Weeks had passed since the birth of baby Katlyn, and life for Emily and Eric had begun to settle into a beautiful rhythm. Emily had finally made Eric’s house her permanent home, turning it into a place filled with warmth and love. Their days were spent caring for their newborn daughter, while nights were filled with whispered conversations and dreams of the future.

Today, however, was no ordinary day. It was the day Emily and Eric had chosen to exchange vows and officially become husband and wife.

The couple decided on an outdoor wedding in the very park where Eric had proposed—the place that held so many memories for them. The sun was shining bright, casting a golden glow over the beautifully decorated venue. The lake sparkled in the distance, and flowers in shades of blush and cream adorned the aisles.

Eric stood near the altar, his best man, Tim, by his side. He fidgeted with his cufflinks, his heart racing with nervous excitement.

"Is everything in place?" Eric asked, his voice a bit frantic.

Tim chuckled, giving his friend a reassuring pat on the back. "Yes, everything is perfect. Relax, man. Today is your day with Emily—it’ll be amazing."

Eric glanced around as the final touches were made to the decorations, ensuring every detail was flawless. Meanwhile, in a nearby tent set up for the bride, Emily was getting ready with the help of Rachel and Lily.

Rachel stood behind her, carefully applying the last strokes of makeup. "You look absolutely stunning!" she exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement.

Lily nodded in agreement as she finished styling Emily’s hair into soft waves. "You’re going to shine today, Emily. Eric won’t be able to take his eyes off you."

Emily blushed, feeling a wave of gratitude toward her best friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law. "Thank you, both of you. I don’t know what I’d do without you here today."

Rachel pulled her into a warm hug. "You’d do just fine, but we’re here because we love you!"

Lily joined in, wrapping her arms around Emily as well. "I love you too, sis."

Emily smiled, her heart swelling with love for the two women beside her. The day felt surreal, but it was a moment she had dreamt of for so long. Soon, there was a knock on the tent door, and Emily’s father entered, his eyes widening in awe as he saw his daughter dressed in her wedding gown.

"You look absolutely beautiful," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Emily beamed at him. "Thank you, Dad."

Her father held out his arm. "Are you ready to go meet your future husband?"

Emily took a deep breath, her heart fluttering with anticipation. "I am."

Together, they walked to the entrance of the aisle as the music began to play. The crowd quieted, turning their attention toward Emily as she appeared with her father. Gasps of admiration filled the air, and all eyes were on the bride. But none were more mesmerized than Eric.

As Emily began her walk down the aisle, Eric felt his heart race. His breath caught in his throat as he watched her approach, her beauty taking his breath away. Her gown flowed like a dream, and her eyes, filled with love, were locked onto his.

This was the woman he had waited his entire life for.

When they finally reached the altar, Emily’s father took her hand and placed it in Eric’s.

"I’m entrusting my daughter to you now," her father said, his voice filled with both pride and tenderness. "Please take care of her and my granddaughter."

Eric smiled, his heart full. "I will protect them with my life. Thank you for giving me the honor of loving your daughter."

Her father nodded before taking his seat beside Emily’s mother, who was already dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. Eric and Emily turned to face the pastor, ready to say their vows.

Eric cleared his throat, his eyes never leaving Emily’s as he spoke from the depths of his heart. "Emily, I promise to cherish and love you for the rest of my life, until death do us part. I will honor you, stand by you, and be true to only you."

Tears welled up in Emily’s eyes as she spoke her vows in return, her voice filled with emotion. "Eric, I promise to love you faithfully and endlessly. Until death do us part, I vow to always show you how much you mean to me. My love for you is true and unwavering."

Eric’s heart swelled with love as the pastor asked, "Do you, Eric, take Emily to be your wife?"

"I do," Eric said without hesitation.

"And do you, Emily, take Eric to be your husband?"

"I do," Emily whispered, her heart soaring.

They exchanged rings, a symbol of the eternal love they shared. With their vows sealed, the pastor smiled warmly. "You may now kiss the bride."

Eric didn’t need to be told twice. He gently cupped Emily’s face in his hands and kissed her with a passion that made the entire crowd cheer in delight. As they pulled away, the joy on their faces was unmistakable.

Without warning, Eric scooped Emily up into his arms, causing her to laugh in surprise. He carried her back down the aisle, their friends and family showering them with rose petals as they passed.

They reached the car, where everyone had gathered to wish them a lifetime of happiness. Laughter, love, and congratulations filled the air as the couple climbed into the car, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives together.

As the car pulled away, Emily leaned into Eric, her hand resting on his chest. "We did it," she whispered, a contented smile on her face.

Eric kissed the top of her head, his heart full. "Yes, we did. And it’s just the beginning, my love."