Heal My Heart

W e d d i n g & E p i l o u g e

"Is this everything you imagined it to be?"

"And more," I reminded him.

Rhylie laughed and then groaned. "What?" I asked looking back at him.

He was supposed to be helping me get ready. Bailey had run out to stop Kingsley from getting into the cake. "Connor--he's down there causing trouble. I can tell."

"Oh?"

"Yeah oh. But whatever. If he gets punched he gets punched." He ran his fingers through My tresses and smiled. "I can't believe you're getting married."

"Me neither." I stared at the suit. It was simple, white, and I looked older wearing it. I was twenty now, after all. "What time is it?"

"Do you really want to know?"

"Is it completely horrible that I'm scared?" I asked in a whisper. "I love Scott. We've been together for years... Why am I afraid?"

"Because it's a huge commitment," replied Rhylie easily. "But I know that you and Scott are in it for the long haul. You'll love a good life together. And, I suppose, I should be glad things went the way they did with Connor."

"Wow." I speculated briefly on what my life would have looked like but stopped myself. There was no way to know and no reason to want to. "I think we ended up with those we were destined to be with."

"Ready?"

"So it is time." I gulped quietly.

"Yes. Come on."

He held my hand comfortingly as we went down the stairs. Scott told me could get married anywhere in the world but I wanted to do it at home.

The crowd was surprisingly intimidating. I knew all these people--or at least most of them. It never seemed like many in paper but seeing them in those white chairs made it a dizzying reality. Bailey had appeared--he was my best man. Ironically enough Scott had selected Kyle. Bailey took my elbow--Scott had already walked up. My face burned as walked.

The emotion was indescribable: fear, excitement, joy, sadness... "You look so good," Bailey whispered regretfully. "I wish I could have stayed."

"You're here now."

Feeling all the eyes on me was intimidating. It only took one look from Scott for it all to melt away. Connor caught me eye on the side. He was holding Rhylie's had with a glass of champagne in the other--we hadn't served yet so I assumed he came prepared with his own. He winked at me and Rhylie hit him hard in the shoulder. "Careful! I almost spilled my drink," Connor growled lowly.

I passed them and faced off at Scott. He was wearing a sharp black suit and a white tie. He smiled warmly and the justice of the peace began the ceremony.

We repeated the lines we were given and, to my amazement, didn't trip over a single one. "And now Scott would like to add something."

My eyes widened and laid he took my hands. His eyes bore into mine. "Charlie I can't describe properly how much I love you. But I can assure you that I will cherish every moment we spend together. At one point I thought I'd never find love again--but you healed my heart."

"I love you Scott."

"And I love you Charlie."

***

The reception was held at the country club.

The pool was an unfortunate reminder but Scott and I found humor in it. Scott and I went around, thanking people. Bailey was off preparing something while Kyle kept Kingsley away from the refreshments and various treats laid out pre-meal.