Same Time

epilogue.

j a i m e e

+

"It's time."

Shit

My heart races dangerously inside my chest as I pull my wedding dress up, moving to stand in formation.

Libbie stands in front of me, a giddy smile embracing her warm features as she stands perfectly in the dress that matches the pink undertones of her hair. My ivory dress looked so elegant when next to the baby pink, I never doubted for a second that I needed that color for my bridesmaid dresses.

Starr looks so beautiful too. It'd taken weeks to persuade Remi to let Libbie dye the tips of his daughter's hair pink to match the dress but it eventually worked, and she looked like an angel.

"You ready, hermanita?" Remi asks beside me. I nod my head, afraid that if I speak aloud my voice might break or, worse, I'd start crying.

(translation: little sister)

Today was the day that I'd marry the love of my life.

How could I have guessed that I'd end up here?

The song we had chosen begins to play softly, and the moment I hear the gentle sound is the moment I begin to relax. Out of all the songs it could've been, Shayden had decided on the classic Oasis song, Live Forever, but just the instrumental. I could've killed him for picking a rock song but it was the only control I'd let him have.

He said it symbolized us, and how our love would be eternal. Just as it always was.

Before I even realize what's happening, my feet are moving forward and I spot Shayden instantly. Taylor and Tory stand tall by his side. The cuban boy sends me a dazzling grin, and then taps his best friend's shoulder.

The moment Shayden's eyes meet mine, I feel like I'm 13 years old again. The raven eyes meeting my own, the warmth and raw love in them rendering me speechless.

His suit is entirely black, save for the pink tie, matching everyone else's. Libbie promised me that she'd make our wedding attire perfect and seeing Shayden look so breathtakingly beautiful makes me so glad that her choices were flawless.

When we reach the end of the aisle, Remi hugs me quickly and plants a small kiss on my forehead. He leans down and whispers in my ear. "I'm so proud of you, little sister. Mom and Dad would be too."

He takes my hand and guides me to Shayden. Both Tory and Taylor do the same thing, kissing my cheek and then my forehead and whispering sweet consolations in my ear.

Shayden and I stare at each other. Soft grins forming on our faces. Any anxiety that I was feeling before this exact moment dissipated. This was it.

"You look absolutely sensational, my love." He whispers.

"Welcome, friends and family of the bride and groom, and thank you for joining us on this important day. Today we have gathered to witness and bless the joining of marriage between Jaimee Mendoza and Shayden Nkosi."

This is really happening. Butterflies flutter around my stomach.

I tuned out the rest of the Priest's words, focusing only on the man before me. The man who defended me without question, my sole support system, the man whose loyalty has never faltered despite all the reasons I gave him.

I love him so fucking much.

I was so shattered, and vulnerable, and bitter when we met each other again. So irreparably broken that I never believed I could be fixed.