Same Time

epilogue.

We mended each other.

Pushing him away was the worst decision I ever made, but I guess our love story truly does prove that we go back to those who we're meant to be with.

And now we were together, and making a vow to love each other forever.

The Priest's voice interrupted my mental rambling, his words instantly hitting me on a deeper level. "You promised each other eternal love and friendship You promised to stay beside and support each other. This is your time to do your vows."

My eyes scan around the room, meeting that of each of my family members. Tory and Libbie attempt to wipe their tears subtly, as Taylor stares up at me with pride. Remi sits with Starr perched onto his lap, the soft but sad smile on his face reminding me of why he had three empty chairs next to him on the front row.

For our parents: Tenaiya, Antonio and Shania.

"I'd like to invite both Jaimee and Shayden to read the vows that they have written for one another."

Shayden's hand disappeared inside his suit jacket, and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Libbie pushed mine into my hand, squeezing my forearm before moving to sit back down.

Shayden unfolds his page, smoothing the creases out with his shaky hands. "Me first?"

The celebrant nodded.

"From the moment I met you, I knew who we were and who we could be to each other." He begins, his voice soft and shaky. "We were young and anyone would've told us that we were too young to know anything about life, too young to know things like love. But I'd happily argue with every single one of them because I swear I knew. You came into my life unexpectedly, like a hurricane. You defended me before you even knew me, and the more we spoke the more I wanted to know everything about you. I fell in love with you relentlessly and I knew that there would never be anyone else for me. You are my happiness, my light, my person. It's always been us against the world. I never need to worry about what the next day will bring because, as long as you're beside me, I know we can get through it. You taught me to love without conditions. You are the love of my life, Jaimee Mendoza. And I promise I will love you for the rest of my life, and most likely after that too."

A tear slides down his face, and I lean over and plant a gentle kiss on it before I can stop myself. The fluid in my eyes threatens to spill but I refuse to let it, reminding myself that Libbie will literally hit me if I ruin my makeup.

"How am I supposed to follow that?" I let out a scoff of laughter. My face starts to ache as my smile doesn't fade. "You're my best friend. Through heaven and highwater. There aren't enough words to articulate how much I love every ounce of the being you are. It feels surreal to have a love so brutally honest and unconditional as I never thought I deserved anything as pure as you in my life. I love loving you, Shayden. You stuck by my side through every storm and tornado that came my way. You fought for us and you loved me when I didn't have the strength to love myself. You always knew who we were and who we could be. My home, my heaven, my heart. There's no one like you, my love. I am eternally thankful to you and for you. Out of all the choices I've ever made, all the things I've done, you truly are the only thing I've got right. I promise to stay by your side, I promise to share my heart with you until the moment this world ceases to exist. S.N and J.M forever."

I hold my pinky finger out expectantly. The look of amazement on his face makes my stomach twist as he joins our pinkies.

"Forever." He pledges.

"Can I have the rings?"

Starr toddles up to the altar, handing us the ring box. Shayden goes to ruffle her hair but she dodges it quickly, sending him a quick glare before walking back to her dad.