The Missing Gem

50 | The Happy Ending

Lucas

As I turned around and looked at the sigh in front of me, I instantly felt my breath caught in my throat. I can't explain it, but if I had to, I'd say it was exactly how I felt when I saw Nicole walk inside Gems of the Heath on that cold, rainy autumn day.

The sight of her golden, sun kissed skin contrasting against the white dress that hugged her body perfectly and that I knew, it now carried my child inside, was enough to have my knees shaking and my skin to grow goosebumps.

It took me right back to when I looked at her for the very first time. Yeah, that was a good way to describe it. Because when it comes to Nicole and I, everything always is like the very first time. Every touch, every kiss, every look.

I was too lost in the moment to realize that she was already standing in front of me now, and it was only when her fingers touched my own that the electricity between us brought me back to reality and made me snap out of my daydream.

From the corner of my eye, I could see everyone taking their seats and then Trevor began.

"Hey everyone! We are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony."

This was it.

There it was, that look. Nicole looked at me and when our eyes met, I swear the Earth stopped spinning.

My turn was coming and the vows I had so carefully written overnight were now being read aloud.

"Nicole, I wish I could put into words how much you mean to me. How much my life changed because of you. But I'm not the amazing writer in our relationship, so I'll try my best. I remember the day we met like it was yesterday. I remember every little thing about it. It'll forever be imprinted in my memory. From that moment forward, I was never the same again. I am so glad we got to know each other and become friends because that led me to our adventure, our journey as a couple, and it led me to this moment. I am marrying my best friend and my soulmate and that is all anyone could ask for."

Goosebumps, buckling knees, sweaty hands, trembling voice, you name it... I experienced it all as I spoke. I was nervous but extremely happy nonetheless.

"I am the happiest man alive because of you. And I'm so unbelievably lucky because you chose to accept making me happy forever. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us, but I know that whatever that may be, I'll be okay because I'll have you by my side. I promise to be the best person I can be, the best husband and father that I can, in sickness and in health, in times of joy and times of sadness. I love you more than anything."

Nicole's smile at my words allowed me to release a breath I wasn't aware I was holding, and relief took over me. Now it was her turn.

"Lucas, my entire life I have been dreaming of this moment. I have been dreaming about the perfect guy, my prince charming, the one. The one that I would share my life with until my very last breath. For so long, I had given up on my happy ending. As you know, I believe in those, but heartbreak after heartbreak made it impossible for me to keep hope. Enter you... The guy who so kindly offered to take me home in the pouring rain, who had coffee with me, who always showed he believed in me and who showed me what it feels like to be loved. Your heart is your biggest quality and your kindness is unmatched. No one is perfect but... you're perfect to me. I promise to love and cherish you for as long as I live, and to do anything in my power to make you as happy as you make me."

I would have to look at the photographs they were taking of us to be totally sure, but I knew I looked like a fool, smiling from ear to ear at her words that truly touched my heart.