The wedding was to take place where it had all started—home.
Chairs and twinkling lights had been beautifully arranged in my backyard, which was now ours. We’d decided if we were going to join households, we’d do it here. Leaving Liv’s house behind had been difficult, which was why we weren’t selling it. We were just waiting to find the right person to rent it to. Until then, we’d slowly move her things over and settle into our new life.
Besides, she wasn’t the only one moving. Next week, I would officially be moving my office next to hers. The old dentist was retiring, and I’d managed to swoop up the location for a steal. After a few long weeks of remodeling, I’d be in business for myself. Family law sounded hard, laborious, and completely awesome. The added bonus of a built-in lunch date and a sweet little garden to chill in didn’t hurt either.
The backyard sparkled, looking elegant and ethereal. Hanging plants dotted the walkway, and people sat on benches and wicker furniture that we’d borrowed from friends. A small dinner was planned afterwards. We couldn’t decide on what to cook, so I was firing up the grill, and we were calling in a large order of Thai food. Bets had been placed on whether either of us would venture out of our comfort zones.
The pot had grown pretty damn large. Even my own father had placed a bet. He wouldn’t say who it was against.
It was the perfect wedding and exactly what I’d envisioned when I thought of the day I’d marry Liv.
Now, all I needed was my bride.
Noah, standing in as my best man, walked behind me as we took our places in the front.
Mia would serve as Liv’s matron of honor, and that was as elaborate as our wedding party got.
The music started, and I saw the back door open.
Out came Senator Douglas, and as everyone rose, I saw him escorting the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen.
My breath caught, and my vision blurred at the mere sight of her.
My wife.
Our eyes met, and in their depths, I found the missing piece of my soul.
As our fingers touched and we spoke the words that would bind our souls together for eternity, I knew every decision in my life had led me to this moment and the path we were about to create together.
“You may now kiss your bride,” the minister announced.
Our new life had just begun, and it was time to start living it.