Aching for Adam

Chapter 24

Although the wedding ceremony had been pretty dull and over quite quickly, the moment Adam and I said our vows was everything. It wasn't anything complicated—we simply vowed to love each other, never leave each other, and be what the other needed us to be at every step of our journey together. It was all that needed to be said. We didn't have rings, so it truly was just about the symbolism, and the promise we wanted to make to each other.

We had all shed a few tears, including Suzie, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment to marry the man I loved more than life itself.

A few weeks passed, and things were settling back into a rhythm—well, as normal as they could be with a new house and a baby on the way. We were preparing as best we could, and my parents were there every step of the way, giving us the extra support we needed. Adam and I were stronger than ever, and we made one hell of a team. I relied on him just as much as he did on me, and we were so happy I could burst.

I stood in front of a beautiful gown in a bridal salon. Suzie held my hand, in awe of the dress before us—though it was far too flashy for me.

"Just try it on," she pleaded.

"Alright, just for you." I rolled my eyes. The gown was stunning, but with my baby bump just beginning to show, I didn't want to be an over-the-top bride.

But as I looked at myself in the mirror, I realized this was my gown. There was no need to try on another. This was it. I could feel it. Tears welled in my eyes as the consultant zipped it up and gave me a knowing smile. I stepped out to show Suzie.

"Oh. My. God. This is it. This is the gown. It's perfect. Tell me you love it." Her jaw dropped, and I knew she was being perfectly honest.

I just nodded, and as she met my eyes, she understood. She hugged me with a high-pitched squeal. Just then, Tam came running over. "Hey, Elle, I found this dress over there, and I—oh my god. Shut the front door. That dress!" She tossed the one she'd been holding onto the couch and continued, "Forget what I said. This is the one, isn't it?"

I smiled and nodded, and just like that, I was officially ready to marry Adam. Again.

The wedding day finally arrived, and though I'd worried I wouldn't fit into the dress, it slid on like a glove. People often said they felt jitters or cold feet on their wedding day, but I felt completely calm, at peace. I placed a hand on my stomach as I waited for my cue and whispered, "Let's do it, baby."

I walked out, and everything fell into place. We had chosen an outdoor venue, and while the setting was breathtaking, my eyes settled on one thing—on one person—only.

There he was, standing tall in a crisp suit, his hair a little disheveled, just the way I liked it. And his eyes. My god, that man's eyes—they saw through me without even trying. Right now, his bright green gaze locked on me, shining as he mouthed the words, You're beautiful.

I made my way to him, and he took my hand. This was the best day of my life, and as we stared into each other's eyes, a thousand words were spoken without a sound.

The ceremony was wonderful but passed in a blur; I barely blinked, and it was over. Soon, we were swept into the reception area to greet our guests.

As we thanked each guest for coming, a woman in a light grey dress approached, and I froze. It was Danielle. 

Adam's parents. They were here. And we hadn't invited them.

I squeezed his hand, and when he looked up, he followed my gaze.

"Excuse us," he said to the guests we'd been speaking with.

He towed me by the hand as we made our way toward them.

"What are you doing here?" Adam asked in a calm voice, his eyes darting around to make sure no other guests could hear.

Danielle raised her hands and forced a smile. "We're not here to cause any trouble," she said. "We just want to be part of our son's special day." Adam frowned.

Danielle turned to me, and I held my breath. "Elle, I want to apologize for the things I said, and the way I treated you. I should have welcomed you back into the family instead. If you'll have us, we'd love to make amends, and be part of this day. And, of course, our grandchild's life." She took a deep breath, her eyes full of worry. She was being honest, and genuinely afraid of how we might react. A few feet away, Suzie smiled at me—unsurprised to see them. I guessed she might have had something to do with this.

"Danielle, Rob, enjoy the reception, and thank you for coming. I'll make sure you're invited to the baby shower, and our little munchkin will be lucky to have you as their grandparents." I wasn't ready to forgive her yet, but I wouldn't deny them the chance to be in my baby's life—or Adam's.

Danielle let out a long exhale, smiled, and walked into the reception area. I looked up at Adam, who gave me a grateful smile. Relief filled me. Peace was finally possible, and Adam could have his whole family be part of this special day.