-2 ½ Years Later-

Last December, exactly two years after the date Zach and I got together, he proposed. Of course, I said yes. These past two and a half years with him have been amazing, but today is going to be the best day yet. I’m going to marry Zachary James Baker today.

Matt and Val were married last year. She found out she was pregnant last month. She’s excited to still be able to fit into the dress we picked out, since she isn’t far along. Of course I made her my maid of honor. Juliet and Michelle are my bridesmaids. I had apologized to Michelle long ago for that Halloween that Brian hit on me. She forgave me, and since then her Val and I have been pretty much inseparable. The girls and I are currently getting makeup and hair done. Zach and I decided to have an outdoor wedding, right on the beach. I’ve always dreamt of being married on the beach, since I was a girl. My dream is about to come true.

“To the beach!” Val says, as we all walk out of the salon.

“I cannot believe you’re getting married today.” Juliet comes up, wrapping her arm around me. “I’m going to miss having you around the apartment.”

“Aww. I’m going to miss you, too, Jules.” I smile, and hug her.

We all hop in the limo, and head back to the beach to put our dresses on, and finish getting ready. The wedding is in one hour. There’s a tent set up near the wedding sight for us to get ready in, and of course a separate one for the guys, as well. We head into the tent, and the girls slip on their dresses and shoes, before helping me into mine.

“You look gorgeous.” Val says, placing the veil on my head.

“Absolutely stunning.” Michelle smiles, as we look at our reflections in the mirror.

“Thanks girls.” I say pulling them in for a hug. “I just wish my dad could be here to see me and walk me down the aisle.”

“I know, honey. I’m sure he’d be really proud of you.” Val says, as we pull away from the hug. “I’m really glad Matt offered to walk you down the aisle. He’s really grown to love you like a sister, you know? He’s like the overprotective older brother you never had.” She says, and we laugh.

“Thanks, Val.” I smile at her.

“Now, are we all ready to go? This wedding isn’t going to start without us.” She says, smiling.
“Yes!” Juliet, Michelle, and I respond.

We walk out of the tent, and take our places in line, next to the guys. Juliet and Johnny are the first to walk down the aisle. Suddenly, the music changes, and Juliet and Johnny break out into dance. They dance all the way down the aisle, before parting ways at the altar. Michelle and Brian are next, dancing their way down the aisle, followed by Jimmy and Val. I can’t keep from laughing at Jimmy’s funny dance moves. The music changes to the traditional song, as everyone is in place at the altar. Matt links his arm through mine, and we slowly walk down the aisle. All eyes are on me, as we walk. I think Zach may even be tearing up. We reach the altar, and the preacher asks who is giving me away.

“Her best friend and brother.” Matt responds, smiling. He kisses my forehead, and gives my hand to Zach. I take my place across from my soon to be husband, as the preacher reads off a scripture. Zach and I just stare into each other’s eyes, as he reads.

“With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise from this day forward, you will not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home. I promise to remember that neither of us is perfect, but I will strive to remind myself of the ways we are perfect for each other.” Zach says his vows, slipping the ring on my hand. Now it’s my turn.

“With this ring I promise to love you, for all that you are, and for all that I am when I am with you. You have shown me what love feels like, and for that I thank you. You are everything I need, and at this moment, I know all of my prayers have been answered, and all of my dreams have come true. On this day, I give you my hand to hold, and my heart is forever yours to keep.” I smile at him, finishing my vows. I have a few tears, running down my face, and he reaches out, wiping them away.

The preacher goes on reading a few more lines of scriptures. Finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for arrives…

“You may now kiss your bride.”

Zach lifts my veil up, placing it behind my head. He smiles at me, as he leans in, putting a hand behind my neck, and pulling me in for a deep kiss. Jimmy whistles at us.

“I love you more than anything. I’ve never known someone so beautiful.” Zach whispers in my ear, before pulling away from our kiss. Everyone cheers as the preacher pronounces us husband and wife. We walk down the aisle together, hand in hand. My heart feels like it’s ready to explode. I can’t wait to start my new life with Zach.

This is my happily ever after.

Notes

THE END

I hope everyone enjoyed the story.
I'm sorry that this may not be the ending you were expecting... but this is how I wanted it.
I hope you'll join me in the future, when I post a new story.
Love to all of my readers, subscribers, and commenters :)

-Jacq.