Page 47 of Own

“Okay, yes.” My heart fills as I fully let myself accept that the life I dreamed of as a little girl is coming to fruition, and that sometimes good things do happen to people who come from nothing.

Ella quickly sets up Chelsea’s tablet on a table in the center of everything as we get ready, and she offers an opinion on how to do my hair by weaving flowers into the long braid down my back as it connects to the crown.

Just as Ella zips up the back of the dress, there’s a light knock on the door. “Come in!” she calls out, and Theias walks in with Nate, who looks so handsome in his black suit with a shirt in the color of my dress.

“Everyone matches,” I whisper.

“Little man has a question for you,” Theias says, encouraging the young boy to step forward, revealing a bouquet of white roses from behind his back and handing them to me.

He clears his throat. I’ve never seen Nate quite so nervous before. “Since Scar is being the flower girl, I was hoping you’d let me walk you down the aisle to Dad?”

Our eyes meet, and the love and hope shining there is the greatest gift this boy could ever give to me. “Yes.” It’s the easiest yes I’ve ever said. Well, second to agreeing to marry Cato.

Nate’s smile is huge, showing off his pearly white teeth and dimples as he leans forward to kiss me on the cheek, whispering, “Thanks… Mom.” I’m speechless as he pulls back, only able to stare at him with tear-filled eyes once again. Breathing through it so I don’t ruin my makeup, he pats my shoulder with a knowing look and steps away so I can finish getting ready.

Still in the dark about the time and location of this wedding, because as far as I know Cato isn’t back yet, I don’t let the unknown dull my excitement. After we finish helping Scarlett with her hair—a braid like mine—Ella and Theias lead us downstairs and out to the backyard, transformed into a beautiful ceremonial space.

At the end of a cream-colored velvet carpet looms a beautiful arch woven with delicate flowers and trailing vines, surrounded by the soft glow of fairy lights. It’s our own little midnight fairytale, like the perfect place to begin our forever.

A tug on my hand captures my attention, and I glance down at Scarlett. “We have to go. Daddy will be here soon, and he can’t see you yet.” Excited, she dances on her feet as she drags me away to a room with Ella and Nate following along.

“I’ll take this,” Theias says, accepting the tablet Ella hands him, with Chelsea waiting eagerly to watch the ceremony unfold.

Being enclosed in the room, unaware of what’s happening outside or where Cato is, would normally leave me anxious. Feeling excited for the unknown is foreign to me, but I don’t mind it.

“Is Cato here?” I ask. Nobody has mentioned him yet.

“Oh yes,” Ella says. “And he’s eager to see you. It took some convincing to keep him out of the room.” She seems entertained by this.

When the door opens and Nate appears, we stand up. “It’s time!” he shouts.

At her brother’s announcement, Scarlett jumps in elation. My belly erupts with butterflies, but this time it’s a good sort of nervous.

“You two wait here,” Ella prompts. “I’ll get Scarlett going, then once I follow her, Nate, that’s when you and Hester come out. Okay?”

He nods, taking his job seriously as Ella and Scar leave.

Soft music plays, and I watch Nate stand in the doorway, waiting for our cue. “Our turn!” I’m startled and can feel sweat dripping down my exposed back. “Mom?” he asks when I don’t come forward.

Panic accelerates my heartbeat, and suddenly, I wonder who the hell I think I am. Every doubt and fear comes crashing down on me, and I grow lightheaded.

Nate rushes to me, holding my hands and my gaze as we breathe together. Who knew he’d be so good at this? “Are you backing out?”

His question jolts me because I hear the fear there. “Never,” I respond vehemently, settling him down as he nods and waits for me to pull myself together. “I’m okay.” Repeating those words in my head a few times brings me back to earth. “Let's get married,” I whisper, and his smile returns.

With Nate’s arm looped through mine, we walk out together, and for a moment, it all feels like a dream. Cato stands tall at the altar, his stoic face showing little emotion, but I can read it in his eyes, and this doesn’t feel real.

Sandra stands up, ready to officiate, and Cato’s friends are on their feet, prepared to witness us tie our lives together. Ella holds onto the tablet with Chelsea, who brushes tears from her eyes as she smiles so wide it must hurt.

Scarlett sways next to her father, throwing petals like confetti as Nate and I approach. It’s surreal and so unbelievably electric that once I stand in front of Cato, I can’t stop staring at him.

“God, you’re gorgeous, pretty girl.” His voice is hoarse, like he’s holding back.

I reach forward, half afraid he’ll disappear as my fingers grace his chest. “You’re a dream,” I say, suddenly feeling shy as everyone takes a seat.

Sandra begins speaking, her accent making the words sound more beautiful. She starts with a prayer for love and unity, then continues with a short, sweet story about watching her son fall in love for the first and second time, with his children, then the moment she knew I was his endgame.

Tears blur my vision as we recite our vows. Cato speaks clearly and confidently; I stutter and trip over my words, but I mean them more than any others I’ve ever spoken.