Raising Hope (Sequel to Slender, the Match-Making Game)

Chapter 1

I sighed and fixed my hair. I let out a few tears, but that's all I had. Nothing else was left. They had started as tears of sadness, but these weren't the same. These were tears of joy. Had my father been mad? Of course, but he eventually settled down and accepted it. HE even admitted he was excited to be a grandparent. 

Now was the day, the day I'd been waiting for. All the stress, all the pain, it suddenly didn't matter. Today was my last day as Ms. Tabithia. It was the day of my wedding. All of it had led up to this day.

My dress was long, with a train. It was traditional white, but with blue beads and curling blue vines covering the bodice. The vines trailed down my sides and along the edges of my train. We'd chosen to get married outside today. Luckily, it hadn't rained. It was perfect, warm despite being fall.

MY dad stood stiffly beside me. He was just as nervous as me, which was odd. In fact, I could've sworn he had cried. That was something new. My dad almost never cried. He linked his arm in mine as the music started. First went the flower girls, little cousins of mine.

Then junior bridesmaid and groomsman. My heart sped up as it got closer to my time to go. Last went the maid of honor, my sister Lila. She was out on parole, allowing her to attend my wedding. She was walking beside Gabe, the best man. Suddenly the music changed, and the priest told everyone to rise.

I took in a shaky breath and stepped out of the house. It was the cabin the reception would be in, the backyard leading to a gazebo under a maple tree. Everyone turned to look at me as I stepped out. My heart pounded so hard I could've sworn everyone could hear it. I struggled not to cry. I wouldn't cry, not on my wedding day. I've already had to reapply my makeup twice.

There, standing in the gazebo with the priest, was my soon-to-be-husband. Toby. He smiled as he looked at me, our eyes meeting. Suddenly, nothing mattered. None of the people mattered, my nervousness disappeared. All that mattered was the love of my life, the man standing before me. 

I couldn't wait to get up there with him. I was a little surprised when my father's arm slipped from mine. I hadn't realized we were already at the gazebo. I stepped up in front of Toby, smiling. He returned the smile.

I waited impatiently as the priest went through the usual thing. Then we got around to the vows.

I'm not gonna cry.

I'm not gonna cry. 

I'm not gonna fucking cry.

As soon as Toby began to speak, I burst into tears. I tried to hold them back and compose myself, but there was no helping it. I calmed myself down when we got to my vows. I shakily said the first line, but I gained confidence as we went. I looked into his hazel eyes and felt instantly calm. He would always be there for me.

"You may now kiss the bride," I barely heard the priest say.

Toby smiled and leaned down, his soft lips kissing mine. We held it for a minute, then broke away. Cheers roared around us. Both of our mothers wept, and my sister squealed. Yes, my badass jailbird sister squealed.

"What do you say we go cut some cake, Mrs. Turner?" Toby teased.

"I'd love to, Mr. Turner," I replied dreamily.

We walked back into the cabin, cutting the cake. I smashed it into his face. The perfect end to the perfect day. Everything about this day was magical. Just beautiful. We all settled down and prepared ourselves for the slow dances. Toby took my hand and led me out onto the floor.

A song came on, and I almost cried. It was With Arms Wide Open by Creed. I buried my face in his shoulder and cried again, loving every moment. He hummed along, holding me close and swaying with the music. I listened to his heartbeat and let myself fall under his spell. 

We danced, song after song. Another favorite of mine was I'll Be by Edward McCain. It was just so sweet. I danced with so many people, laughing as Cupid Shuffle came on. This was my song. I may have been pregnant, but I could still dance.

The party didn't die down until about five in the morning. Tabithia's knew how to party, that was for sure. We finally got everyone to go home, then walked up to our room. I got dressed in a nightgown and sat in front of y mirror. I winced, pulling out bobby pins. Toby chuckled and rubbed my shoulders, down to his button-up shirt and boxers.

He leaned down and kissed the top of my head. Then he traced his lsip down to my cheek, then to my ear. He nuzzled the crook of my neck and looked at me in the mirror.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured.

I smiled and reached behind me, playfully ruffling his hair. He chuckled and picked me up, swinging me through the air. He cradled me, walking me over to the bed. I giggled as he set me down. He got under the covers with me and propped himself up on his elbow. He twirled a lock of my hair, smiling sweetly. He pecked me on the lips.

"Good night, Mrs. turner," he mumbled.

"G'night, Mr. Turner," I sighed happily.

I laid down and snuggled up close to him. A perfect ending. I fell asleep in his arms, my back to his chest. His breathing lulled me to slumber.

~*~

Oh my gosh SO SHORT!! but I just wanted to get it up, I was too excited to wait! By the way, the songs are personal favorites of mine. I'd suggest listening to them. Anyways, I'm just too impatient to wait anymore! It may be crappy, but I don't care at the moment. I promise the next one will be much better and longer. I swear!