Before you start, let me tell you that finding the perfect wedding dress for your fictional character is a lot harder than you might've ever guessed (it's still not perfect, perfect, but it's close). Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know, so now I'll leave you alone and let you read.

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It has been about a year and a half since that wonderful day. We pursued a relationship soon afterward, and it was amazing. At first, we kept it private from the media. When we felt comfortable, we made our relationship public, making many people go insane with excitement. Some of his other fans were not all that happy, but we just ignored them. I got pursued by the paparazzi for awhile, but they soon stopped following me around as much, making me not regret at all to letting our relationship go public.

Matt is doing amazing. He has become an even bigger star and has begun to grow his fan base even more. This time, he is keeping his eyes on what is truly important. His eyes are on Christ, and he is using his platform to be a light. He continues to encourage me and to be the best friend out there, along with Beth.

A year after we became a couple, Matt asked me to be his wife. I gladly said yes, and we hurried to get our wedding planned as quickly as we could. Now, six months later, I am getting ready for my dream wedding.

"You ready?" Beth asks, interrupting me from my thoughts.

I smile at her. "Definitely."

Just then, Mrs. Parker and Violet walk into my bridal suite. They both look youthful and joyful in their wedding attire. They both have radiant smiles on their faces from excitement and anticipation for this big day.

"How's my future daughter-in-law?" Mrs. Parker asks.

"Wonderful," I reply.

"Would you like us to help you get your dress and veil on?" Violet asks.

I nod, and Beth walks over and carefully takes my wedding dress off the hanger. She brings it over to me and unzips it as I take off my silk bridal robe. All three of them help me step into the dress and pull it up around me. Mrs. Parker zips it up.

Violet walks over and picks up the veil and carefully brings it over to me. Violet and Beth lean over to put it on my head, and I bend down. Once they settle it on my head in my hair, I stand up. 

All of them sigh when they see the dress and veil on, and I turn to look at myself in the full length mirror that is behind me. Tears form in my eyes when I see my reflection.

The dress is not the same one from when I planned on getting married to James. I actually gave that dress away to a woman who was getting married to a soldier. That dress was meant for getting married to James, and this dress is meant for getting married to Matt.

"Matt is going to cry when he sees you," Mrs. Parker whispers to me.

I laugh and wipe away my tears of happiness. "That's what I was going for."

They laugh at my words and gather around me. We all stand and stare in the mirror for a few minutes. It is all so surreal. I have waited so long to get married, and it is finally happening.

"Could we say a few prayers for you before we leave and let you have some time to yourself?" Violet ask.

I nod, and we all move to form a circle. We reach for each other's hands. I bow my head and wait for them to pray. Beth says a simple yet heartfelt prayer. Violet also says a very heartfelt prayer. I pray a thankful for prayer. When we get to Mrs. Parker, she takes a moment before starting.

"God," she begins, "we are gathered today for an amazing occasion. We thank you for blessing Matt and Kate in their relationship. We thank you for bringing them together. Thank you for helping them walk through their struggles. I personally want to thank you so much for Kate and her wonderful testimony. Thank you for leading her to Matt and allowing her to be able to be here today to marry my son. I ask you to please bless their marriage for the rest of their lives. You're so good, Father. Thank you."

I open my eyes and raise my head. Tears formed in my eyes during the prayer, and I see that everyone else also has tears in their eyes. They all smile at me and give me hugs before leaving the room and leaving me alone.

When they leave, I walk over to a corner in the room where a table is. On it is a few of my things. One of the things is a small box. I pick it up and hold it in my hand. I stare at it before opening it. Inside is my engagement ring from James in the form of a necklace.

I take it out of the box and hold it in my right hand. I hold up my left hand and stare at both engagement rings. Both are beautiful rings. Both are perfect and special in their own ways. Both of them give me happy memories.

"Beth?" I call out, knowing she is nearby.

It takes a few minutes for her to come in. When she does, she asks, "What is it?"

I turn and look at her. "I want to ask you something."

"Shoot," she replies.

"Do you think James would've liked Matt? Do you think they would've gotten along?" I ask her.

She gives me a smile. "Most definitely. They would've liked each other a lot."

I nod. "Do you think you could help me with a last minute thing?"

"Of course."

I hand her the necklace, and she helps me put it around my neck. She steps back, and I walk over to the mirror to get a last look.

"It's perfect," I whisper.

Beth hugs me and whispers back, "He'd be so happy for you."

"I know."

Knock. Knock.

We turn around as Beth calls, "Come in."

Mr. Parker walks in and smiles when he sees me. "Matt is going to have a hard time speaking when he sees you."

I laugh. "I'll have a hard time speaking when I see him."

"Well, it's time," Mr. Parker says.

I nod as Beth gives me another hug before walking out. Mr. Parker comes over to me and offers his arm to me. I take it, and he leads me out of the bridal suite and down the stairs to the doors where I will walk outside down a path to where my future husband is waiting for me.

The day is beautiful, so the outside wedding should be a success. I hear the wedding march beginning, and I quickly pull my veil over my face. I turn to smile at Mr. Parker, and he smiles back at me.

He leans in and whispers to me, "I'm glad you're joining our family."

"Me too," I whisper back.

The doors open slowly, and we begin to walk down the path to the aisle. It is not a long walk to the aisle, and before I know it, I can see my handsome fiancé. He smiles when he sees me. I smile back. When we reach the altar, I can see that he has tears in his eyes.

"Who gives this woman?" the preacher asks.

"My wife and I do," Mr. Parker replies.

Mr. Parker then gives my hand to Matt, and the ceremony begins after Matt lifts my veil. Tears form in my eyes when my story is told. Then, stories of Matt are told, and I laugh when I hear the funny stories about him. Finally, it is time for our vows and the exchanging of the rings. We say the traditional vows and then our written vows.

"Kate," Matt begins, "I am so blessed to be able to stand here today with you. God has been good to both of us, and I am thankful that you were by my side through all of my troubles and struggles and that I was by your side. I promise to be the shoulder you can cry on. I promise to always be faithful to you. I promise to cherish you and act like Christ to you. I promise to love you until we die, and I even promise to watch chick flicks with you. I love you and can't wait to spend my life with you."

I wipe away tears and then say my vows. "Matt, we've be through a lot together. You saw my pain, and I saw yours. You brought me healing, and I brought you some healing. You listen to me and understand me. You were there when I needed you most, and I'm beyond grateful for that. I promise to listen to you and be your comfort. I promise to support you in your endeavors. I promise to be faithful to you. I promise to love you always."

Matt squeezes my hands gently and smiles at me. I smile back. Music begins to play, and we walk over to a small table in the back and pour our sand into a pretty glass bottle to symbolize how we are becoming united. We then pray together and take communion. I will never forget this moment. We walk back to the front and stand across from each other, waiting for the words to be said that we have waited so long for.

"I now pronounce you man and wife. Matt, you may kiss your bride."

He smiles at me, and I smile at him. He steps closer to me, and I lean in as he leans in.

"I love you," he whispers before kissing me.

Not only did I keep my vow to wait to have my first kiss until my wedding day, but I also found the imperfect man who is perfect for me.

We pull out of the sweet kiss, and I tell him, "I'm counting on forever."