all three officially married. To the past, the present, and the future. We’ve done the first two together—let’s do the last as well.”
“Always,” Chloe and Brooke agreed.
Another knock sounded on the door before their driver opened it. “Your carriage is waiting.”
“I feel like I can’t breathe,” Chloe said as she gripped Sarah’s and Brooke’s hands.
“This is just day one of the rest of your life. You can have a magical day, and then in ten years you’ll look back and realize this was just one moment,” Brooke replied.
“That’s so true. Every momentous occasion seemed so big at the time, but there’s always something bigger around the corner,” Chloe told her with emotion crackling in her voice.
“Now, don’t start getting all emotional and ruining your makeup,” Sarah said with tears in her own voice.
“The next event will probably be big,” Brooke said with a laugh as she rubbed Chloe’s belly.
“Oh, I can’t even think of that right now,” Chloe said, almost horrified. The thought of a child was a bit terrifying. Kids were a heck of a lot of work.
Brooke and Sarah laughed, and she realized she must look as scared as the thought made her.
“Okay, I’m ready,” she finally said. The girls led her from the room, down the long staircase, and out the front doors. Sitting at the curb was a beautiful horse-drawn carriage, with a footman holding open the ornate door.
Several people had to help her inside because of the long train of her wedding dress. She’d been intimidated by all the silk and lace when she’d first seen the exquisite gown, but it floated on her, and she could barely feel the yards of fabric draping her body. It was exceptionally made.
The top had thousands of sparkling beads weaved throughout the fabric. The gown hugged her tightly down to her hips, where it then cascaded in a full skirt. Before the train had been attached, she’d twirled in a circle, loving the layers of silk arcing out, reminding her of when she’d been a little girl and had dreamed of being Cinderella. The buttons up the back of the dress had taken a half hour to fasten. She smiled, thinking Brandon would be frustrated when it came time for the gown to come off.
Her long hair was mostly up in a bun, with several strands curling down her neck and shoulders. They’d even attached sparkling gems throughout. She knew she’d glow when Brandon took her in his arms on the dance floor.
The carriage started away from the resort, continued down the road, and rounded a corner, then entered the wedding venue. She looked out the carriage window and smiled gratefully at where she was heading.
After another ten minutes, the carriage arrived at the trail that led down to where Brandon waited. The door opened, and the driver was there to help her from the carriage. She took his hand and stepped onto the red carpet rolled out before her.
Brooke and Sarah helped straighten out her dress before stepping back and smiling.
“You’re stunning, Chloe.”
“Thank you,” she said, once more fighting tears. They helped her step forward, but she halted. “One second,” she said as she took in some soothing breaths. This was the moment she’d never thought she’d want, and it was the greatest moment of her life. It was odd how things worked out.
“Take all the time you want,” Brooke said. “You’re worth waiting on.”
Those words were all it took. “I’m ready,” she said. She beamed at her best friends. They stepped in front of her when someone handed them their flowers. The music began, and then they were gliding forward.
She continued down the scenic path, everything a blur, not even seeing the people who were all standing and watching her every move. Once she caught her first sight of Brandon, it took everything in her to not rush forward, straight into his arms. He looked so stunning in his military uniform, badges proudly displayed. His smile caused butterflies to stir in her already-nervous stomach.
Though he turned her legs to jelly and her stomach inside out, she also felt a calming deep inside her from knowing he was going to be her husband in just a few moments. She finally arrived at the stage, where he took her hand in his and led her to the altar.
The ceremony went by quickly, and they repeated their vows, unifying them as one. They were pronounced husband and wife all in a blur of words and actions. All she could