Finding my mum

27- will there be a wedding

It was Ashley and Chloe's wedding day. I had mixed feelings about it but I knew how much it meant to Chloe so I was putting my feelings to one side to make sure that she had the best day.

Ashley had stayed at his friends last night so it was just Chloe and I for her last night of freedom. I'd asked her what she wanted to do for it and all she wanted was a night in with me so I made sure I planned the best night including an early night not that we could sleep.

When I woke up Chloe was already awake.

Me: "here is the bride. You ready for today?"
Chloe: "morning to you too"
Me: "what's up?"
Chloe: "I'm fine"
Me: "do you want to try that again and make it more convincing?"
Chloe: "I don't know if I can do it"
Me: "hey, it's ok. You were so excited last night. What's happened?"
Chloe: "I know I was"
Me:"but"
Chloe: "what if we're not ready and it ends badly?"
Me: "if Ashley ever hurts you again like he has done then he should start running"
Chloe: "I know. I guess I've just been overthinking it all night"
Me: "I'm going to ask you three questions and whatever gets the more responses is what we're going to do"
Chloe: "ok"
Me: "question one what is your head telling you?"
Chloe: "marry Ashley"
Me: "question two what does your gut say?"
Chloe: "marry Ashley"
Me: "we've got a popular answer but I'm still going to ask question three what does your heart say?"
Chloe: "marry Ashley. Thanks my little princess. I know you're sixteen nearly seventeen but you'll always be my little princess"
Me: "I'd be upset if you ever stopped calling me your little princess. Now Queen Chloe we have a wedding to get you ready for. Go have a shower then I'll help you get ready"

When Chloe was in the shower, I checked my phone to find a message from Janette

Hope today goes well. Sorry we can't be there. I'll see you tomorrow

Thank you! Don't know who's more nervous out of us. I'll fill you in when I see you. Give Noah a hug from me.

Once Chloe had got out of the shower, I helped her with her hair and makeup then got ready. I went back to see if she needed any help with her dress. As soon as I walked in I nearly started crying like I'd done when we'd found it.

Me: "you're going to ruin my makeup"
Chloe: "how do I look?"
Me: "like a princess"
Chloe: "you ready to go?"

As soon as she asked the car arrived. I helped her downstairs and into the car. The car journey felt weird but I couldn't explain why. When we got to the church, I could tell that something was wrong.

Me: "you ready to get married?"
Chloe: "I know everything said to marry Ashley but I don't know"
Me: "it's normal to get butterflies but you have to listen to your heart, head and gut. That's how you know what to do"
Chloe: "you're right. I love you. I'm ready"
Me: "I love you too"

We walked up the church path and waited by the doors for the music to start. Once it began, I linked arms with Chloe and off we walked.

When Ashley saw us I could see him getting emotional and I couldn't blame him, Chloe looked incredible. I left Chloe standing next to Ashley and took my seat for the ceremony to begin.

As they got to making their vows I could feel myself getting emotional and when they'd finished I was a completely mess. When they were announced as husband and wife I ran up to them to hug them.

We had a mini reception party in the venue where Ashley had proposed. I was so happy for them. I had decided that I would do a speech but I could feel myself getting more nervous as it was approaching speech time.

Ashley; "and now I'd like to hand over to my daughter Ava who's prepared her own speech"
Me: "thank you! Well what can I say hey? Firstly thank you for coming I know how much it means to Ashley, Chloe and I to have you all here. When I first met Chloe and Ashley I was a shy six year old who had had people coming in and out of my life so I didn't have much hope. But I remember them taking me out for the first time and thinking to myself that it could work out and two years later it I was permanently living with them and the happiest I'd been in ages. No matter what's happened they've stuck by my side and I couldn't be more grateful to have two incredible people in my life. I definitely wouldn't be the person I am today without them. I love you both loads. Ashley and Chloe everyone"
Everyone: "Ashley and Chloe"
Chloe: "that was emotional. Love you my little princess"
Me: "love you too"

After the reception had died down, Ashley wanted to talk to me.

Ashley: "thanks for the speech and today"
Me: "I did it for Chloe, she deserved to have an incredible day."
Ashley: "I appreciate it"
Me: "this doesn't mean I've forgiven and forgotten what happened. If you ever hurt Chloe again then watch out"

In the distance I could hear Chloe calling us

Chloe: "there you are"
Me: "what's up?"
Chloe: "I wanted to dance with my husband and daughter but I couldn't find either of you"
Me: "we were just on our way back in."
Chloe: "everything ok?"
Me: "why wouldn't it be?"

After many hours of dancing, singing and partying we finally headed up to bed. I was seeing Janette tomorrow and needed some sleep. I said night to Chloe and Ashley who were in the room next to me then went to my own room to text Janette

They're officially married. I couldn't be happier for Chloe

What about Ashley? Do you want to talk about it tomorrow when we meet?

Only if it's ok with you? How's Noah?

Of course. He's asleep. He misses you

I miss him too. Tell him I'll see him soon and I'll see you tomorrow. I should try and sleep

See you tomorrow. Night

Night