How could I deny her? Looking around, that’s exactly what she got. Candles line the aisle in big glass jars and the ends of the pews are draped in white fabric swags. It’s understated and perfect, just like Elizabeth.

The music starts, signaling that it’s almost time. I look at the doors, anxious to see her. Finally, they open slowly, and everything stops. Standing there waiting for me is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. She’s always beautiful, but right now she takes my breath away. This moment will forever be burned in my mind.

With one hand holding her dad’s arm, a small bouquet of white flowers in the other, she makes her way toward me. I swear it takes her forever and I have to resist the urge to run down the aisle, scoop her up, and sprint back to the altar. When she’s finally in front of me, her dad gives her away, placing her hand in mine. Because that’s what she is now, all mine. Her smile stretches from ear to ear. She’s glowing and absolutely stunning in her strapless, lace gown that hugs every curve. A crystal belt wraps around her waist emphasizing how tiny she is. Her hair is swept up with a long veil trailing behind her. She looks like an angel.

“I love you,” I whisper to her.

“I love you, too,” she whispers back before turning her attention to the minister who begins the ceremony.

I’m so fixated on her, grinning like an idiot, that I almost miss my cue. The minister clears his throat, catching my attention. “You wanted to say a few words?”

“Oh, yeah, sorry. I got distracted by my girl.” Quiet laughter comes from our small audience. Holding both of her hands in mine, I say, “Elizabeth, from the first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were something special. Ever since that day, I’ve fallen more and more in love with you. You bring out the best in me and I vow to do the same in return. I will spend the rest of my days honoring, cherishing, and loving you, and when my time comes to an end, I will be patient and wait for you to join me in Heaven. I know a lifetime with you won’t be enough. I need eternity because you not only have my heart, but my soul. I love you, sweetheart. Forever.” I give her a wink as the tears stream down her face.

She giggles a little as she dabs a tissue under her eyes. “You’re making me mess up my makeup.” She sniffles a little and I reach my hand out to wipe a tear she missed.

“Elizabeth, you may say your vows now,” the minister says.

“Okay,” she clears her throat before continuing. “Bryce, you came into my life at an unexpected moment, but it was perfect timing. You saved me from myself. You taught me what it was to love me for who I truly am, and I want you to know how important that is to me. To be able to love you unconditionally, I had to do the same for myself first, and you showed me the way. It may not have been an easy road, but I’m thankful every day that you chose me to be your life partner to grow old with. I, too, vow to honor, cherish, and love you.”

Her words go straight to my heart and will forever hold a spot in it. I can’t even describe how she made me feel at this exact moment. I just know that I’ve never loved a woman more in my life and I can’t believe I got her to marry me.

After we exchange rings, the minister says, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Bryce, you may kiss the bride.”

“My wife,” I correct. With bright green eyes staring back at me, I wrap my arm around her waist, dip her, and plant a kiss on her that’s probably a little indecent for this church. The crowd hoots and hollers, and all too soon I’m pulling away. With her still leaning back, holding onto my biceps for support, I look down at her. “It’s legal, Mrs. Daniels. You’re mine forever now.”

“I was yours long before today, Bryce.” I kiss her one more time before we walk hand in hand down the aisle as husband and wife.

The rest of the wedding goes by in a blur. The reception was held in a huge barn. It was the one request I had. After a little nudging, she finally caved. Elizabeth had this vision where everything was done in white with warm lighting, and that’s what she got. Candles are everywhere and white fabric drapes from the rafters. It turned out really nice. Once toasts are made and dinner is served, it’s time to cut the cake. I’m nice and gently place the piece of cake in her mouth, careful not to mess up her makeup. She, on the other hand, isn’t as thoughtful and smears it all over my face. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you back.” Leaning into her ear, I say, “And you’ll have frosting in places only I’ll be able to clean up.” Her eyes widen in shock, but quickly darken with desire. My sweetheart has a kinky side to her. Nice to know.

Next to the cake is a box. We walk over to it and I say, “You ready?” She nods her head. We release the string and it pops open just before three doves fly out. No one knows the significance of this but us. They symbolize us and our baby. Elizabeth never told anyone about the abortion. I didn’t see a reason for her to. It’s something we dealt with together, but it never leaves our minds, and today is no exception. We wanted to incorporate her in the ceremony somehow and thought this was the best way. Elizabeth’s eyes mist over and she smiles sadly at me. I know she’s thinking about what it would be like to have her here with us today, just like I am.

Finally, the bouquet and garter are thrown and I can’t wait another minute to take Elizabeth to our honeymoon suite and make love to her for the first time as my wife. We casually make our way outside, and when we think no one is looking, make a break for the limo, laughing the whole way.

“I have a small gift for you when we get to the room,” she says once the limo takes off.

“I’ll bet you do,” I respond with a wag of my eyebrow.

She scoffs and nudges me with her elbow. “You’re such a pervert.”

I lean in and nibble on the exposed skin at her collarbone. “You’re stuck with this pervert, so get used to it.” She moans when I hit the spot behind her ear. “You looked beautiful today,” I say into her ear.

“You didn’t look too bad yourself.”

We spend the rest of the drive making out like a couple of love struck teenagers.

Up in the room she seems anxious, nervous even. She’s twisting her hands together and biting on her lip. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“Like I said before, I have a little something for you.” She reaches into her bag and pulls out a rectangular box with a ribbon tied around it.

“You didn’t have to get me anything. You’re all I wanted,” I say as I take the box from her hands.

“Well, there’s a no return policy on this one, so you’re just gonna have to deal.”

I untie the ribbon and open the box. What I see nestled in some tissue paper has me at a loss for words. “You’re—we’re—when—” I can’t string a sentence together to save my life as I pick up the positive pregnancy test.

She nods with tears in her eyes. “I’m pregnant.” Her words come out in a whisper, no doubt thinking about the last time.

“Holy shit! I did it!” I shout in excitement, causing her to laugh. I scoop her up, hugging her while I twirl us both around. I look back down at the box and notice there’s two tests. “Why are there two? Wanted to make double sure?” I joke.

“Not exactly.” She lifts up the tissue paper and I see an ultrasound picture. To be honest, I can’t tell what the hell I’m looking at, but that doesn’t lessen my happiness. “You see that small circle right there?” she asks as she points to a blob on the picture.

“Yeah,” I draw out.

“And you see this circle over here?” She points to a different blob this time and realization hits me like a bullet.

“Twins?” I ask in disbelief.