The Only Thing That Matters

Epilogue

  I watched as Madison dressed in her white gown. The hairdresser continued to put flowers in the little bouquet to the right of her hairstyle. I smiled as I looked at her in the mirror and she practically fell into tears.

 "Thank you... for everything," she cried. I took her hand and squeezed it. Kayden sat there, smiling at the both of us. I ran my hand through her curly blonde hair.

 "I wouldn't trade it for the world," I said. She smiled and fixed her veil into her hair. She took a step back and looked at her through the full length mirror. She put her hands over her mouth, trying to stop the tears from coming. I crept up behind her, putting my hands on her shoulder.

 "You look absolutely beautiful," I said. She glanced at me through the mirror. I could see excitement and fear plastered in her eyes and I patted her shoulder. "Hey, you can do this."

 She shook her head and turned to give me a hug. I tried to keep the tears from falling as she held me. I could feel her shoulders shake and I pulled her from my embrace. She looked at me curiously and I smiled, wiping a tear from her eyes. "You'll ruin your makeup."

 "It just seems all so surreal," she said. I nodded as she turned back around and finished wiping the tears from her eyes.

 "Are you ready to be Mrs. Darin Johnson?" I asked. She smiled through the mirror and nodded. She fixed a piece of her hair and then turned around, took a deep breath and grabbed the bridal bouquet from the hairdresser's hands. I glanced down at Kayden who was waiting patiently with the flower girl, Madison's niece, Amanda. I squeezed both of their shoulders' and they both smiled before getting set in the line.

 I turned and gave Madison one last squeeze before getting situated in line. In front of me stood five more bridesmaids and in front of them, Kayden and Amanda. The music started to play and I glanced behind me to give Madison a reassuring nod. The line slowly grew smaller as each member of the bridal party made their way down the aisle.

 I stepped into the aisle and made my way down, well aware of the eyes that were on me. I spotted Shane at the front and kept my eyes fixed on him. He smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile back. I finally made it to the front, falling in place behind everyone else, watching and waiting.

 Suddenly, the music changed and all heads turned to face the back of the church. Everyone stood as Madison came into view. I felt the tears fill my eyes as I watched my best friend make her way down the aisle. She looked absolutely stunning, more so than before. I wiped a tear that threatened to fall swiftly, hoping no one noticed before continuing to watch as Madison made her way down the aisle, handed off to her husband by her father, and grab Darin's hand.

 Even though I still had my differences with Darin, I couldn't help but feel happy for the two of them. They made each other happy and that was noticeable to anyone who was around them. I kind of felt guilty for all the mean things I had thought or said about them, secretly praying for their forgiveness as the preacher went on with the ceremony.

 "I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Darin Johnson," the preacher ended and the crowd erupted into applause. Darin pulled Madison in for a kiss and then turned to face each other. I clapped, making sure not to hurt the small bouquet that somewhat reflected the flowers that were in Madison's.

 The exited through the aisle, followed by the bridal party and then the crowd soon followed after. Madison left with Darin into their own personal vehicle and I waited for Darin and Kayden to exit the church. I spotted Kayden and waved her down. Her headband had already made its way down the back of her head. I sighed, shaking my head before kissing her forehead.