An Exchange

Chapter Seventy - Life

Hailey

My parents and sister were so excited to meet the infamous Giles. As we waited at the airport for his visit, I chewed on my nail. Several months had passed since I last saw him, and now he was meeting my family.

His curls appeared above a group heading though the gate. I gasped, pushing through the crowd. My sister stayed right on my heel.

"Giles!"

He looked up and, despite dark, puffy eyes and his slouch, he grinned. He surge forward. Passing though the security gate, he dropped his bags and wrapped me in his arms.

"I missed you."

I giggled, all giddy.

Tam tapped his shoulder. "I'm more important than her right no. You need to impress me."

I slapped her arm. "Giles, my obnoxious sister, Tam. Tam, Giles."

He offered her his hand. "If I was showered, fed, and had a decent night's sleep, I'd be able to dazzle you, but unfortunately, I'm lacking all three."

A crooked smile grew on her face. "Well, you kind of sound like Hailey, so that's a start."

Giles' visit with my family went perfectly. He got along with everyone, and received the perfect amount of threats about not treating me right. The best part was ending every day with a kiss.

Several months later, my visa finally went through. My parents and I rushed straight over, getting as much done to prepare for the wedding as quickly as possible. I love that both the Taylor's and the Hamilton's enjoyed spending time with my parents, and Sarah and Tam got along brilliantly.

The only one missing was Jonas.

"He's pretty upset about not being here too," Giles said as we sat on the bonnet of his car in our special place. "He sent me a letter demanding we wait for him to come back, but I've waited this long, so I'm not waiting another moment."

"That boy," I said, laughing. "But I do wish he could be here. He kinda is our third wheel."

Giles chuckled. "He really pushed for this from the second I noticed you."

I nuzzled against his shoulder. "And here we are."

He kissed the top of my head.

Three days later, we entered the temple together and married for eternity. I'd never felt happier as we held hands and promised forever to each other. Giles had never looked more handsome than when he looked into my eyes and smiled. His kiss had never been so sweet.

At the reception, we had speeches, but then Jonas was announced as the best man. I glanced to Giles, confused, as Alma stood and opened a letter.

Alma chuckled as he began:

I might not be there to be the best man, but I am and always will be. Giles has always been like a brother to me, and Hailey became my sister the second she walked into my life. I watched them as their friendship grew, usually in very frustrating ways as Giles pined and Hailey pranced around blissfully ignorant...

Everyone laughed. I blushed, causing Giles to squeeze my hand while he grinned.

But to see the end up together was one of the best days of my life.

Tears welled in my eyes.

My two favorite people, together forever. More than anything I wish I could be there today, but because of Giles' example to me, I know I'm where I'm meant to be. Hailey and Giles have made more impact on my life than anyone else... sorry Mom and Dad.