CHAPTER 92: HATTIE THE END
CHAPTER 92: HATTIE THE END
A YEAR LATER
The morning of our wedding dawned soft and golden, the kind of light that makes everything look touched by magic. I woke to the sound of birds outside the window and the faint hum of voices drifting up from the yard below. My parents’ ranch in Idaho had never looked more beautiful—the rolling hills stretched out in every direction, the grass shimmering with dew, and the mountains in the distance painted in shades of lavender and blue. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting it sink in.
I’m getting married today. A year ago, I was in a hospital bed, holding our newborn daughter and wondering how life could ever feel more complete. And yet, somehow, it did. Maisie burst into the room before I could get too lost in my thoughts, her hair pinned up and her face glowing with excitement. “Rise and shine, bride! You’re getting married in—” she glanced at her phone “—four hours!” I laughed, sitting up. “Four hours? That’s plenty of time.” She gave me a look. “Not when you have hair, makeup, and a toddler who’s determined to steal the show.”
At the mention of Charlie, my heart swelled. Our little girl was the light of our lives—curious, fearless, and full of personality. She’d just turned one last month, and she was already walking, babbling, and charming everyone she met. Today, she was our flower girl, and I couldn’t wait to see her toddle down the aisle in her tiny champagne colored dress. The morning passed in a blur of laughter and soft music. My mom helped me into my champagne colored gown—a simple, flowing dress with lace sleeves and a low back that caught the sunlight when I moved. The fabric felt weightless, like it had been made just for me. When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. My hair was swept into loose curls and my makeup was soft and natural, just enough to make me feel like the best version of myself. Maisie stood behind me, her eyes shining. “You look like something out of a dream.” I smiled, my throat tightening. “It feels like one.”
Outside, the ranch had been transformed. Rows of wooden chairs faced a simple arch draped in wildflowers and greenery. Strings of lights hung from the trees, swaying gently in the breeze. The scent of lilacs and fresh hay filled the air, mingling with the faint sound of a guitar being tuned somewhere near the barn. Guests began to arrive, their laughter carrying across the open field. I peeked out the window and spotted Preston talking with his dad near the arch. He looked impossibly handsome in his navy suit, his hair slightly tousled, his smile easy and genuine. When he laughed, I felt my heart skip.
Even after everything—the sleepless nights, the chaos of new parenthood, the long road that had brought us here—he still made me feel like the luckiest woman in the world. “Ready?” my dad asked softly, stepping into the room. I turned to him, tears already threatening. “As I’ll ever be.” He smiled, offering his arm. “Let’s go get you married.” The music started—soft, slow, and familiar. The guests rose as we stepped out onto the path lined with wildflowers. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting everything in a warm, golden glow. And then I saw her—Charlie—standing at the start of the aisle, clutching her little basket of petals. Maisie crouched beside her, whispering encouragement. “Go on, sweetheart,” I heard her say. Charlie looked up, spotted Preston at the end of the aisle, and squealed with delight. “Dada!” The crowd laughed as she toddled forward, scattering petals in every direction—some on the ground, some in the air, one handful directly onto a guest’s lap. It was chaotic and perfect
When she reached Preston, he scooped her up, kissing her cheek before setting her down beside him. She clung to his pant leg, grinning proudly. And then it was my turn. As I walked down the aisle on my father’s arm, everything else faded away. The guests, the music, the soft rustle of the wind—it all blurred into the background. All I could see was Preston. His eyes met mine, and in that moment, I saw everything we’d been through reflected there—the heartbreak, the healing, the laughter, the love.
Every step I took brought me closer to him, to the life we’d built, to the future waiting just beyond this moment. When I reached him, my dad kissed my cheek and whispered, “He’s a good man.” “I know,” I whispered back. The ceremony was simple, heartfelt, and full of emotion. The officiant spoke about love as a choice, a promise renewed every day. Preston’s vows made me cry—his voice steady but thick with feeling as he promised to love me through every season, every storm, every quiet morning. When it was my turn, I could barely get the words out. “You’ve been my home since the moment I met you,” I said, my voice trembling. “You’ve seen me at my worst and loved me anyway. You’ve given me the greatest gift in the world—our daughter—and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life loving you both.” By the time we exchanged rings, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. When the officiant finally said, “You may kiss your bride,” Preston didn’t hesitate. He pulled me close, his hands gentle on my face, and kissed me like it was the first time all over again. The crowd erupted in cheers, and somewhere behind us, Charlie clapped her tiny hands and shouted, “Mama!”
The reception was held under the open sky, long tables set with candles and wildflowers. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the lights twinkled above us, and the air filled with music and laughter. We danced barefoot in the grass, Charlie perched on Preston’s shoulders, her giggles carrying through the night. My mom cried during the toasts, my dad told embarrassing stories, and Maisie made everyone laugh until they were wiping tears from their eyes. Later, when the stars came out, Preston and I slipped away from the crowd, walking hand in hand down to the edge of the pasture. The night was quiet except for the chirping of crickets and the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. He stopped, turning to face me. “You know,” he said softly, “I used to think the day Charlie was born was the best day of my life.” I smiled. “Used to?” He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his eyes warm. “Today might have tied it.” I laughed, leaning into him. “Good answer.” We stood there for a long time, the stars reflected in his eyes, the scent of wildflowers all around us. I could hear the faint sound of music drifting from the barn and the laughter of our friends and family in the distance. And in that moment, I realized something simple and true—this was it. The life I’d dreamed of, the love I’d fought for, the family I’d always wanted. It wasn’t perfect. It was better. As Preston pulled me close and kissed me under the Idaho sky, I knew that no matter what came next, we’d face it together—hand in hand, heart to heart, home at last.
THE END!!
Thank you so much to everyone who read both stories in this book! It truly means a lot to me!