30. Meiko

The morning sun streams in through my bedroom windows as I slowly wake. For a moment, it feels like any other day. Then it hits me. Today is my wedding day!

I stretch and smile up at the ceiling, butterflies fluttering in my stomach. After everything we"ve been through, Mustaf and I will finally make our union official before our loved ones. Finally being the keyword.

After the baby was born, we spent two years in a kind of engagement limbo. Though we were eager to get married, there always seemed to be one reason after another to wait a little bit longer. Being new parents and planning a wedding both take a lot of time, so rather than rush, we just took it one step at a time.

Not that I mind. Married or not, the past two years with Mustaf have been nothing short of amazing. Still, now that our wedding day is finally here, I'm giddy. The anticipation is worth the wait, that's for sure.

A knock at the door announces the arrival of my team of stylists, bubbly and eager. "Ready to be pampered, darling?" chirps Celeste, my trusted hairdresser.

I"m ushered into a chair and surrounded by the stylists, their chatter and attention making me feel like royalty. Skilled hands massage my scalp as they work product into my locks, twisting and pinning until an elegant updo takes shape.

My makeup is applied with artistic precision, enhancing my best features. I"m peppered with encouragement and compliments, boosting my confidence. This is really happening!

The pièce de résistance comes when I step into my lace and satin gown. The bodice clings flawlessly to my figure as the full skirt cascades down. I turn this way and that, admiring the effect.

"Oh, honey, you look breathtaking!" gushes Yvette, fastening the back with care.

I meet my reflection"s gaze, seeing both the blushing bride and strong woman I"ve become. I"m ready for this next chapter with Mustaf.

My heart flutters thinking of the intimate vows we"ll exchange, surrounded by our nearest and dearest. The ornate hall awaits, decorated lovingly thanks to months of work. And my darling Asher will make the most adorable ring bearer.

Taking a deep breath, I smooth my gown and nod resolutely. "Let"s do this."

My stylists applaud excitedly. The limo pulls up outside, ready to take me to the venue where my destiny awaits. Where my family will officially become whole.

I blow kisses to my team in thanks, buoyed by their well-wishes. Then I"m gliding out the door, a blushing bride floating on a cloud of joy and anticipation. The next time I walk through that door, I"ll be Mrs. Meiko Sato. This is really happening!

As the limo pulls away from the house, I take out my phone and call my best friend, Sandra. She picks up on the first ring.

"Meiko! Oh my gosh, today"s the big day!" she squeals. "How are you feeling, bride-to-be?"

I laugh, buoyed by her infectious excitement. "I"m feeling amazing! Still can"t believe this is really happening. I just got all dolled up by my glam squad and now I"m heading to the venue."

"You must look absolutely gorgeous right now," Sandra gushes. "I can't wait to see you! And I bet Mustaf"s jaw is going to drop when he sees you walking down that aisle."

"I hope so!" I say. "The dress is insane. It looks even better than when you and I found it."

I hear Sandra let out an exaggerated dreamy sigh. "You"re living every girl"s fantasy right now. Pampered like a princess on your way to marry your prince charming!"

The limo hits a bump in the road and I brace myself against the seat. "Whoa, easy there driver. Don"t mess up the hair!" I joke.

Sandra laughs. "Well, look, I'm waiting at the venue and I'm already insisting everyone treat you like royalty today, you hear? You deserve all of this and more."

I smile, feeling like the luckiest woman alive. "I"ll see you in a second. Love you!"

We hang up just as the limo pulls up to the spectacular wedding venue. It"s time. Taking a deep breath, I gather up my skirts and step out onto the red carpet leading inside. Here we go – off to my amazing future with Mustaf!

As I step out of the limo in my sweeping white gown, Sandra comes to meet me. Her face lights up when she sees me.

"Oh, my gosh, Meiko! You look absolutely stunning," she gushes, hurrying over to link her arm through mine.

I grin, giving her hand an affectionate squeeze. "Thanks, hon. You look gorgeous yourself in that dress."

She waves a hand dismissively even as she preens. "Please, today is all about the bride. And you are radiant, girl!"

Sandra guides me towards the grand arched entrance of the ornate wedding venue. My heart flutters with excitement and nerves. In just a short while, I"ll be walking down that aisle to meet my destiny.

As if reading my mind, Sandra gives my arm a reassuring pat. "Don"t you worry about a thing. I"ll be by your side the whole time. You"ve got this!"

I smile gratefully at her. With my best friend at my back, I feel ready to take this next step.

We pause in front of the tall wooden doors leading inside. I take a deep breath, smooth my dress one last time, and nod to Sandra. She throws the doors open wide.

The interior takes my breath away. It"s even more stunning than I remembered. Garlands of flowers and twinkling lights adorn every surface. The chairs are arranged perfectly down two aisles leading to an arch overflowing with roses. It"s everything I"ve dreamed of and more.

Sandra hugs me tightly. "This is really happening! Let"s go get you married, girl."

Buoyed by her enthusiasm, I straighten my shoulders and step forward into my future, more ready than ever to walk down that aisle and say, ‘I do.'

As I step into the lavishly decorated hall, the flowing aisles lined with rows of expectant guests, my gaze is immediately drawn to the front. There, beneath the floral archway, stands Mustaf looking absolutely striking in his tailored suit.

Our eyes meet across the distance and in that moment, the rest of the room fades away. It"s just the two of us, together at last on our long-awaited wedding day.

My breath catches at how incredibly handsome he looks, the love shining from his eyes making my heart swell. I can"t stop the tears that suddenly spring forth, overcome by this precious moment. Through the sheen of joyful tears I see Mustaf"s eyes glisten as well, a tender smile on his lips.

Sandra gives my arm a supportive squeeze, jolting me back to the present. "Come on, it"s time," she whispers. She nods to Asher, who's toddling up the aisle with the ring pillow. It makes my heart swell, and when I look up at Mustaf, I see his heart is full, too.

Lalaine and Dragan follow Asher, then Macia and Fordan, and finally, Sandra gives my hand a little squeeze before she turns and walks toward the altar with Maui.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see my father.

"Ready?" he whispers ,and I nod. Taking a steadying breath, I begin my walk down the flower-strewn aisle on his arm.

With each step closer to Mustaf, the flutters in my stomach intensify until I think my heart may burst right out of my chest. His gaze never leaves mine, bolstering me, promising me with that look that everything will be okay. We"re in this together now.

"You look beautiful," mouths Mustaf.

I beam through my tears, knowing I"ve made the right choice in the man standing before me. We join hands, his warm strength enveloping mine, as the officiant begins the ceremony.

This is really happening. I"m finally marrying my soulmate and beginning our lives together as partners. I"ve never felt more sure of anything in my life.

As the officiant instructs, Mustaf and I turn to face each other, hands joined and eyes locked. This is the moment we"ve been waiting for.

Mustaf clears his throat and begins his vows. "Meiko, from the first moment I met you, I knew you were the missing piece my heart had been searching for. Your spirit, your smile, your kindness. Everything about you seemed to perfectly complement everything in me. We just clicked, like fate had planned it that way all along."

I grin up at him as he continues. "You challenge me, excite me, accept me fully for who I am. And somehow you make even my bad jokes seem funny." That elicits a laugh from our guests.

"I promise to always appreciate your compassion, support your dreams, and bring you ice cream after a bad day. I vow to dance in the rain with you whenever you want. And most of all, I vow to love you and our son unconditionally, in this life and whatever comes after."

Joyful tears prick my eyes as he finishes. Now it"s my turn.

"Mustaf, you crashed into my world when I least expected it and swept me off my feet, and what's more, you gave me the most beautiful son. You saw past my walls to the real me inside and loved me not in spite of my flaws but because of them. I promise to always return that acceptance and to be your safe space when the world feels cold."

I continue, voice catching with emotion. "I vow to bake your favorite treats when you"ve had a rough day, and to make sure we never run out of mint chocolate chip. To laugh at your absurd jokes. And to trust in the love that brought us here today – a once-in-a-lifetime soulmate connection."

I squeeze his hands tightly. "I can"t wait to start our adventure together as a family. I"ll love you and Asher forever."

Mustaf"s eyes are misty as he mouths I love you back to me.

As we exchange rings and the cool metal slides onto my finger, I"m overcome with emotion. This amazing man is now my husband in the eyes of all we hold dear. Our union is sealed with a joyful kiss, the cheers of our family and friends ringing out around us.

The rest of the day passes in a blur of celebration, with hugs, laughter, celebratory toasts, and our first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Sato to a romantic ballad. Through it all, Mustaf"s hand remains anchored in mine, his eyes shining with undisguised happiness whenever they meet my own.

Later, swaying together under the stars as the reception winds down, I lay my head on his shoulder feeling complete contentment. "Can you believe we made it here after everything?"

Mustaf smiles. "I never had a doubt, love. What we have can weather any storm." His hand gently caresses my back.

I glance over to where Asher is sleeping peacefully nearby, watched over by doting grandparents. My heart swells at the family we"ve become.

As the limo takes us home, officially married at last, I snuggle close to Mustaf, our fingers intertwined. The future lies ahead of us, bright and full of promise now that we"ve tied the knot. Life will still hold challenges, but together we are strong.

I know our love story is only just beginning. And with my husband and child by my side, I"m ready for whatever comes next. I have all I need to be happy in them.