The Seven Stages of Happily Ever After

Three

A warm, June breeze blows through my bedroom window, as Mom, Izzy and Sara help me into my wedding gown. Once Izzy zips it, she clasps her hands in excitement.

"You're radiant, Em." She whispers, squeezing my hand.

I look over my dress in the mirror, my reflection mirroring the happiness inside of me.

I'm getting married today, and everything is perfect, so far.

I have had the most amazing six months planning it. It's at the farmhouse, out in the backyard, reception under a big tent.

When I went to get my dress, I found one even more perfect than the one I'd found last time. A princess gown, with lace detailing, and I'm wearing sandals because I want to ensure I won't fall before I reach Luke.

I am absolutely in love and am marrying the perfect man, who loves me and understands me wholly.

And I have absolutely no doubts.

I am happy.

"Oh Tesoro," Sara coos, brushing my hair over my shoulder, placing both hands on my shoulders and kissing both of my cheeks. "You look beautiful."

I smile back at her, gripping one of her hands in mine. "Thank you," I whisper, my heart warming knowing this is the family I get to legally call mine in fifteen minutes.

"This dress is so much better," Cat comments, earning a hit in the ribs from Sofia, making me and Izzy laugh.

Mom nods, wiping her tears, "Yes, it's so much better."

I turn, smiling at her and gripping her hand in my free one. "It is." I reply, knowing she means this wedding, because of whoI'm marrying. Everyone bustles around, making sure their dresses, makeup and hair are right, and I watch the chaos, a small smile on my face. In the wedding party, we have ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen, consisting of Matt and Rachel, Leo, the Mendez siblings, Rossi siblings, and Jonah and Luke's childhood best friend and Jonah's brother, Josh and a cousin he was close to growing up. I wouldn't want to be surrounded by any other people on this day than them.

"Alright," Izzy claps her hands, my co-leader in everything, and no different today as wedding coordinator. "Let's get into the hall,"

Everyone bustles out, kissing my cheek or hugging me as they pass, wishing me good luck and telling me not to trip. I grin after them, feeling my heart fill with happiness.

They are as happy as I am, and their smiles are as bright as mine is.

I am happy and so is my family.

Mom squeezes my shoulders, "Dad will be here in a minute, take a minute and breathe." She smiles at me in the mirror, before kissing my cheek and walking out, closing the door gently behind her. I smooth out my dress, staring at myself in the mirror.

I am glowing, and excited.

A knock on the door startles me, and I smile, turning and expecting my Dad to walk into my childhood room. I know this is about to be emotional, and for the right reasons this time. My heart stops when the last person I expected to see walks through the door.

"What are you doing?" I ask in a hushed whisper, glancing behind him to ensure no one's about to conk him over the head for coming in here.

Luke stops when he sees me, exhaling a small breath as he leans back to look at me. "Em," He breathes my name as though I've taken his breath away. "You look beautiful."

I feel a sudden nervous energy race through my veins as he looks me over, his face showing awe. I didn't expect this reaction, and suddenly, I'm grateful I got to have this private moment with him. No camera flashing, no one aweing or gawking at us.