Page 94 of Imperfect Match (Imperfect Match 1)

I wipe the tear as she lets out a laugh. “You’re blind, but I’m glad you are.”

Aspen sniffs. “That was the sweetest thing ever, and you’re in luck.” We both look over as she holds up a white sheet. “I happen to make clothes, and I can fix this.”

“Oh, Jesus. My sister is going to make my wedding dress? I give up,” Willow grumbles and I pull her to my chest with a chuckle.

I look over at Aspen. “You have five minutes and then I’m coming back in here and marrying her with or without a dress, got it?”

Aspen grins. “Consider it done. Now, let me work my magic.”

I head out of the room, check my watch, and run down to check on Leo. This may end up being a small wedding after all once he scares off the guests.

When I get out there, I hear them all laugh. Leo is actually working the crowd. He’s smiling, telling them some sort of story, and at this point, I just have to pray it’s not about me. Then I take a second to see how happy he is. He’s at ease, and there’s no sense of the doom that usually follows him around.

It makes it just a little easier, knowing I’m leaving him on his own. Although, that’s not really true either, since he’ll be across the hall and I’m still paying his rent. He’s like a teenager I can’t get rid of.

When I get back inside, the door opens before the five minutes are up. Aspen emerges first, pushing against my chest. “Oh no, buddy, you already saw her once, you’re not seeing her in the dress. Now, go back to your spot and wait.”

“You fixed it?”

She grins. “I did. She’s right behind me, in her dress that fits now, and there’s no more tears.” Thank God. “Now, go!”

Practically sprinting back outside, I give Leo a thumbs up and he stops talking. The music cues a minute later and the bridal procession starts. First her mother, then Aspen after her, and I’ve never been more grateful that we at least kept this part small.

I look down at the grass, wanting to savor the moment when I’ll see her for the last time as Willow Hayes, my best friend, my love, my everything.

Slowly, I lift my gaze, and when I do, I can’t breathe. My heart swells and tears blur my vision. God, how could she become even more beautiful in five minutes? How could she manage to steal my breath so easily when I just saw her?

Everything fades away, except for her.

Her smile is soft as she walks toward me. Then she stops, her brown eyes shining with so much love it humbles me beyond words.

“Hi,” she says.

“Hi.”

“Do you like the dress?”

I don’t even see the dress. Is she wearing one?

“I love you.”

Willow releases a quiet giggle. “I love you too.”

“Good thing since we’re getting married.”

She squeezes my hand. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For giving me everything I ever wanted.”

She has no idea how much she gives me. All I want is to make her happy and prove each day that I deserve her. I bring my free

hand to her face, wiping the lone tear that rests on her cheek. “No, Wills, it’s you that did that for me, and I will do everything I can to deserve it.”

She smiles at me, and our new life together begins.

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