Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 62772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
As she walked down the aisle, my thoughts went to our future and the little person growing inside her. We hadn’t told anyone yet. I couldn’t wait to start our family and hoped we would have a whole crew before long. A small smile crossed my face, and I caught her gently running her hand across her belly. We must be on the same wavelength. Butterflies danced in my stomach.
This moment was so much more than I’d even hoped. People always talk about the bride on the wedding day, but this groom was just as ecstatic as any bride, with the pins and needles on top of it. This was the most defining moment of my life. I was so glad I’d hung on to get to this point. It had been a long road. I wasn’t silly enough to think the path ahead would be pain-free, but knowing I had Tara by my side dampened any fears I had.
Dr. Sutton asked the traditional “who gives this woman” question, and her father answered, kissing her on the cheek. Minutes later, we were reciting our vows through tears and laughter. I knew they were the most important words we’d ever written. Dr. Sutton said a few more lines. We’d asked him to keep it short, and minutes later, he pronounced us man and wife.
Our guests cheered as we kissed quickly, then a bit longer. It was hard to take my eyes off my new bride, and I couldn’t stop smiling. We made our way back toward the house, where the food was set up for our reception. I looked around as each attendee came to congratulate us and realized it was the second time in years I’d been at a public event, with the bonfire being the first. I felt I’d finally broken through the chains of what happened so long ago and seeing everyone here to support us told me I was right.
It was more than gaining back my identity. I’d told Tara that after my name became a household word, I’d lost sight of who I’d once been, my true self. Now, not only had I pushed back the trauma of what had happened that dark night on a narrow road, I’d pushed all the way back to the person I was always meant to be. The accident, the fame, and the media didn’t hold a candle to the memories I was making now. With Tara, I was a brand-new me. The best version yet.
“You look beautiful,” I whispered in Tara’s ear, clutching her hand as we started our first dance. “I love you now and forever. You and our little one.”
She smiled, laying her head against my chest. “I love you both so much. And I’m incredibly proud of you. I can’t wait for the rest of our lives.”
We danced the night away, cutting the cake and enjoying our wedding dinner. By the time our guests left, I was exhausted but still happier than I’d ever been. After the last goodbye, I took Tara by the hand, and we stepped back into our home, the rest of forever waiting for us.
The End