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Megan wore a long ivory dress with the most intricate beading. Her hair was swept up in elegance. Her smile radiated with love as she took Allison’s hands in hers and vowed to cherish her forever. After a few of the more traditional vows they’d agreed upon, they added words of their own.

Megan’s voice was filled with confidence when she looked Allison square in the eyes, causing her to melt. “Believe me when I say that I had no idea there was a you, or anyone even close, who could make me feel the things that you do. The second I did, my life was never the same, and I never want it to be. When you’re nearby, everything is better, right down to the taste of ice cream on a lazy Sunday night. You’re a bright spark in everyone’s world, Allison, and I’m so honored to get to call you my wife. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love another human. You’re my light. My everything.”

Well, that did it. How was she supposed to speak after absorbing so many wonderful words? Even though it was her turn, Allison had to take a moment because the emotion had bubbled to the surface and robbed her of her voice. She held up one finger to their nearly two hundred guests to signal for a minute, which prompted laughter. That helped.

Finally, she gathered herself. “Megan, you make me weak in the knees and transform me into my most calm self, all at the same time. I’m still trying to figure out what kind of superpower that is. Your charisma is only matched by your kindness, and when I’m not in your presence, I count the minutes until we’re together again. That sounds like a cliché, but I actually do it. I like that you let me wear your clothes and never make fun of me for enjoying the art projects at school just as much as my fourth graders.” She smiled, knowing her kiddos were sitting happily in the fifth row. “The idea that I’m about to embark upon spending every last day with you is nothing short of a miracle. I’m the luckiest human on Earth, and I thank God that I found you. I believe in fate now, and that we were meant to be each other’s person. Please know that I am ecstatic to marry you, and I will cherish you and our love with every fiber of my being until my last day.”

Megan smiled, tears in her eyes threatening to spill over.I love you, she mouthed to Allison, who mouthed it right back. When they were announced as Mrs. and Mrs. Megan and Allison Kinkaid, a name selection Allison had insisted upon, the room erupted, and every part of Ally blossomed with happiness and excitement for everything wonderful to come. Christmases, vacations, cookouts, parties, birthdays, vacations, and maybe even a little addition or two to their family. The idea of a little Megan running around about did her in.

When she danced with her wife for the first time in the spotlight beneath a panel of three-story-high windows, it was a slice of heaven she would never forget. “You’re so beautiful,” Megan whispered in her ear as she held her close, their family and friends looking on.

All Ally could do was marvel. How did she get here? Pressed against her as they swayed to the music was everything Allison had ever wanted. “Is this real?” Allison asked, reaching up and touching Megan’s cheek.

Megan considered the question. “If it’s not, it’s the best dream I’ve ever had.”

After a life of feeling ordinary and adequate, Allison had finally achieved her very own fairy tale. “I think it’s real.”

Megan nodded. “I’m yours and you’re mine.”

“That’s us.” Allison grinned. “Forever.”

They sealed the words with a kiss as the photographer’s flash went off, capturing the blissful moment for all eternity. As it was meant to be.