Judy’s POV

Zachary’s eyes filled with immediate tears, which honestly took me by surprise because he didn’t seem like an emotional person. I wasn’t really sure what to do in that moment; do I hug him?

He didn’t seem like a hugger, either, but maybe I would be surprised. But before I could make any moves, my father put a hand on Zachary’s shoulder and squeezed

it.

“If our girl wants both her dads to walk her down the aisle, then that’s exactly what she’s going to get,” my father said, giving me a proud smile that made my heart swell.

Zachary cleared his throat and nodded without hesitation.

“Yes, of course. It would be my honor,” he said, offering me his arm. My father offered me his other arm, and in that moment, I knew I had made the right decision.

I took both their arms, holding them close to me.

Nan and Chester stood in the front of the line as we approached the doors that led out of the back of the church and onto the courtyard where the ceremony was set up. Taylor and Eliza were behind them; then there was Irene and Erik, and finally Matt, who was holding a pillow with the rings on it.

My heart pounded against my chest; Gavin was at the end of the aisle, and it would only be a few more minutes before I was standing before him, telling him how much I love him and tying myself to him for the rest of our lives.

“You look beautiful,” Irene said, smiling at me. She was standing with Erik, their arms already linked, and I felt tears burning in my vision. “Don’t you dare cry, Judy. I spent a lot of time on your makeup.”

I laughed through my tears.

“I’m just really happy,” I tell her. “Things are finally looking up for us. You finally have your true mate, and I’m marrying the man I love.”

“I’m happy too,” she tells me, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “Now, let’s get you married to my father.”

As if on cue, the music sounded, and I could hear it clearly through the closed doors.

They opened, and I got a glimpse of some of those seated on either side, including Tabby and Shirley. My mother was in the front row holding onto Ryder, though I couldn’@really see them clearly from where I stood.

But I saw a glimpse of Gavin in the front, and my entire heart nearly stopped in my chest. He looked so good that my knees literally went weak. He couldn’t see me…… not yet.

Nan and Chester started down the aisle, and the others followed after them.

I looked up at my father, and he gave

me a subtle wink, a small sign that I knew meant everything was going to be okay and that he was in my cornemo matter what. I took

1.n

deep

breath, feeling more confident than I

ever felt in my skin. I knew who I

was… I knew where I came from…

and knew who loved me and I

cherished me in this life. I was

beyond grateful for it all, and I

wanted to hold on to it for just a

moment longer.

“Are you ready?” Zachary asked, and I realized it was our turn to walk through the doors and outside.

I nodded and took another breath before we stepped through the doors.

Gavin’s eyes found mine

en

immediately and in that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world. His eyes were filled with so much love that it single-handedly made my heart expand. Tears were immediately filling my eyes at the sight of him; if I thought he looked good a few, minutes ago, that was nothing

compared to the way he looked at

this very moment.

Gavin didn’t wait, as he should have. At the end of the altar, he whispered something to Taylor, who stood behind him as his best man, and Taylor let out a laugh, shaking his head.

I wondered for a moment what he was saying, but before I could give him a questioning and slightly annoyed look, he turned back towards me and started to walk in my direction.

My eyes widened, and whispers erupted around us, everyone wondering what Gavin was doing.

He walked like he was a man on a mission, and my steps faltered.

Soon, he was standing in front of me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “What are you doing?” I asked, a laugh bubbling out of me and making him grin.

“I’m not waiting another second to make you mine,” Gavin said, his eyes pouring into mine and his tone low enough for only me to hear… well… my fathers and me.