The day had finally come. I stood at the end of the aisle, my palms damp and my heart thudding like a drum in my chest. The room was filled with the low hum of conversations, friends and family exchanging smiles and nods. It was surreal seeing everyone here—teammates in suits, family with eyes already glistening. The warmth of it all made my nerves fade, if only a little.
Patrick, of all people, stood at the front officiating, wearing a formal black suit and a tie that was slightly crooked. He met my eyes and gave me an encouraging nod. It was bizarre seeing him in this role after everything—the chaos, the doubts, the jokes—but he looked confident, ready to guide us through this moment.
I took a deep breath and looked down the aisle. Isiah appeared, and the world seemed to narrow down to just him. His face, a mix of joy and nervous excitement, mirrored how I felt. As he walked toward me, my chest tightened with emotion. Each step he took felt like a lifetime, like we were crossing from one chapter into the next.
“All right, everyone,” Patrick’s voice boomed, bringing us back to the room filled with friends, teammates, and whispers of excitement. “We’re gathered here today to witness a promise—a promise built on love, resilience, and a whole lot of shared stories.”
I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. I stole a glance at the crowd and caught Carson sitting in the front row. He bounced in his seat, eyes wide with excitement, muttering something that sounded like, “Alligator!” I bit back a laugh. Carson’s wild energy was just part of who we were—a reminder that family came in all forms.
Patrick continued, his tone softening as he spoke about commitment and love. I felt Isiah’s hand reach for mine, fingers intertwining and squeezing just enough to steady me. When it was time for the vows, the room fell silent, a collective breath held.
“You may now kiss your husband,” Patrick finally said, his voice steady.
I leaned in, feeling the warmth of Isiah’s breath before our lips met. The room erupted—cheers, applause, laughter. I heard Carson shout “Alligator!” one last time, and this time, no one tried to quiet him.
Pulling back, I looked into Isiah’s eyes, both of us smiling through tears. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was a testament to every struggle and every moment we’d fought for. And as I stood there, surrounded by people who’d been part of our journey, I knew we were exactly where we were meant to be.
