I rub my stomach, imagining a day when this sweet boy will be grown up. How I’ll tell him about his baby sister who’s an angel now, watching over him.
That she’ll be in our hearts forever.
“You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.” Naomi wipes at the corner of her eye.
When Aiden and I discussed our wedding, he wanted something for us to remember, and I couldn’t agree more. When we were at Taylor’s, we enjoyed our time in Long Island so much, we decided to find a place by the beach in the area.
And I’m thankful for this day.
Our wedding.
One with our closest friends and family. A wedding to Aiden, my true love. It’s what I always dreamed of.
“I can’t believe today’s finally come.” I watch Naomi in the mirror as she rests her chin on my shoulder. “I can’t tell you how many times I imagined this moment. The stars finally aligned.”
“As they usually do when something’s meant to be. Like you and Aiden.”
I place my hand on hers. “Thank you for everything.”
“I didn’t do anything but order flowers, book the venue, put together the menu, and some little things.”
“Yes, totally nothing.” I roll my eyes, then turn to hug her. “Have you been okay living alone?”
“Of course. I’ve been so busy planning your wedding during my free time that I haven’t noticed I even live alone.”
“Ouch,” I tease.
We both laugh, but my smile falls, concerned for her.
“I’m really fine.” She squeezes my hands. “I work so much I’m hardly there, anyway. I’m even thinking of getting a smaller place.”
I nod.
“How’s it been living with Aiden?”
“Perfect.” I sigh.
“Bitch.” She nudges my shoulder with hers. “Kidding. I’m really happy for you.”
“I hope…” I look down at our joined hands. “This day will come for you too, you know. You’ll find your person too and have your own happy ending. When I first moved to New York, I stopped believing in love, but it’s out there. It really is,” I whisper.
“I hope you’re right, but let’s not talk about me. It’s your day.”
The door cracks open, and Naomi’s mom, my aunt Ginger, steps inside. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but it’s time.”
I take deep breaths as excitement makes my body hum. “Let’s do this.”
I put my sandals on, and Naomi grabs my bouquet from the loveseat. She hands it to me, then leads the way out.
Guests of the hotel turn their heads toward me and smile as we walk toward the ceremony. I feel like a celebrity.
Once we reach the room where the wedding is being held, Westin and Jared stand by the double doors, as does Taylor. She’s wearing a matching dusty blue dress like Naomi’s. Taylor and I have grown even closer the last few months. She’s helped me transition into my new role as a publicist for CJJ.
I inherited most of Piper’s clients, but Taylor and Maya agreed to take over some as well, since I’ll be off for maternity leave in a few months. I’ll work from home a lot, but I’ll have my hands full with a newborn, so we agreed to keep my workload relatively light for the time being.
Which I’m more than happy with. I want to spend every minute I can with my son.
Westin, Jared, and Taylor turn toward us when Naomi and I approach them. Westin comes to me first and kisses my cheek. “You’re stunning. Aiden’s a lucky man.”
“That guy makes me want to kick his ass for being so lucky.” Jared smiles. “I’m happy for you two.” He wraps his arms around me, and I hug him back, laughing softly into his shoulder.
“You guys look great.” I grip their arms.
“I told you I look good in anything, but this gray suit was an excellent choice.” Jared tugs his jacket.
Westin throws his head back, groaning. “I swear, you get more and more arrogant and annoying every day.”
“Should’ve known Jock Stock’s success would do that to him.” Taylor laughs, giving me a hug. “You’re gorgeous, honey.”
“Thank you.”
Aiden’s parents come around the corner, and his mom covers her mouth. “Sage, my goodness, I’ll say it again—you’re an angel.”
I blush as she hugs me. “Thank you. And thank you for all your help and support during the planning and just… it means a lot.” Tears well in my eyes as I pull back.
She rubs my shoulders, her smile widening. “Sage, it’s my greatest joy to welcome you into our family, and this family?” She glances at her husband, then focuses again on me. “We’re there for each other, no matter what.”
A single tear falls, but it’s a happy one.
She was there to help me put my dress on, as were Mia and Avril. They turned music on, and Naomi and Taylor kept things light and fun.
My mom may not be here today, but it’s okay, because I have all the family I’ll ever need here with me. A family who accepts me as more than their son’s bride, but a welcomed daughter and sister too. Something I’ve never known and don’t take lightly.
The outpouring of love from the Baxters is something I know our son will grow up secure and happy because of.
When we’re in place, I stand to the side, and Westin opens the double doors. The soft melody starts slow. Taylor and Naomi both smile at me over their shoulders before they hook arms with the groomsmen.
Two-by-two, they walk down the aisle. I fight the urge to peek through the doors to find Aiden, but I wait. I wait for the big reveal.
When it’s my turn, I step into the spotlight, so to speak, and the guests stand to face me. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows reveal the ocean beyond. Flowers decorate the small space. Everything is stunning—something out of a wedding magazine.
But all I see is him.
His mouth falls open.
His dark hazel eyes focus only on me, following every step I take.
He watches me like I’m all he sees too. Like we’re the only two people in the room. His gaze is admiring. Proud. Loving.
And I know I’ll write many poems based on his gaze alone.
My heart races as I hand my bouquet to Naomi and get into position across from him. He immediately grabs hold of both my hands and starts to step forward but stops himself.
I smile because I have the urge to do the same—to hug and kiss him—but we have a ceremony to get through first.
The officiant welcomes the guests and reads a Bible verse to get started.
We repeat after him.
We each say, “I do,” and exchange rings.
My leg bounces as the anticipation grows until he says Aiden can finally kiss his bride.
And I kiss my husband like it’s been years since our previous one, instead of last night. I mold my mouth to his, returning his obvious love and devotion through this one kiss, as cheers erupt around us. For a small crowd, they’re loud, and it makes us both smile when we pull back to face them.
Aiden throws our joined hands in the air, which starts another round of cheers, and we make our way down the aisle.
Together, one hand in his and the other around my swollen belly, we pass our friends and family, our world.
When we reach the double doors, he stops us and cups my cheek with his free hand. His titanium wedding band is cold on my cheek, and it makes my heart skip a beat.
“Ready to do this, Mrs. Baxter?”
“If by this, you mean the rest of our lives together, then”—I stop less than an inch from his lips and whisper—“hell yeah.”
I kiss him, then turn to walk with him.
As we make our way to the reception, our hands still joined at our sides, our bond is without a doubt… forever unbreakable.
THE END
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Acknowledgments
Readers—thank you again for picking up this book. It was emotional for me write. I smiled, shed tears, and clutched my chest in joy as I wrote. This story was my first real attempt at an angsty romance with all the tension, heartache, and happily ever after, and I hope it’s one you found beauty in. I know this story will stay with me for a long time to come, and I hope it’ll be the same for you.
Readers, bloggers, and bookstagrammers—an endless thank you for reading and reviewing early copies of Unbreakable. I’m grateful for all your shares, kind words, and amazing contributions to making the book community what it is—a fun and safe space full of support, love, and encouragement.
To Corinne and The Salvation Society team—thank you for taking a chance on me to write in this world. A big thank you goes to Corinne for opening this amazing world to authors like myself, who’ve been fans for years. This experience is one I’ll always remember.
Bobbie Jo and Laurie—I appreciate you both so much for reading early drafts of this book and offering such helpful feedback. I’m so glad I was able to talk out plot points and characters with you both. You make this process so much easier.
Robby—thanks for always answering my questions and sending me insightful articles that offered me a glimpse of what it means to be in software development. It was vital when creating Aiden’s character. I’m grateful for your patience, assistance, and on top of all that, your friendship too.
Marion—I love that you challenge me to be a better writer and storyteller. Your feedback has made a tremendous positive impact on me, and I’m so happy we’ve been able to work together.
Marla—thanks for catching the little things that go beyond proofreading. I’m so glad to have you on my team!
Kandi—I had trouble writing the poems, and you guided me to dig deeper. To sit back and consider the flow and direction of each poem. You gave me a lot to consider, and I’m so thankful.
Chelle—The Salvation Society brought us together, and I’m so ecstatic to have met you. You’re there if I want to celebrate, to rant, to fantasize about beach vacations (we’ll take one eventually!). Thank you for your generosity, your humor, and your friendship. You make this author life less lonely and a lot more fun.
My mom—where do I begin? You find the beauty in everyone and everything, and there’s something significantly remarkable about that. I think it’s because of you that I’ve come to have a special appreciation for poetry. For being creative in general. You’re there when I need to talk. When I need to share my insecurities. You’ve cheered me on since day one, and for that… I’m eternally grateful.
To my husband, my number one fan—You believe in me. You’re proud of me. You show me what love is every day, and it’s the reason I can write about it. Being married to you has been my greatest joy, and I love and appreciate your faith in me. How you lift me up when I’m down. How you keep me moving forward so I don’t sink into the dark hole of doubt for too long. I’m strong because of you. I’m chasing after this author thing—a lifelong dream—because of the push you gave me years ago. For that and so many other things, thank you. Oh, and kudos for thinking up Jock Stock and answering all my questions. I love you, forever and always.
About the Author
Georgia Coffman is a contemporary romance author with a Master’s in Professional Writing. She loves books, the TV show Friends, and shopping. When she’s not doing any of the above, she and her husband enjoy working out, traveling, and playing with their two dogs. She loves to connect with readers!
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Unbreakable: A Salvation Society Novel Page 29
