One year Later Violet
“Home is where the good coffee is.”
The air smells like fresh flowers and sunshine, and I can’t stop smiling. Standing here at Wildflower Grove, surrounded by the blooms my sisters and I had spent so much time picking and arranging, it all feels right. Simple, sweet, perfect.
My dress is exactly what I wanted. A simple white dress from the boutique in town, elegant but not fussy.
My copper curls are down, half pinned back with small pieces of lavender tucked in.
I keep running my fingers over the fabric, telling myself to breathe, even though my heart is racing. Today, I am marrying Everett.
Lily is beside me, adjusting her own dress and fussing over tiny details I haven’t even noticed. “You look amazing,” she whispers. “Seriously, Violet, you look so beautiful.”
I laugh softly, leaning in to hug her. “Thanks, Lil, I’m glad you’re here. And you’re not too bad yourself.”
Henry is standing nearby, looking responsible in his suit. Everett insists he stand up with him, and I can’t imagine anyone better.
I glance around the farm, at all the little touches Everett has added. Twinkle lights hang between the trees, lanterns swaying gently in the breeze, and a live band is setting up for tonight.
Under the big white tent, long tables are set with mismatched plates and hand-tied napkins, simple centerpieces of lavender and daisies. It is understated but magical.
Everett catches my eye and smiles. He looks incredible, classic suit, hair just a little messy in that perfect way, that smile that has melted me since the first time he walked into my café. And he is mine, entirely and completely.
I think about how far we’ve come. From the first morning I brought him coffee, dancing in the bar, our first date, our first kiss, the theater, to now. And somehow, even with everything that has happened, where we are right now, we are stronger than ever. Together. Here, and now.
Sydney and Chace are here, in the front, Emily skipping down the aisle, happily tossing petals with enthusiasm that is so endearing. I have to pinch myself sometimes, how much life has changed in these past months.
I’d been nervous about meeting Sydney at first. But over the months, she and I have built something solid, a friendship, a partnership for Emily, and mutual respect.
We text regularly, share updates, send photos, and even video call together.
She has grown on me in ways I hadn’t expected: honest, kind, protective of Emily, and completely supportive.
Seeing her today, smiling beside her fiancé, I feel nothing but gratitude for how smoothly the co-parenting had fallen into place.
And Emily, in her little flower girl dress, her curls bouncing as she twirls, clutching her basket of petals.
I think about how much Everett adores her, how she has become part of us.
I feel a swell of love for both. I feel surrounded by love, family, friends, and my soon-to-be husband, who made me feel like I could breathe freely for the first time in years.
The vows are simple, heartfelt. No long speeches, no frills, just the truth of how much we love each other, how we’d found our way through the messy parts of life and into each other’s hearts.
And then we kiss. A soft, lingering, perfect kiss surrounded by family and friends.
People clap, some cheering, some laughing, and I don’t care.
Because right then, nothing else exists except us.
Later, under the twinkling lights, we sit together at the table. Emily nestled in Everett’s lap, laughing at some silly joke he made. I catch Everett’s eye, and he winks. I lean in closer, feeling safe and loved in a way I never thought would be possible.
And as the live band plays under the lanterns, with family and friends gathered. I hang my head against Everett’s shoulder. My heart is full.
Life has a funny way of bringing you exactly where you are supposed to be. And I am exactly where I am meant to be, with him, with Emily, surrounded by love, laughter, and a little chaos that makes it perfect.
“Finally,” Everett whispers in my ear. “I’m home.”
THE END