More than anything I was shocked when I’d gotten an alert about a story that hit the news. Blakley sent out an email to all the local news stations without me knowing, but when I read it, I knew she was done with her father and stepmother. She hit them where it would hurt the most—their public image. It’s what they always cared about most and she told the world the truth about everything.
John’s small empire won’t make it much longer without my help. I could take all of it away overnight if I wanted, but I know my wife wouldn't want that. She isn't vindictive and she saved them once again without them even knowing it. They’re losing more than he’ll ever know, but he doesn’t understand what love is. He’s stuck in a miserable marriage to a woman who hates him and that’s a fate worse than death.
I stand up a little taller when Mindy appears in the doorway. She’s been helping my girl get ready. “It’s time,” she says as she smiles and walks towards me. “I’m glad I’ll get to see this one.” She kisses me on the cheek before my dad takes her hand and pulls her next to him. She laughs and leans into him and reminds me where I get my possessiveness from. It’s clearly a family trait.
Time stills as my dream girl steps out from behind the soft white tulle and she moves towards me. For a moment I swear I’m paralyzed before I shake myself out of it and practically run down the aisle to meet her more than halfway across the room. I can’t see her and not be next to her.
“You look so handsome,” she tells me, and it makes me realize that I haven’t spoken a word since she came into view. Jesus, I’m a fucking mess.
“You look like a dream,” I manage to say, and she smiles up at me. Her pink plump lips are too enticing. We both know that I won’t last long, but I try and control myself because I know I won’t be able to stop if I start.
“Let me make you mine all over again,” I say as I take her arm and guide her towards the two glass doors that lead outside.
My brother opens them for us and lets the cool air in. It’s only going to be us and the minister out there along with the people that mean the most to us. That is exactly what she wanted from the start. This is our family, for now at least. In time I know it will grow.
Today’s a reminder of how strong we are together and this is a new start. We are leaving things in the past and moving towards something better. When I asked if she would let me walk her down the aisle her face lit up like I had the best idea of my life. But the day I’d told myself I was keeping her will forever be the best idea I’ve ever had.
“At least it snowed last night,” she whispers next to me. There’s a tiny amount on the ground next to us, but she isn’t getting the white Christmas she was asking for. It’s too bad because her heart was set on it.
“You wanted it to snow on us?” I ask, and she nods.
“I know it was a silly idea, I just thought it would be pretty.”
We keep walking outside towards the place where the ceremony is being performed and I hold her hand tight. The small stage area ahead is covered in white roses and just as we approach it her mouth falls open in surprise.
“Daniel,” she gasps as snow begins to fall all around us. “You did this?”
I nod as her face lights up and I don’t have to look up to know more snow is coming. It might have taken a small army to get it here, but they’re on the roof with blowers to make it perfect and it was worth every penny.
“I told you I’d do anything to make you happy,” I say, and her eyes fill with tears.
“You are completely crazy,” she laughs, even as another tear slips down her cheek and I wipe it away with my thumb.
“I’ll give you anything, too,” she says, and I lift her off the ground. Her feet kick behind her as the snow keeps falling all around us.