Belle twirled in her Vera Wang silhouette silk bridal gown and checked her veil. This was perfect. The violin solo played as all the guests were seated. Her father beamed in the mirror behind her until she turned around.
She stared at her father's blue eyes and tried not to cry as he said, "Belle, you look beautiful."
Truly she had never thought she'd get married. She wrapped her arms around him as the music cued. Peter's sister's walked down the aisle, but Belle hardly looked. She swayed on her feet.
"Thank you, Dad."
"This whirlwind romance of yours is surprising. I can't believe you want to plan two weddings."
"This is just for family. The bigger one, next Christmas, is for Peter and his business."
He patted her arm as she tried to steady herself. "I don't want to lose my little girl."
She turned to stare at him. Any moment now, she would marry Peter, the man of her dreams. Her heart raced.
"Don't think of it that way. Think about how you are getting a son."
Her father whispered, "Your husband-to-be commands the entire room just by standing, sweetheart. I'll be fine as long as you are happy."
Em, the bridesmaid, now stood at the altar. Any moment it would be her turn. No one was here to steal her day from her, and her shoulders weren't so tense. She nodded her head.
"I am. Does Sophie have Mom's picture?"
Her father squeezed her hand as "Here Comes the Bride" began to play. She took a step forward as her father said, "Yes. They are both happy for you."
He hadn't moved. She tugged his arm. "That's our cue, Dad."
The ushers threw open the door as her father said, "Are you sure? Now's the last chance."
Her gaze landed on Peter's eyes immediately. Nothing would stop her now. She took a giant step and tugged her father.
"Walk me down the aisle."
He stayed in step, but whispered, "Happy Valentine's, sweetheart."
Peter seemed to want major events on holidays. A light bubble was inside her stomach and butterflies emerged as she drew closer to him. As his hands shook her father's, and he placed them on her back, goose bumps grew everywhere. This was all that mattered. With him, she had her chance to live happily ever after.
The End