We opted for a small wedding. Jade invited a few people she’s met through her cooking classes, and I have some work colleagues and a couple of friends I’ve kept in contact with over the years. Since there’s only thirty people in attendance, we set up the back patio with a long table overlooking the pool for the reception later. I’ve hired chefs to cater the event, as well as waiters and bar staff. I would’ve liked to have been able to give her something a little more elaborate, but this is what she wanted.
I smile at my mother when she comes to stand beside me. ‘She’ll be out soon,’ she says. ‘She looks beautiful, Brock.’ I didn’t doubt that for a second. I can’t wait to see her.
‘I bet she does.’
‘How are you holding up, you look nervous?’
‘I am, Mum. I honestly thought marriage wasn’t on the cards for me, but when I met Jade all that changed.’
‘The love you have for each other is rare. Hold on to that.’ I have no doubt in my mind that we will. She means everything to me and I intend to cherish her for the rest of my life. She completes me. ‘You’re going to give me the most beautiful grandchildren.’
I chuckle at her comment. She’s brought the subject up a number of times since we announced our engagement. My mother has flourished since my father’s death, but there are times where she seems lost. Grandchildren would help fill that void I gather. She’s very active in mine and Josh’s lives now which is great. I love having her around.
‘Hopefully one day we’ll be able to give you grandchildren.’ It’s not like Josh will be able too. Leaning forward I place a soft kiss on her cheek. I would love nothing more than to start a family with Jade one day, but for now I just want to enjoy her.
‘I’m going to go and take my seat. Good luck, honey,’ she says, rubbing her hand affectionately down my arm.
I roll my shoulders and take a deep breath trying to calm myself. Where the fuck is Josh? I look down at my watch. They’re late. A few minutes pass before my brother comes rushing down the red carpet that was laid on the lawn earlier. He’s breathless as he comes to a stop beside me.
‘Where the fuck have you been?’ I ask in an angry whisper.
‘Long story,’ he replies. By the look on his face I know he’s been up to something and that makes me feel uneasy. Before I get a chance to pry further, the music starts playing, signalling Jade’s arrival. She chose the song Endless Love sung by Stan Walker and Dami Im, to walk down the aisle too.
‘Shit,’ I mumble nervously to myself as I turn and face the house.
‘You’ve got this,’ Josh encourages, placing his hand briefly on my back. ‘You guys were made for each other.’
The moment she appears on the patio I take in a sharp breath. She looks even more beautiful than I imagined. Theo walks down the aisle first, but I barely notice him because I can’t take my eyes off Jade. Her arm is linked through Rupert’s as they slowly make their way towards us. My heart is thumping rapidly against my ribcage. When she is within metres of me, she gives me a breathtaking smile. The tears that glisten in her eyes bring a lump to my throat.
I reach for her hand and lace our fingers together when she comes to a stop beside me. ‘You look beautiful, sweetheart,’ I whisper. Her grip tightens around my hand as we both face the marriage celebrant. I’m eager to start my new life with her by my side.
She’s my best friend.
My dream girl.
My soulmate.
EPILOGUE
Five months later …
JADE
I leave the kitchen carrying a batch of freshly baked Snickers cookies. It’s my own recipe and one of my bestsellers. Buying that chocolate at the airport turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. That insignificant moment changed my life. Brock still says that, to this day, he can’t walk past a Snickers bar without thinking of me.
The bell above the door chimes just as I place the hot tray on the counter. Taking off my oven gloves, I turn to greet my first customer for the day. It’s been almost three months since I opened my patisserie. It’s everything I dreamed it would be, and more. I decided to name it ‘Life’s Sweet’, because that’s exactly what life has become—sweet. I’ve come a long way from where I once was. Thanks to my husband and new found family, the horrors of my past seem like a distant memory.
As hard as it was for him, Brock didn’t interfere, and let me pay for everything with the money I’d earnt from working for M. He likes to spoil me, but he knew how much it meant for me to do this on my own. He’s very understanding and supportive. I worked hard for that money, sacrificed my soul for it, so I got immense satisfaction from seeing it put to good use. It helped make everything I went through worth it. In the end, those hard times not only helped me fulfil my dreams, they led me to Brock. That can’t be a bad thing.