Adopted by Kiandrea-Kian Lawley/Andrea Russet fanfic

Chapter 60 *Epilogue*

Today was my wedding day.

Ryan proposed when he was 17 and we got married when I was 18. People didn't think we'd make it this far, but we both love each other.

Mom was panicking and running around to get things done. She was also my maid of honor. Jenn and Alexis G. Zall were my bridesmaids.

Mom was fussing over my hair when I turned around and grabbed her hands.

"Mom, it'll all be okay."

She sighed, "I know, I just can't believe this day is here."

Just then Dad came into the room. 

"Hey Rainster, it's time."

Alice was 4 now so she was my flower girl. She went first and Mom, Jenn, and Alexis followed. Dad took my arm and smiled at me. 

"Ready?" he asked. I could see the tears in his eyes. 

I nodded and hugged him. "Remember Dad, I'll always be your rainster."

He nodded and smiled.

The music started and two people pulled the two doors open and we stepped into the church.

Flashbacks started filling my mind. My life at the orphanage. Mom and Dad adopting me. Meeting the guys. Going to public school. Spraying my teacher with silly string; Dad by my side. Shopping with Mom and Jenn. Meeting my birth mom. Hanging out with friends. 

The last seven years of my life ran through my head as I walked down the aisle toward my future. This is what I wanted, right? No, I can't second guess myself. I love him. 

Dad placed my hand in Ryan's and I saw his eyes brimming with tears. At that point I realized I had been crying as well. 

"We have gathered here today to witness the uniting in holy matrimony Rainy Alexandria Lawley and Ryan Justin Summers...." I zoned out for most of this. I couldn't help thinking, Is this who I want to spend my life with? Am I making the right choice? 

I came back to reality when I heard Ryan say, "I do."

"Rainy Alexandria Lawley. Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, through sickness and in health, for rich or for poor, as long as you both shall live?" 

I hesitated. I've been "in love" with this boy for nearly four years now; but did I love him enough to marry him? 

"I-I-I don't. I'm so sorry," I said as I threw the veil off my head and ran back down the aisle. I heard the shocked gasps as I made my way down. Footsteps started behind me as soon as I stepped foot off the platform. I threw my shoes off as I went. 

I went back into the dressing room and burst into tears. I had forced myself to believe that I loved this man. When, in reality, sure I loved him. But I wasn't in love with him. Mom and Dad came barreling in, Mom carrying Alice on her hip.

I threw my arms around Dad's neck and hugged him. I saw Mom nod and make her way out of the room. 

"What's wrong sweetheart?" he asked. I sighed.

"I'm not in love with him. And I don't think I ever could be. He just isn't the one. I've forced myself into an illusion Dad." I sobbed into his shoulder. 

He unwrapped my arms and held my wrists. "Hey, hey, look at me. It's okay. I'm proud of you."

I sniffled, "Really?"

He nodded, "Really. You having following your heart in front of all those people takes a lot of guts. A lot of people end up living unhappy lives because they didn't have the courage to do what you just did."

I nodded, "Okay."

*****

So yes, I didn't end up getting married. But that's okay. I followed my heart. And in the end, that's all that really matters.