Chapter 37
Danielle
I stand before the mirror, smoothing the white satin skirt before turning to look at my reflection in the mirror.
I catch my breath as I take in the image staring back at me.
The dress is simple and sleek, with a subtle V-neck that draws the eye upward.
The sleek mermaid silhouette adds a touch of elegance and grace, enhancing the natural lines of my figure.
I chose this option because it’s beautiful yet uncomplicated.
It’s the one that makes me feel most like myself.
The band of lace I decided to add around my waist is so delicate, it almost looks like it’s been painted onto the satin.
I examine my hair one more time, making sure the loose waves that took an hour to perfect are still holding up.
“The only thing missing is the veil,” Tina says as she settles it into my hair and secures it with a delicate comb embellished with pearls and lace.
The veil is a single layer of silk tulle, edged with the same lace as the waist. When it falls softly around my shoulders, the whole look comes together.
Jo stares at me, wide-eyed, her smile impossible to hide. “Oh, Elle, you look beautiful,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.
“I feel like a bride,” I say, matching her smile.
Beth and Hannah can hardly contain their excitement. Beth is speechless, her eyes glistening. Hannah is fighting to keep her feet on the floor, clasping her hands together to stop herself from jumping up and down in pure glee.
The quiet knock on the door announces that it's almost time before Mitchell opens it gently. "Everyone's ready," he says, meeting my gaze.
***
The sun is starting to dip lower in the sky, casting soft shadows over the backyard as the cool October air settles around us.
Mitchell and Jo's backyard has been transformed into a picturesque wedding venue.
The flowers, soft tulle, and twinkling lights give the space an intimate, almost magical feel.
Outside, the guests are seated, waiting for the procession to begin.
Inside the house, just behind the glass patio doors, we all wait for our moment.
I’m standing with Mitchell, ready to walk down the aisle. The soft hum of chatter from the wedding party serves as a momentary distraction from the excitement and nerves settling in.
Tina adjusts her dress while Nate stands a few feet away, fidgeting with his cufflinks. The tension between them is palpable. They can barely stand to be in the same room without exchanging insults, and my wedding will be no exception.
Nate catches her eye, then offers a rare, genuine smile. “You look incredible today.”
Tina freezes for a moment, her hand still on her dress. She glances up at him, suspicion written all over her face. “What do you want?”
Nate raises an eyebrow, clearly thrown by her immediate reaction. “Nothing. You look good. Why can't I just give you a compliment?”
Tina crosses her arms, her voice skeptical. “Because I know you, and know there must be some strings attached.”
I can’t help but smile at the way they go back and forth. It’s so obvious they have a special connection, but neither of them would ever admit it.
Beth grins at me as she ties a ribbon in her hair. “You know, I can’t wait to get married someday,” she says a little dreamily.
Thomas chuckles from where he stands beside her, fixing his boutonnière. “Slow down, little sis. Don't forget you're still a kid. If it were up to me, you wouldn’t get married until you’re thirty.”
Beth rolls her eyes and nudges him with her elbow. “Don’t worry, I’m in no hurry. My sights are set on college first. I’m going to major in social work with a minor in business so I can run the girls' group home someday.”
I smile, unable to hide the pride swelling in my heart. I make a mental note to thank the Callahans once more for raising Beth to be the young woman now standing before me.
Jo has her arm linked with Seth’s, both ready to walk down the aisle. I can see how much Seth favors Jo, while Thomas bears a distinct resemblance to Mitchell.
Meanwhile, Hannah, the flower girl, is bouncing up and down next to the door, clutching a basket of petals, eager to start the procession.
“Is it time yet? Is it time yet?” she asks, her voice a mix of impatience and excitement.
I smile, kneeling to meet her eye level. “Almost, sweetheart. Just a little longer, okay?”
She nods vigorously, her face lighting up with a grin as her gaze drops to the delicate silver heart resting on my chest.
“Is that the necklace I gave you for Christmas?” she exclaims, her voice filled with excitement.
I glance down at the pendant and touch it with my fingers, feeling the tiny letters etched into the surface.
“It is,” I say, feeling my heart swell with love. “You know, this is the most important piece of jewelry I own, along with my engagement ring and the wedding band your daddy will be putting on my finger today.”
Hannah’s eyes sparkle with pride, and she clasps her hands together. “I’m so happy you’re wearing it! It’s the best present ever!”
I smile and bend down to give her a kiss on the forehead. “It is. The best present ever. Perfect, just like you.”
The small, private moments between the people I love fill me with warmth, but as the sound of the music starts outside, my nerves hit me like a wave. I glance at Mitchell, my heart skipping a beat.
“You ready, sweetheart?” he asks, his voice filled with affection.
I nod, taking a deep breath and looking around at all the people who love me. In just over a year, I've gone from being an orphan to becoming a sister again, a daughter, a stepmom, and now, a bride.
I slip my arm through Mitchell’s, and as the music shifts, the first of the wedding party begins to walk out, two by two. Seth leads Jo, followed by Thomas and Beth, then Nate and Tina.
"Is it time yet?" Hannah asks, her eyes bright with excitement.
I nod, holding back a chuckle. "It is," I say.
"Finally!" she exclaims. "It's finally my turn!"
I smile and gently usher her ahead of us. Mitchell and I watch as she begins scattering rose petals along the aisle, paving the way for me.
Then, the moment I’ve been waiting for arrives. Mitchell squeezes my hand gently, and together, we move toward the open doors. As I step outside, I feel the cool air kiss my skin, but it does nothing to calm the anticipation building inside me.
And then I see him. Cal, standing tall and handsome beneath the floral arch, waiting for me. The man I’m about to marry, the man who will always take my breath away.
My heart skips a beat, and I take the first step toward him, my nerves settling into excitement as I close the distance between us.
When his gaze lands on me, he smiles, and his eyes sweep over me from head to toe.
Jen was right. Nothing compares with the look on a groom's face the moment he sees his bride for the first time.
I can tell nothing else matters to him now—just me.
When our eyes meet, I feel as if the last ten years of my life have all led to this moment.
I smile at the love of my life before glancing over at Beth—the source of my strength during all the years I spent without her, and the reason for my return to Madison.
She smiles back at me, a smile that confirms it was all worth it.
As Mitchell kisses my forehead and places my hand in Cal’s, I feel the past finally close its door.
For so long, I believed all I had were bittersweet memories of my little sister and an unyielding determination to find her.
But now, with Cal’s hand holding mine and Beth looking on from her place beside Tina, I know the truth: there has always been an entire family who loves me, waiting all this time for the day I finally came home.
And all that’s left is a love overflowing from my heart and the hope for a future with the family that was always meant to be mine.