how we met / / a.i.

Chapter Twenty Eight.

The wedding was just a few days later, last minute things rushing to get through in time for the big event. My dress, although we had done fitting months ago, wasn't ready for me.

Which lead to my mom losing her shit, almost screaming at the bridal shop, demanding the dress be done by the morning of. Luckily, they abided and had my dress delivered at the venue.

The day of was a lot of running and zipping around for final touches, my job being to keep everything in order as maid of honor. Despite me not going to any of the events, I was still her maid of honor.

I had the privilege of getting dressed in the room with my mom, my eyes being the first to see her all dolled up in her beautiful dress. The sight brought tears to my eyes, my hand cupping over my mouth as I stared at my mother. The dress hugged every curve of her body perfectly, making her appear a lot younger than what she truly was. I sniffled, stepping up and wrapping my arms carefully around her.

Her chuckles vibrated my chest as I tightened my arms slightly. It was hard, going from when it was just her and I to now growing our family. It was something that was just now hitting me.

Yet, I was so glad, so glad. It lead me to the boy I was in love with, the boy who lit me up. The circumstances weren't perfect, but if there's one thing my mother taught me was love is messy and unexpected. Now, here we were, getting ready for her to express her love and devotion to Dustin, a man that lit her up.

Guess we have a thing for Irwin men.

Someone gently knocked, a voice calling out to tell us it was time to make our way down to the entrance. She gave me a nervous smile, her hands almost shaking. "I-I-I'm scared, Mel. What if it doesn't work?"

"What if it does?" I responded quietly, her eyes finding mine before she took a deep breath. My words seemed to be enough, her hands grabbing her dress and lifting it before we made our way out and down the stairs.

I carefully held the back of her dress, us carefully maneuvering down the windy staircase with a smile. When we got down, I gently sat her dress down, rushing to my place at the beginning of the line.

I smiled when my eyes met Ashton's, my arm linking with his as we straightened up our posture. The doors were opened, everyone waiting in the chapel turned as they seen us.

I smiled at a few relatives I seen, mainly keeping my eyes on where I was going before me and Ashton broke apart to line up on the podium. When my mother reached the door, everyone stood, staring back as my grandfather walked her down the aisle.

I could tell just from how hard Dustin was trying to hold it together at the sight of her, another sign that they were meant for one another. I was so grateful she found her person.

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, and their vows were so heartfelt that I shedded a few tears at it. Which I will deny if anyone calls me out.

We all made our way to the reception, my nerves bubbling over as the time grew closer for my speech. Ashton was up first, so I watched with amusement in my eyes at how nervous he seemed. Knowing he was nervous too, made me a little less nervous.

"Well, I don't know how to start speeches so I'll just skip to the good part." Everyone, including myself, chuckled at him which seemed to make him a little more confident. "Dad, Jessica, I can't tell you just happy I am for you two. You've both found something that some of us only get to dream about, you lucky little shits." My mom sent Ashton a warning glance as everyone chuckled, him included.

"Sorry, had to slip that in there. But, seriously, I'm so happy that my dad has found his person, something I can never thank Jessica for. You've brought back the side of him that I thought was gone forever and I can only wish you two both a love that lasts forever." He raised his glass, all of us doing the same before taking a sip. He stepped down, my mother looking over at me before I stood and made my way over to the tiny stage area.