else existed in the world but us. When he finally set me down, I noticed Jennifer walking toward me, a soft smile on her face as she held a beautiful white dress in her hands.
“You always said you wanted to get married in your mother’s dress,” she said, holding out my mother’s wedding gown, now perfectly altered to fit me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to my father, who was smiling, his own eyes glistening with emotion.
“Let’s get married right now, right here, in your mother’s restaurant, with her blessing,” Ethan said, his voice gentle yet full of excitement. It felt surreal, like a dream I had once dared to imagine. When I built this place, I had pictured myself walking through the garden in that gown, surrounded by the people I loved. And now, that dream was about to come true.
“Yes, let’s do it,” I whispered, nodding as tears spilled down my cheeks. Ethan’s smile grew even brighter, and Jennifer and the girls gently pulled me away, eager to help me into the gown. I glanced back at Ethan, who looked as excited as I felt.
The whole thing felt like an incredible dream. As I got dressed, pampered, teased, and dolled up by my friends, I couldn’t help but feel like a princess, living in a moment I would treasure forever.
When I was finally ready, I stepped outside, finding my father waiting for me. His eyes were misty with tears. “You look so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice trembling with joy. My heart swelled as I flushed under his gaze.
“I wish your mother was here to see this,” he added softly, taking my arm as we began to walk toward the garden.
“Do you think Mama would’ve approved of Ethan?” I asked, a flicker of doubt crossing my mind.
My father smiled knowingly. “If she heard what he told me, I’m sure she would have definitely approved.” His words piqued my curiosity.
“What exactly did he say to change your mind?” I wondered, as we reached the garden, which now looked more stunning than ever, with the sun illuminating the altar and the flowers blossoming in full bloom.
My father chuckled softly, his smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “That’s our little secret,” he said, his eyes twinkling.
As we walked the path, my gaze shifted to Ethan. He stood at the altar, his eyes locked on me, his smile wide and full of love. In that moment, I felt like the only woman in the world. As I got closer, I could see the tears welling up in his eyes, and my heart skipped a beat.
At the altar, Ethan gently took my hands from my father, and the officiant began to speak. “Dearly beloved,” his voice echoed, but everything else faded into the background. I couldn’t take my eyes off the man I was about to marry-his piercing brown eyes, the warmth of his smile, the tenderness in his expression. I knew, without a doubt, that this was the right choice.
When it was time for my vows, I took a deep breath, my heart full. “The universe works in crazy, mysterious ways,” I began, laughing as I thought back to how we first met. Ethan chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with the memory.
“I remember the first day we met,” I said, and Ethan whispered, “I knew we’d end up here.” I smiled, my heart swelling.
“Ethan Marcel, my soulmate, my heart beats for you alone. I have loved you with every fiber of my being, through every moment, every breath. Despite the impossible odds, the unforgiving distance, and the cruel fate that sought to tear us apart, my love for you has only grown stronger.
I choose you, Ethan-every shattered piece, every imperfect scar. I choose your laughter and your tears, your strengths and your weaknesses. I choose the struggles and the triumphs, the whispers and the screams.
No matter what life brings, no matter what the world throws our way, I promise to love you with an unwavering devotion. I promise to stand by your side, to hold your hand, and to weather every storm with you.
I will love you when the sun shines bright and when the darkness closes in. I will love you when the world celebrates us, and when it seeks to destroy us. I will love you, Ethan Marcel, forever and always, without condition, without apology, and without end.”
Fifteen years later… I still hold true to those vows, and so does Ethan. Even after welcoming our darling children, Lucy and Jake Marcel, the love we share remains as strong as the day we first fell in love.
As I write these final words of my once forbidden tale, my eyes scan our beautiful home, and my heart swells with joy and gratitude. Every day, I am reminded that I made the right choice. Ethan still makes me smile, still makes my legs weak, and still treats me like I’m the only woman in the world.
“I love you,” I whisper to Ethan, resting my head on his shoulder.