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“I love you,” I mouth as I slowly start walking toward him. Music is coming from somewhere, which I attempt to keep in time with, but it’s really freaking hard when I’m in agony because I want to be with him so badly. “I love you so much, Jordan Miller.”

“I love you too.” He has tears in his eyes. “You are so beautiful. I hope you know that.”

I can really appreciate Jordan from here. It’s reminding me of just how gorgeous he is. I knew that from the moment I first saw him, even if he really didn’t like me back then, but he’s even more beautiful with a smile on his face and love in his eyes. My God, it’s no wonder my heart skips a beat every time I look at him. No wonder our chemistry is off the scale. The passionfloating between us will never die down for as long as we live, I just know it. By the time I take his hands, I’m really hit with it.

Wow. Electricity. It’s crazy and overwhelming, but in the best way possible. But because I’m so sucked into the sensations rocketing through me right now, I barely hear Daniel, who is apparently officiating this whole deal, when he begins his speech. I get the feel of what he’s saying, and it’s a nice speech about love lasting forever, but I’m lost in Jordan. I’m swimming in the eyes of the man I’ll have by my side for the rest of my existence. Oh, my God, that’s so thrilling.

Finally, it’s time to say our vows. Luckily, because this is all last-minute, we haven’t had time to write specific vows. For a second, I fear that Jordan might burst out with this beautiful, lengthy speech, leaving me very embarrassed when I can’t do the same. I know I’ll be able to pull a speech out from my heart, but it’s better for us just to do the traditional vows for now. We spend every single day telling each other how we feel about one another. We know how deep our feelings go now, so that’s something we can keep private, just for us. I like the traditional vows, anyway. They symbolize a lot to me.

Freedom, the American dream, my new life, everything I’ve always wanted. I have it at last. The name Michelle Miller will finally be mine, and I can’t wait for it. I’ve come so far and escaped so much to be here, which only means I’m going to appreciate every single second of my happily ever after. When I think about all the ways that this could have gone…

Wow, I got so lucky. I must have done something right to end up here, right? After all the hardships, it’s all finally heading in the right direction. Well, from here on out, I’m going to make the most of every single day. America is mine, and this man belongsto me too. My child is going to have the most incredible life, and I can’t wait to see it all.

The words ‘You may kiss the bride’ are the most liberating words I’ve ever heard. I grab Jordan and kiss him hard once more, claiming him at long last and loving every second of it. My life is incredible.