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!