A Promise in White

Nerves fluttered in Sofia's chest like trapped butterflies, bright and breathless at the thought of marrying the love of her life. The morning of her wedding dawned in a hush of golden light, as if the sun itself had risen just to watch her walk toward forever. The air had a slight chill, but the birds chirped, signifying the first signs of Spring's arrival.

In the bridal suite, Sofia's soon to be mother-in-law adjusted Sofia's veil with trembling fingers, her eyes shining with the start of happy tears. It was a kind of love Sofia hadn't been used to until she became a part of the Hyde family.

"You..... you're beautiful." Ensley whispered, as a tear escaped the corner of her eye. She carefully wiped it away to avoid having to redo her own makeup. Ensley took her role of mother-of-the-bride seriously. She loved her sons, and that meant she loved their significant others as if they were her own.

There was a light knock on the door just as Ensley finished buttoning Sofia's wedding dress.

"Who is it?" Ensley asked, making sure it wasn't Emmett. A quick glance at the clock on the wall, showed that Emmett should be waiting down at the altar for his bride.

"It's Sofia's dad." Mr. Flores called from the other side. "They're ready for us to walk down the aisle." Mr. Flores opened the door, and stepped into the bridal suite. Sofia stood in the center of the room, holding her bouquet. Her father's boutonniere, was slightly crooked, and that made Sofia smile.

"Oh mija...." Mr. Flores said breathlessly.

"That bad... huh?" Sofia chuckled. Ensley kissed Sofia gently on the cheek. She excused herself from the bridal suite, giving Sofia and her dad this special moment before he gave her away.

"I see so much of your mother in you." Mr. Flores said, voice cracking. "I wish she could have been here to see you today." Sofia's heart ached at her mother missing her special day. Sofia missed her terribly. It took everything Sofia had in her to not cry. Instead, she straightened her dad's boutonniere and linked her arm through his, and smiled.

"She is here with me today and everyday." Sofia said, gently squeezing her dad's hand.

"Are you ready mija? There's a gentlemen out there waiting for my little girl." Sofia nodded, and they left the bridal suite together, making their way toward the aisle where her soon-to-be husband was waiting for her at the Altar.

At the altar, Emmett patiently waited, his heart racing in contrast to the calm he wore like his perfectly pressed suit. It wouldn't be long before his blushing bride would appear in the threshold of the closed chapel doors. The guests had all taken their seats and were chatting with happiness while they waited.

The organist began to play, and the entire room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Sofia to appear. Slowly, the chapel doors opened, and a hush fell over the room as Sofia and her dad stepped toward the aisle. Radiant and poised, every step Sofia took drew Emmett closer to forever.

Emmett could feel the tears build up, and he quickly blinked them away. He knew some emotions were too sacred to contain. At last, Sofia and her dad made it to the end of the aisle. Wiping the tears from his eyes, Emmett hugged Mr. Flores.

Emmett linked arms with his bride, and together, they stepped underneath the altar.

They say that your wedding day flashes right by. At first, Emmett didnt want to believe it. He wanted this day to last forever. But before Emmett could even blink, they were exchanging their vows.

And suddenly, they were exchanging their first kiss as husband and wife. Roars of applause reverberating, the echoes could be heard from miles away.

Their families blew bubbles, and some cried with happiness. There was no greater love than the kind you felt at your own wedding day.

I’m married now. Emmett thought. Holy shit.

At the wedding reception, laughter rose above the soft clink of champagne glasses. The crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow on the dance floor as the guests swayed to familiar songs. Emmett watched as Sofia moved from table to table, gathering hugs and whispered blessings.

Emmett watched her with a quiet awe, his hand wrapped around his half-forgotten drink. Every so often, their eyes would meet, and he just smile at her.

She’s so damn beautiful. How did I get so lucky?

“How are you doing bro?” Everest’s voice startled Emmett back to reality from where he was leaning against the wall of the reception hall.

Emmett beamed at his older brother, and Everest laughed. Emmett knew exactly why his brother was laughing.

“I told you man. You got out of your head. You looked to the future, but you didn’t stay there. You came back. I’m happy for you. Sofia is a great girl, and you have two beautiful babies together. It doesn’t get any better than that.” Everest patted Emmett’s shoulder, and went to give his wife Gracie a peck on the cheek.

Emmett was grateful for his brother. If he hadn’t have had that heart to heart with him in that coffee shop, he’s not sure if they’d be here today. Celebrating.

“Hey, honey.” Sofia’s sweet voice called, as she wrapped her arms around him from behind. “The photographer wants to get some last minute photos.”

The reception was beginning to die down, as their family and friends one by one said their goodbyes and congratulations once more. Emmett couldn’t believe this day was already almost over. A little flutter of excitement creeped into his stomach, when he remembered that he and Sofia would be leaving for their honeymoon in just a couple of days.

Sofia led Emmett to a small bridge, a little way down from the reception hall, where the photographer waited for them once more.

Emmett didn’t mind. Taking photos wasn’t always his favorite thing. Now that he was a married man, he wanted as many photos as he could possibly have.

He wanted to capture this perfect day so he could look back on it whenever he wanted. So he could teach his babies when they were old enough, to always love and cherish your partner.

Because, Emmett sure did, and this was only the beginning of forever for them.

To be continued……