by Lara Wynter
But today is all about Julie and Adam. I turn to the minister as he reads through the vows. In my heart, I repeat the sentiments that Willow and I will soon share. My father has agreed to walk Willow down the aisle when the time comes. Sadly, she was too late to meet her own father again in this life. But between us, we have a family at last. I have my dad, now like a father to Willow. And Willow’s Mom, who has come to love me like her own child.
Willow’s parents never had any more children. They never got over the heartbreak of losing her at such a young age. I think they both blamed themselves for something that wasn't their fault. At least now, the healing has begun.
I watch as Julie and Adam kiss each other deeply. As soon as they head back down the aisle to greet their guests, I step forward and take Willow’s hand in mine. She looks beautiful in a blue bridesmaid’s dress. It hugs her curves in a way I’m all in favor of.
I tuck a lock of red-gold curls behind her ear. Bending down, I whisper, “Soon it will be our turn.” A delicate shiver runs through her whole body and I grin.
She stands on tip-toes so she can whisper in return. “Not soon enough, rock star.” She nips my earlobe, and I pull back in surprise.
I grin. “Come here, gorgeous.” I pull her in close and kiss her deeply, not caring if anyone is watching. “There. Now we're married.”
Willow giggles. “I think your dad and my mom might be a little disappointed when we tell them we don’t need the wedding anymore.”
I fake a dramatic sigh. “I guess you’re right. I’m not sure if I can wait another two weeks to make it official.”
Willow takes my hand in hers. “You’ll just have to suck it up. Your bandmates already made me promise we wouldn't elope. They want to party with us.”
I chuckle. “They know me too well. We’re all dressed up. We could be in Vegas in a few hours.”
Willow slaps my arm. “I’m not getting married in Vegas with some Elvis impersonator.”
I trace my fingers along her collarbone and whisper, “Not even if it means that our wedding night could be tonight?”
I take delight in the pretty blush that flushes her soft skin.
“Stop it, you.”
I laugh and pull her in against my side. “Alright then, you win. Let's go and get our photo taken and perform our bridal duties for the happy couple.”
Hand in hand, we walk down the aisle, no one paying us the slightest bit of attention. Today may not be our special day. But every day with Willow is another day my heart is full.
Epilogue
I peer around the heavy curtain. The audience is still taking their seats. My eyes land on Joss sitting proudly beside our parents in the front row. Beside them, a huge smile on her lined face, sits Madame, my old dance teacher. Even Heather and Peter, who rescued me from their front yard, are here for me tonight. I am truly blessed.
When they offered Joss box seats, he politely declined, saying he wanted to be front and center when I take to the stage for my public debut.
I shake out my hands. Can this really be happening? My life since marrying Joss has been like a fairytale. Our Cinderella story. A little offbeat, I’ll admit, but worth waiting twenty-two years for. Tonight my nerves are the good kind. I won’t be dancing the lead in this modern ballet, but that’s okay. I’m just happy I have the chance to fulfill my lifelong dream of performing in front of a real audience. That I can choose my own path in the world.
I even managed to put Rudy’s money to good use. I have a foundation for children too poor to afford dance lessons, ballet shoes, or dance trips. It’s called the MIA Foundation. I’ve even been able to give lessons here in California, where we now live.
I take my place in the line of dancers on the stage. Nervous excitement flows through the line as we adopt forth position pose and pause. The curtain opens and the music starts. Breathing in deeply, I glide up like a swan ready to take flight.
I am Willow.
I am alive.
I am free.
The End.
About the Author
Lara Wynter is an Australian writer who writes clean romance and young adult fiction. She still believes in true love and happy endings.
Lara lives in Tasmania with her family, having moved to the island state in 2013. The stunning coastline and beautiful forests inspired her to set part of her series The Alora Chronicles here.
In her spare time, she enjoys wandering through national parks and chasing waterfalls with her family.
You can follow me here;
https://www.amazon.com/Lara-Wynter/e/B076FPJ23K/
Also by Lara Wynter
Contemporary Romance Books
The Band Series
Infuse — Finn and Autumn
Ignite — Wes and Jemma
Inspire — Sophie and Hunter
Intend — Ryan and Misty
Band on the Run
Chasing Forever — Joss and Willow
Infuse
YA Fantasy Books
The Alora Chronicles
Awaken
Until I Sleep
Within the Dream
When Dreaming Ends
Of Flames and Ashes
The Alora Chronicles
Afterword
As always thanks to my author friends and beta readers who helped me fix some of the problems with my story. Patricia Bell - thank you for all your editing work.
Also, thank you to the readers. If you passed a pleasant few hours reading, then I’m happy.
To the light that shines in the darkness - may your light shine everywhere.
If you enjoyed the story, I hope you consider leaving a review, it helps other readers find out if this might be a book they would enjoy.
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