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I stare in the mirror as I try to push away the sense of déjà vu that’s swirling around me.

Everything will be fine today .

I’ve repeated that line to myself no less than a thousand times since I woke up this morning. I really hope it’s not a lie.

Everything’s different this time around.

Different dress. Different hairstyle, make-up, manicure, pedicure, and shoes. Different feelings pulsing in my chest.

Aside from those things, I’m also a mother now. I was pregnant the last time we tried this. I suppose I was a mother in the technical sense before, too, only I didn’t actually get to be the mom to my child. This time, my mom holds sweet Fallon while I prepare to walk down the aisle. I’ll hold her as I walk next to my mom, three generations of strong women, and then I will vow my forever to Tristan with the baby beside us.

Neither Sara nor Stephanie could make it on the short notice I gave them, and so I’ve asked my mom to be my matron of honor. After I walk down the aisle, I’ll hand Fallon back to her, and our little girl will be the closest person near us as we marry.

Luke and Ellie will be there, along with Jack and Kate, Ben and Kaylee, Josh and Nicki, Coach Thompson and Mama Mo, and Travis. It’s only been a few weeks, but these people have quickly become our Las Vegas family, just as Tristan said they would.

It’s a small event, but it’s exactly what we want. After we’re married, the staff will serve appetizers and champagne, we’ll dance as the sun sets, and we’ll be husband and wife.

Finally.

The day has gone smoothly up to this point, and I’m moments away from walking down the aisle. Still, I can’t shake this feeling that something’s going to go wrong.

And then there’s a knock at the door. My heart absolutely thunders that this is it. This is the moment everything goes terribly wrong. At least this time, it won’t happen as I’m walking down the aisle. At least this time I can face my heartbreak alone.

My mom opens the door, and Ellie stands there. I can’t quite decode the look on her face, but she simply hands my mom an envelope before she leaves.

“For you, Tessi-cat,” she says, and I take the envelope from her hands.

Tessa .

The word is written in Tristan’s scrawl, and I tear it open.

Tessa,

I knew since I was twelve that this was our destiny.

I’m glad I was right.

I wanted to let you know security is tight. Nobody is getting into our space tonight. No interruptions. Just you, me, Fallon, and the rest of our lives.

I love you.

T and T forever—plus F and L and all the future letters we add to the team.

-Tristan

Tears fill my eyes as I look into the future with this incredible man. Maybe I’m the lucky one, or maybe he is. Maybe we both are.

Or maybe we’re just blessed that this is our reality. I think I’ll go with that notion.

And then I’m walking down the aisle. The song is even different this time around as I walk down the aisle with Fallon in my arms and my mother beside me. My eyes are on Tristan rather than on the small group of friends who are here in support of us today.

Nobody stops me.

I hand Fallon to my mom just before I get to Tristan, and then he grins at me.

“You made it,” he whispers.

“Thank God,” I whisper back, and he laughs.

The officiant provided by the hotel says some things about love and commitment, we say our vows, we exchange rings, and then we kiss.

Nobody stops us.

Nobody interrupts us.

Well…not nobody . When the officiant asked Tristan if he takes this woman, Fallon let out the sweetest little shriek in her sleep, like she’s thrilled and excited her parents are getting married. It drew the sound of laughter from our friends gathered, a lighthearted moment to make this ceremony even more perfect for the two of us.

It’s a new beginning. We’re done with the heaviness and drama. We may not have control over other people’s actions, but we can certainly control our own narrative going forward—a term I learned from my new boss.

We can only control what we do. We can only control our reaction to the outside forces that will surely come along trying to split us apart.

And we will face them together, his hand in mine.

Just as we vowed today: Forever.

Cocktail hour is lovely. The weather is warm as we crest toward the end of July, but the hotel put up a bunch of portable coolers. Maybe it’s just because I’m floating on a cloud, but I don’t even feel the triple digits. Or maybe I’m a little drunk and that’s why I feel like I’m floating. I’ve had three glasses of champagne after the last nine months of total sobriety.

My mom is keeping Fallon in her room for the night, and Tristan has reserved some suite for the two of us. The sky is dark and we’re swaying to some love song when Tristan bends down and whispers in my ear.

“Cocktail hour is over. Time for cock hour.”

I giggle. Okay, so he might be a little tipsy himself. I force my features into a pout even though I haven’t stopped smiling all night. “Only an hour?”

“Cock hour sounded funnier than cock night.”

“What about cock marathon?” I suggest.

“You’ve got yourself a deal.” He draws me in closer so I can feel how hard he is for me against my belly. “Ready to say our goodbyes?” His breath is hot against my ear, and I lean in toward him so my words are just for him.

“Only so I can get you naked.”

He raises a brow, presses a soft kiss to my lips, and then we thank our guests, kiss our baby, and take off for the honeymoon suite.