Page 82 of A Little Bit Engaged

As Cara stepped from behind the wall, she gasped. More flowers in her favorite pastel colors had been added to the gazebo, so many she could barely see the wood. Rustic ladders on either side held lovely posts overflowing with flowers. Helium-filled balloons in pastel colors had been covered in tulle and then tied with ribbons and flowers. Petals covered the aisle runner in between smaller pots of flowers lining the edges.

Forget what she’d imagined inside the Bay View House on her first visit.

This was her dream wedding, and Brody…

He stood at the front of the aisle in gray pants, a white shirt, and a coordinating vest and bow tie. So handsome. She didn’t think her pulse could race faster. She was wrong.

Matthias stood next to him.

She’d never seen such happiness radiating off Brody’s face. His anticipation matched the way she felt.

Cara let her dad set the pace; otherwise, she might move too fast.

She couldn’t wait to be Brody’s wife.

Each step brought her closer.

She recognized some of Brody’s friends. His family took the front row on the right. Geoff, Renee, and Moe sat together on the left side of the aisle. Cassie and Troy sat in front of them. Ryland had postponed his flight to Portland when he heard there would be a wedding and sat next to Troy. Cara’s mom and the security team were in the front row. Lex had a package of tissues. Jackson kept surveying the perimeter. Kai adjusted his tie. Rizzo held Loki’s carrier so he could attend the wedding, too.

Joy overflowed. Happy tears stung.

Cara reached the front of the aisle where her father kissed her cheek, placed her hand in Brody’s, and then left them to sit with her mother.

Brody leaned closer. “You’re stunning.”

“So are you,” Cara whispered.

“Ready?”

“You have no idea.”

They faced forward so Shelley could begin the ceremony, but Cara couldn’t help but sneak a peek at Brody.

From a little bit engaged to a happily ever after.

Dreams really could come true.

Hers and Brody’s had.