Torn (33 page)

Sunday morning arrived in the blink of an eye.

 

“Ryleigh, honey, are you okay?” My mom knocked on the bathroom door.

 

“Yeah, just putting the finishing touches on.” I answered applying one more coat of mascara. I knew that
it was going to run off as it was, but I wanted to attempt to have some makeup on. I laughed at myself.

I opened the door to a bunch of gasps. My mom, Courtney and Ava were waiting for me on my bed. My
gown was a beautiful cream color lace ensemble. It was tight in all the right places, but hid my baby
bump just perfectly. I wore my hair in a beautifulbun with a bright yellow flower on the side, just for
Courtney.

“You look…AMAZING!” Courtney said with a hitch to her voice.

 

My mom had already begun to cry. I had to shake my head at her, hopefully sending the message of not
yet.

 

“Ryleigh! You look beautiful.” Ava said quietly trying to keep herself composed. “Sorry, I’m a sap for
weddings.” She chuckled.

 

“Look, you ladies need to knock it off. I am hormonal and seeing you all cry is going to make me start
crying too!” I said fanning my eyes.

 

“Okay, okay. We will stop, but no guarantees during the ceremony.” My mom stated.

 

“Deal. Just let me get up there first.” I laughed.

 

There was a knock at the door. Avery poked his head in.

 

“Is everyone…Oh Ryleigh, you look beautiful!” He said shocked.

 

“Thanks Avery. Is everything okay?” I asked.

 

“Oh yeah, I wanted to come up and get you. It’s time.” He smiled pointing to his watch.

 

“Great! I’m more than ready!” I smiled brightly. “Everyone else?”

Everyone nodded with smiles as we headed downstairs. Courtney stopped me at the top of the staircase
and gave me a big hug before heading down to the backyard.
Just as promised, Caleb and I were married at sunset. The magnificent colors behind the mountains, my
family and close friends, made the evening extra special.

When we finally said our vows, I caught my mom wiping her tears and handing Courtney, who stood
behind me, a tissue. I managed to make it the entire ceremony with a huge grin. I realized that nothing
made me happier than hearing I was now Caleb Martin’s wife.

Acknowledgments

I am so thrilled that a small thought in the back of my mind finally made it to paper! I wouldn’t have
done it without my cheerleaders; Ashleigh, Cara, Heather, Kari, Meridith and Sue. You ladies are
amazing at rooting someone to get off of Facebook and get back to writing. I love you each very much!

I definitely could not do this without the support of my loving husband. Honey, I FINALLY did it!

 

I can’t forget my kids… I love you both and you drove me nuts when I was in a zone but you both are
always my babies… SO don’t read this until you are older and if you do- let’s just keep it as a secret.

 

And if I don’t put my family in the acknowledgements, I will never hear the end of it… So, thanks to all
my family. You know I love all of you!