It's Sunday, and my mom, Diana, and I are together at the coffee shop in town, going over my wedding plans for the summer.

"So here's the list I'd like to accomplish before starting school in the fall," I say as I lay the list where we can all look at it.

My mom looks over it and reads it aloud. 

"1. Book Church
2. Find Reception Venue
3. Dress
4. Maid of Honor Dress
5. Book Caterer
6. Book Photographer
7. Order Flowers
8. Favors
9. Table Centerpieces"

Mom's eyes swam with tears as she looked at me. "I can't believe my baby's getting married!"

My lips trembled, tears threatening to fall as I leaned over to hug her. "Oh, Mom."

We stayed embraced for a few moments before regaining our composure.

Mom sits straight, clears her throat, and announces, "We need to make a plan to divide and conquer."

Several cups of coffee later, we have a plan. Mom is booking the church and calling photographers while I set up a dress appointment and look into venues and caterers. Diana is on flowers, centerpieces, and favors.

This summer is going to be busy.

The summer is ending, and school starts in a few weeks. We've completed the list. Today is our dress appointment. My mom, William's mom, Elaine, and Diana accompany me.

I've narrowed it down to two dresses. One is a mermaid-style, and the other is a full-skirt princess-style. Both have lace overlaying satin and v-necks.

I put on the mermaid-style dress, and tears shimmer in my eyes as I take a moment to admire it in the mirror. The sweetheart-laced strapless V-neck accentuates my ample cleavage, and the see-through lace bodice looks elegantly sexy. The skirt hugs my curves and flares at the bottom, revealing my hourglass figure flawlessly.

My mind drifts back to the first time I met my green-eyed man on my first day at Crystal Lake High School. It was love at first sight, and it feels like a lifetime ago. I smooth out the dress and take a deep breath before stepping out of the dressing room to model.

"Oh, Nicole. That's gorgeous!" Elaine exclaims.

Tears fill my mom's eyes. "It is! It fits you perfectly, Honey."

"I love it too, and you look so beautiful, Nicole," Diana chimes in.

My mouth curved into a smile. "I adore this dress. I think this is the one."

"I'm excited to see your other choice. It better be pretty damn perfect to outdo this one," Diane said with a sparkle in her eyes.

I nod and return to the dressing room to change into the princess-style dress.

The off-the-shoulder lace sleeves have intricate floral designs that continue through the V-neck and bodice. Cinched at the waist is a delicate beaded band, and the full-flowing skirt continues the floral lace design. It's stunning, and I feel like a Disney princess. I step out of the dressing room.

My mom's eyes lit up. "Beautiful."

"That's lovely, too," Elaine said. "How will you ever decide between the two dresses?"

Diana took a moment to scrutinize the dress before adding, "I know that you're going for elegance, and the mermaid style has exquisite, sleek elegance. While extremely beautiful, the ballgown looks more like a fairytale dress."

"Mom?" I inquire.

My mom smiles. "I agree with Diana. They're both so beautiful on you, but the mermaid style looks more sophisticated."

"What's important is how you feel," Elaine expressed.

"I brought you all here to help me choose, and I agree. The mermaid style is perfect. I teared up and got emotional when I first put it on," I admitted.

"Then, there's your answer," my mom said as she got up and hugged me.

Wiping my tears away, I announce, "Okay, Diana—your turn. I put the dress I chose for you in the dressing room. Go try it on for us!"

"Yay!" She exclaimed, jumping out of her seat and rushing to the dressing room.

She appears in a form-fitting, strapless, rose-red satin dress with a sheer waterfall skirt.

My eyes went round. "Diana, you look stunning."

"I love it!" She squealed.

"Okay, Mom and Elaine, it's your turn," I said, clapping my hands

They entered their respective dressing rooms and returned a few minutes later.

My mom looks amazing in a gray floral print, crew neck contrast mesh embroidered top overlaying an a-line full-length satin dress.

Elaine's dress is a light pink chiffon double-layer, flower-decorated long dress with flutter sleeves. The color compliments her skin tone perfectly.

Both were pleased with my selection, and we all left the boutique smiling with our purchases.

I can't wait for the following two semesters to be over. I'm so ready to be William's wife.

I can't believe the day is finally here. I'm so excited to marry my best friend and soul mate.

William's parents sent a limo to pick up Mom, Diana, and me. Elaine was already seated inside with champagne poured and waiting for us.

She hands each of us a glass and makes a toast, "to William and Nicole. May their love last a lifetime and grow stronger each year."

"Cheers!"

We all clicked our glasses, downed the champagne, then headed to Legacy Salon for our hair and makeup.

My hair is styled in a sleek bun, with my crown veil secured around it. My makeup is natural except for the subtle winged eyeliner and ruby red lipstick.

Once we finished, we returned to the limo, made our way to the church, entered through the side door, and went to the room designated for us to get ready.

My mom helps me with my dress, careful not to mess up my hair and makeup.

"So, where's William taking you for your honeymoon?" she asks.

"I have no idea; William has been doing great keeping it from me. He told me to pack tons of skimpy bikinis and sundresses."

Laughing, Diana exclaimed, "Of course he did!"

My dad knocks before peeking his head into the room. "Everyone decent?"

Our eyes meet, and I can see the glistening in his deep brown eyes.

He clears his throat before choking out his words, "Nicole, you look like a princess."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Are you ready?"

"I'm more than ready."

My mom gave me one last hug and kissed me before she, Elaine, and Diana went to take their places.

My dad reaches over and places my arm over his. I hear the music begin.

"This is it," he announces.

My dad smiles at me, and I notice tears forming. I struggle to hold back my tears from seeing him so emotional.

He squeezes my hand, and we enter the sanctuary.

I see William, and my heart stops. He looks so handsome in his black tux. My eyes well up, and I try to blink the wetness back. I'm such a lucky woman to have such a caring and compassionate man as my very soon-to-be husband.

His smile widens when he sees me as he brushes tears of joy from his eyes with his thumb. I grin back at him.

When my dad and I approach the altar, I hand my bouquet to Diane. He kisses my cheek and places my hands into William's.

"Take care of my baby," Dad says to William, giving him a lopsided grin.

William's eyes meet mine as we're face to face, and he replies, "I promise I will."

The pastor stepped before us when my dad sat beside my mother.

He looks at our guests and tells them, "Nicole and William wrote their vows together." He then placed his attention on us and smiled. "Nicole."

I breathe in to settle myself before beginning. "William, I vow to you that I will be your confidant and supporter for the rest of my life. I will be honest with you and be by your side no matter what circumstances come our way. I will do my best never to go to bed angry at each other, even if it means staying up all night talking it through. You are my life, love, and best friend. I promise to love you till death takes me from this earth."  I finish with a shakey voice and wet cheeks.

William releases my hand and brushes his thumb against my tear-stained cheek. We share a loving smile; then he retakes my hand before repeating our vows back to me.

The pastor gave a short sermon on unconditional love and used the symbolism of our wedding ring as a never-ending circle with no end to represent our love.

We then each placed our wedding bands on each other's ring fingers.

The pastor says, "I now pronounce you Mr. & Mrs. William John Hammond. You may now kiss your bride."

William smirks before wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into him. My arms instinctively went around his neck before our lips met, sealing our commitment.

"I love you," William whispers against my mouth.

"I love you, too. So damn much."

After Diana handed me my flowers, applause erupted as we went down the aisle hand in hand and exited the church.

When we arrived at the reception, I was awed by the incredible job my mom, Elaine, and Diane did on the decorations. Black tablecloths adorn the round tables, with vases of white and red roses placed in the center. White and red balloons are anchored throughout the venue, accented with silver ribbons. They perfectly executed what I wanted.

After the meal, we danced with our friends and relatives until the DJ announced the cake-cutting.

William and I gently place the cake in each other's mouths. Everyone boos because they were hoping for cake in the face. We shrug our shoulders and laugh at their response.

The celebration continues late into the night. It was a perfect day, and I've never been happier.

Once the reception is over, we say our goodbyes to our guests. Then, our parents, Chris and Diane, begin cleaning up and shooing William and me out of the door. We drive to a hotel by the airport because we have an early flight in the morning.

An hour later, we arrived at the hotel. We check into the honeymoon suite, and William carries me over the threshold.

"Here we are, Mrs. Hammond."

He lays me on the bed, still dressed in our wedding attire.

Looking at William seductively fluttering my lashes, I ask, "Would you please help me out of my dress, husband?"

He waggles his brows and smirks. "My pleasure, wife."

I have a lacy, white, see-through bra and panties under my dress.

William's mouth fell open. "You're gorgeous, Mrs. Hammond."

Biting my lip, I reply, "You're incredibly perceptive and extremely handsome, Mr. Hammond."

He takes me in his arms and begins to kiss me. He starts at my forehead and continues down to my nose, then my lips. He lingers here, and we kiss. His tongue teasingly flicks into my mouth. He continues down to my chin and neck and pauses at my breasts. He reaches behind me and unhooks my bra. He pulls it off and throws it to the floor. My breath catches as he kisses my breasts. He takes his time here before heading further south to my stomach.

He smiles as he reaches for my panties, slides them over my hips and down my legs, and throws them to the floor.

"Once again, one of us has too many clothes on!" I say with a wink.

"Patience, my love."

He continues to please me till I can't hold back any longer. I shudder in ecstasy. William gets up and undresses as I come down from my high.

"You seriously need to get over here now!" I exclaim with a mischievous smirk.

He's ready for me.

"As you wish."

He joins me in bed, and we make love for the first time as husband and wife, then fall asleep, tangled in each other's arms.

The alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. Our flight leaves at 9:30 a.m., and we must be at the airport two hours before our flight. We shower, dress, and head to the hotel restaurant to grab a coffee before heading to the airport.

"I'm so excited to see where we're going!"

He places his arm over my shoulder. "Soon, Babe."

We walk to the airline desk, and William hands the agent our passports and airline tickets.

"Two first-class tickets to Bora Bora, Tahiti."

"What? Wow! This honeymoon is a dream come true! Thank you, William!"

I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him. He smiles.

"I thought you'd approve!"

"Is this your honeymoon?" The clerk asks.

"It is," we replied together.

"Congratulations! Have a wonderful time."

"Thank you," we said in unison.

We check our luggage and head to the security checkpoint. I'm beside myself with excitement!

We get through security and head to our gate. We find seats, and William heads off to get us some breakfast. I text Diana.

Guess where we are heading!

Where?

Bora Bora!

Way to go, William!

Right!

Take lots of pictures!

Will do.

William returns with breakfast. When we finish eating, the boarding process begins.

Seventeen and a half hours later, we landed. Thank God for the first class. We arrived well-fed and well-rested and grabbed a cab to our resort. It's more beautiful than I ever imagined!

"Oh, William! This resort is beyond amazing."

"Nothing but the best for my wife," he replies with his chest puffed up in pride,

Once again, he carries me over the threshold.

We have the most relaxing and wonderful week. We enjoy exploring, swimming in the crystal clear water, making love, and eating fabulous food.

As we're packing up to leave, William comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.

"I could stay here with you forever!"

"Me, too."

He turns me around and looks into my eyes, "I'm so ready to spend the rest of my life making you happy."

"You already make me so happy. I love you, Babe."

"I love you, too."

We finish packing and head to the airport.

After we returned from our honeymoon, William stayed busy managing the store. I took classes over the summer online and began my student teaching at Crystal Lake Elementary in the fall. I'll graduate in December.

Chris and Diana got engaged and are planning their destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico, for next year. I'm her matron of honor, and William is Chris' best man.

We're in the process of buying a house and talking about having kids. Married life has been everything I've dreamed it would be. I'm so happy that I found my happily ever after my senior year of high school. It was the best move ever!

The End

A /N Thank you so much for reading my love story. This isn't the end. Stay tuned as we visit William and Nicole as they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in the upcoming Epilogue.

As of 2023, my hubs and I have been married for 37 years, together for 42 years as high school sweethearts.