When Stars Collide (Light in the Dark #2) - Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,96

kids like Cade and me and women like my mom. I want to help someone in a way we didn’t have. I want to make a difference.

When I told Xander he grinned from ear to ear, kissed me, and told me he couldn’t have thought of anything more perfect for me to do.

I feel good now, finally having a purpose.

We talked some more about moving out, especially with some of the unpleasant memories that house now holds, but in the end we decided to stay for the time being while I finish school and since Xander will be gone a lot. It’ll be nice to not be alone and have my brother, mom, and Rae around. There’s already been a lot of change lately, and for now, letting this stay the same, sounds pretty good to the both of us.

Xander’s first NFL game is at the end of the month, and it’s out of town, but we’re all going to surprise him and fly out there. I know he’s going to do amazing. He’s been working hard, giving it his all, and all the while being there for me while I dealt with everything.

Now, it’s time for me to make good on my promise and marry the boy for real.

No seedy wedding chapel.

No half-drunken slurred vows.

No wedding night I can’t remember.

We’re doing this right this time, with our friends and family, a dress, and the whole shebang.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror. My hair curls halfway down my back in soft waves and my makeup is light, and simple. But my dress?

That’s anything but simple.

I wanted something unique and different. Something daring and me.

I was lucky to find something off the rack on short notice and it was like it was made especially for me.

The color is a creamy off-white with a floral lace design. It has spaghetti straps and the bodice is fitted before flaring out at the hips. The back of the dress boasts scallop detailing as does the front where the dress cups my breasts. My mom and Xander’s mom tried to talk me into something more traditional—you know, white—but it isn’t me, and this is, so I ignored their pleas for me to change my mind.

“Ready?” Rae asks.

I turn away from the mirror and smile at her. She looks gorgeous in her turquoise bridesmaid dress with her dark brown hair braided to the side.

I nod. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

Never thought I’d be saying those words in regard to marriage.

But technically, I’m already married, and it’s actually pretty great.

Rae hands me my bouquet of pink peonies and loops her arm through mine.

Out in the hall we meet Cade. His lips part when he sees me and he clears his throat, clearly overcome with emotion.

“You look beautiful,” he tells me.

“Thanks.” I smile up at my big brother. He offers me his elbow and I grab onto it.

Since my dad obviously won’t be walking me down the aisle—you know, since he’s rotting away in prison and attempted to kill us—I asked Cade.

“All right, that’s my cue.” Rae smiles and kisses my cheek and then Cade’s before running off to where she’ll exit into the Kincaid’s backyard.

We could’ve gotten re-married at any number of places, but it only made sense to do it here. The Kincaid’s might live in a different house now, but so many of our adventures took place in their backyard growing up, so it only made sense to start this adventure here.

“I’m proud of you,” Cade says, as we start walking toward the open French doors.

“For what?” I look up at him.

He shrugs. “For never giving up on what you believe in and always fighting.”

I laugh. “Funny, you used to tell me I was too stubborn for my own good.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, well, we all grow up and see things differently.”

“That we do,” I agree.

The music changes and I hear the shuffling of everyone standing and my heart skips a beat.

This is happening.

This is really happening.

Cade leads me out the door and my breath catches. It’s the first time I’m seeing the backyard. I handed over the reins on decorating to our moms—all I cared about was my dress—and they did a beautiful job.

The aisle is covered in white petals and above us is a canopy with more flowers hanging down and little lights twinkling. It looks like a magical fairy wonderland.

At the end of the aisle is a whole wall of flowers in all shades of pale pink and white and in front of