“You said yes!” she exclaimed, hugging me tightly. “I’m so sorry for how I treated you before, Hayley. I didn’t realize how much you meant to Adam until it was almost too late. Thank you for giving him another chance.”
Stylists and makeup artists seemed to materialize out of thin air. My parents showed up, looking both shocked and overjoyed. No one knew if I’d say yes, but they’d all been prepared.
I changed into the dress I’d made with my own hands, realizing it had been meant for me all along.
When Adam and I stood together at the altar, his hand in mine, I felt a sense of peace and happiness that I hadn’t felt in years.
After the ceremony, as the crowd thinned out and the music played softly in the background, I stood on the balcony of the venue. The crisp evening air cooled my flushed cheeks.
My hands rested on the railing as I stared out at the horizon, trying to come to terms with everything that had happened.
Adam’s voice came from behind me. I turned to see him standing there, his tie loosened, the soft glow of string lights making his eyes look even more affectionate.
“Hey,” I said quietly, a small smile curving my lips.
He stepped beside me, his arm brushing against mine as we both looked out into the night.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head.
“I don’t even know what I’m feeling right now. Happy? Overwhelmed? Still waiting for someone to yell ‘April Fools’?”
He chuckled, his gaze softening.
“It’s real, Hayley. I promise.”
We fell silent for a moment before he spoke again, his voice more solemn.
“I don’t deserve you. I know I messed up. I let someone else’s lies destroy something beautiful, and I’ve hated myself for it every day since.”
I turned to face him, my heart constricting.
“You should have talked to me, Adam. I would have told you the truth. You hurt me so deeply when you left.”
His face fell slightly, his jaw clenching.