As Addison walked down the aisle, Cat Carson, the friend of Mia’s who had recently signed with My Way Records, started singing “From This Moment.” Almost losing her composure at the beauty of it all, Addison clung to her father’s arm. She caught sight of her mother, who was trying to take pictures but was dabbing at her eyes and had to hand the camera over to someone else. Mia, her maid of honor, and Sara both smiled, looking lovely in the dusky pink bridesmaid gowns. Jeff, the best man, and Braden were handsome in charcoal gray tuxedoes.
When Addison reached the altar, the preacher spoke to the audience. “We’ll commence with the wedding vows in just a minute. But first we have a little detail to take care of,” he said, and then stepped away.
Addison stood before Reid, who took her breath away in his tuxedo. In that moment Addison knew she had kept her promise to Garret. She hadn’t settled for anything less than undying, all-consuming, everlasting, crazy love. Reid knelt down on one knee, causing a buzz of excitement to ripple through the audience.
“Being away from you the past month was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured. I love you with all my heart. Addison, will you marry me?”
With her heart pounding she nodded. “Yes, Reid.”
“Give me your hand, please.” Smiling, Reid reached in his pocket and pulled out a ring. He slipped an elegant champagne sapphire surrounded by tiny glittering diamonds in a rose gold setting onto her finger.
“Oh, it’s stunning,” she said, beaming at him while the crowd applauded.
Reid stood up and took both of her hands in his. “I should have been more specific. Will you marry me . . .
Addison felt happiness fill her from head to toe. “Reid Greenfield, I will marry you right here, right now . . .” She paused to brush at a tear and then gave him a trembling smile. “From this moment my heart will forever and always belong to you.”
“You’ve made me a happy man.” Reid leaned forward for a kiss, but the preacher stepped in.
“Not so fast. I know we moved quickly from a proposal to a wedding but we have a few details left before you claim your bride,” he announced with a grin. “In just a few more minutes Addison will be yours for the rest of your life.”
Reid stepped back and smiled warmly at her. “I can’t wait.”
“Then let’s begin. . . .”
Epilogue
“Mom, that pot roast was amazing,” Reid said, and his mother beamed. “I’m stuffed.”
“Thank you, Reid. Your father and I look forward to Sunday dinners, but having the entire family sitting around the table is a special treat. Isn’t it, Barry?”
“Absolutely.”
“Are we ready for dessert?” his mother asked and stood up. “I baked a couple of apple pies.”
“In a minute.” Reid put his napkin beside his plate and looked at Addison. “We have something to announce.”
“Okay,” his mother said with wide eyes.
Reid felt emotion well up in his throat when his mother reached over and took his father’s hand and sank back onto her chair. “Tell them, Addison.”
“We’re having a baby!” Addison said with a bright smile.
“Oh! Oh! A grandchild!” Susan shouted with joy. “Oh, Barry, we’re having a grandbaby!”
“Grandchildren,” Sara added, and grinned across the table at Reid. “Twins like to do things at the same time.”
“Oh my . . . oh my goodness!” Susan jumped up, shouted, and raised her hands heavenward. She looked like she might either faint or explode from joy. “Barry, can you believe it? I am simply overwhelmed with happiness!” She did a little dance but then stopped and pointed at Jeff and Braden. “You boys are next. We want to fill this farmhouse with the pitter-patter of little feet, don’t we, Barry?”
“We sure do,” he answered gruffly.
A moment later everyone stood up and the room became a Greenfield hug fest. Reid looked over the top of his mother’s head from where she hugged him tightly around the waist and met Addison’s eyes.
It didn’t get any better than this. . . .
