Page 162 of Falling for You
I hear the rapid click of Addie's camera shutter, capturing our hands joined around the barrier—the last moment we'll share before I walk down the aisle to him.
"Got it," she says triumphantly. "This is going to be the best shot of the album."
I laugh, but don't let go of his hand. "Better than the actual wedding photos?"
"Different," Addie decides. "This one tells the whole story."
She's right. Our entwined hands around a barrier that keeps us physically separate yet connected—it's the perfect metaphor for our journey. Always finding each other despite the obstacles.
"Hey lovebirds," Tyler's voice breaks in. "As the best man, it's my duty to inform you that we need the groom at the altar like, five minutes ago."
"He's right," Meredith confirms, checking her watch. "The musicians are in position, and the horse-drawn carriage is ready with your parents, Charlotte."
I feel Bash's grip tighten slightly, reluctant to let go. "See you at the altar?" he asks, and even though we've been planning this for months, there's still a hint of a question in his voice.
"I'll be the one in white," I promise.
His laugh is warm. "And I'll be the one trying not to pass out when I see you."
"Don't you dare," I warn. "I've spent way too much on this dress for you to miss seeing it because you're unconscious."
"I make no promises. You tend to have that effect on me."
I finally slip my hand from his, already missing his touch. "Go," I say softly. "I'll be right behind you."
"Not too far behind," he counters, and I hear his footsteps crunching in the snow as he walks away with Tyler.
I stand there for a moment, staring at the space where his hand had been, my heart so full I can barely breathe.
Meredith appears at my side. "Ready to get married?"
"More than ready," I say, and I mean it with every fiber of my being.
We hurry back to the cabin where my dad waits, looking handsome and slightly emotional in his tuxedo. My mother is already seated in the carriage, dabbing at her eyes.
"You look beautiful, Charlie," my dad says, his voice thick. "Bash is a lucky man."
"I'm the lucky one," I reply, but I accept his compliment with a kiss on his cheek.
Meredith helps me change into my heels and makes a few final adjustments to my dress and veil. The carriage awaits, a fairy-tale vision with its white horses and evergreen garlands. Snow begins to fall in gentle, flakes that catch in my eyelashes.
"Perfect timing," Emily says, looking skyward. "As if the weather got your memo."
We climb into the carriage, my dress carefully arranged around me. My mother takes my hand, her eyes shining.
"Are you nervous?" she asks.
I think about it honestly for a moment. "No," I say, surprising myself with how true it is. "Not even a little bit."
The carriage begins to move, bells jingling softly on the horses' harnesses. Through the trees, I can see the ceremony site—hundreds of twinkling lights, rows of guests bundled in formal winter attire, the floral arch where Bash waits.
As we round the final bend in the path, the string quartet begins to play. Everyone rises, turning to watch our approach. But I only have eyes for one person.
Bash stands tall under the arch, snowflakes catching in his hair. When he sees me, his face transforms with such naked adoration that tears spring to my eyes again. Tyler stands beside him, grinning broadly, and gives him a supportive clap on the shoulder.
Emily and Lily are standing on the opposite side already. Both gorgeous in their steel blue dresses and cream-colored coats, holding their bouquets.
The carriage stops. My father helps me down, careful of my dress in the snow.
"Last chance to run," he jokes quietly.
I smile, eyes locked with Bash's across the distance between us.
"The only place I'm running is toward him."
