Recollections

The Time We Did This Thing

The Time We Did This Thing

(song of the chapter: Can't Help Falling In Love // Haley Reinhart)

Erin's POV

*7 months later*

There's been a consistent trembling throughout my entire body since I've woken up this morning. Last night Austin and I couldn't stay the night together, just for the sake of the wedding tradition. We talked on the phone for an hour or so before Clayton swiped Austin's phone from him and disconnected our call.

We all stayed in the hotel where the wedding is being held, but Austin and his groomsmen were on the seventh floor and the bridesmaids and I stayed on the ninth.

Elena tried her best to keep things as traditional as possible for my last night as a bachelorette. But now that the morning of my wedding has arrived, the fun and games has dissipated. I'm a nervous wreck down to my core.

Austin and I have already moved into our two-story apartment in Florida. My new job at the wildlife preserve is everything I've hoped it would be. Austin suggested we have our wedding down in Florida, but I insisted it made more since for us to have it here where all of our family is.

A swift knock on the door rips me from my thoughts. "Who is it?" I ask Elena over my shoulder.

"Your father."

I wave him in and Elena closes the door behind him. 

My Mom is at my side making sure my the bodice of my dress is perfectly in tact. Dad walks to stand on the opposite side of me and they smile at each other. 

"Erin, wow honey, you look stunning." Dad beams proudly.

"Thanks Dad." My voice trembles.

Mom reaches towards him and gives his hand a gentle squeeze as his eyes begin to water. I observe how they interact and wonder how they managed to fall so carelessly out of love. The thought alone makes my heart beat harder. 

What about Austin and I? Will we make the same mistake? 

I turn away from my parents and face my maid of honor. "Elena," I whine.

Her eyes snap to my face and she can tell something's wrong. "What can I do?"

"I need him." 

"Erin," she gripes. "no, you'll see him in less than twenty minutes. Can't you wait? He isn't supposed to see you."

"Keep him on the other side of the door then. I need to speak to my groom. Now."

Elena directs her attention to my parents and tells them she needs them to clear the premises. They follow her instructions flawlessly and I wait patiently in the vacant room for Elena to return with her brother. 

Another knock hits the door and Elena pokes her head in. "He's here. No funny business. He cannot see you."

I nod in understanding.

Elena vanishes and I see Austin's hand slide between the opening of the door. Lacing my fingers with his, I sigh. "Baby?"

"What's wrong Erin?" There's a smile in his voice, as if he was expecting me to do something like this.

Careful not to stir the perfection of my hair, I rest my forehead against the door between us. "Love you." When my voice cracks, embarrassment washes over me.  

"Are you worried?" Concern laces his tone and guilt hits me.

The need to reassure him takes over. "I'm nervous but I'm one hundred percent confident in my groom selection."