Forever After Read online

  “I love you, Mom.”

  A soft knock came at the door.

  “That must be Dad,” I said with a shaky voice. However, when I opened the door, I slammed it shut.

  “Who is it?” Meredith asked.

  Sam went over and opened it. “Oh.”

  “Why is she here?” Liza whispered, staring as my sister entered the room.

  “I don’t know,” I snapped. “That’s a good question. What are you doing here? Going to steal this guy, too?”

  “That’s uncalled for, Sarah,” my sister said. She actually sounded hurt.

  “Why. Are. You. Here?”

  “I wasn’t about to miss my big sister’s wedding.”

  “I don’t remember inviting you,” I hissed.

  “I know you’re upset about the whole Brandon th—”

  I cut her off. “Upset? You fucked and stole my boyfriend of five years. You’re a whore.”

  “I’m not a whore.” She pouted.

  “Seriously, Allison, just go away. Vanish. I don’t want to see you right before I walk down the aisle.” I turned away from my sister, anger and hatred bubbling in the pit of my stomach. “Oh and try not to steal my husband. Whore.”

  “You’re being completely unreasonable.”

  “I’m being reasonable. You’re a man stealer. Simple as that.”

  “Perhaps forgiving your sister would be a good way to start your new life,” my mother said softly as she adjusted the veil in my hair.

  “Mom,” I started.

  “I’m not telling you what to do. You’re a grown woman, and I completely agree with why you’re still mad at her but remember, you have the better man now. You’re the bigger woman.”

  “I hate when you’re sensible,” I grumbled.

  She smiled and kissed my cheek.

  “You’re forgiven. I still hate you. I want nothing to do with you or your husband, but you’re forgiven,” I muttered at my sister.

  She nodded and turned to leave when a man entered. “Hi, Dad.”

  “Allison? What are you doing here?” He shrugged his shoulders and reached for my hand. “They’re starting!”

  I couldn’t believe that I was going to be Mrs. Declan Press. I took a deep breath and slid the veil over my face. Taking my dad’s arm, I let him lead me to the sanctuary. The blue flowers that lined the pews smelled amazing. Candlelight danced on the walls and dead ahead Declan stood in his immaculate tux. He was a dream. The music started and the people stood staring as I proceeded down the aisle. I smiled at my mom as she dabbed at her eyes. Declan’s father and his new girlfriend stood arm-in-arm at the front pew looking happily at husband. My father placed my hand in Declan’s and took his seat. I don’t know how I made it through the ceremony. I kept my eyes and thoughts on my new husband; his beautiful eyes, his remarkable lips, and everything else about him.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride,” the pastor said.

  Declan wrapped his arms around me and brought me in close. I could hear the gathered crowd gasp. He then dipped me low and kissed me hard.

  “I love you, wife.”

  “I love you, husband.”

  “Are you ready to live happily ever after?”

  I smiled broadly. I had been ready since our first kiss.

  I’d finally found my forever after.