, I can't get my dress zipped up!"

I wince at the high-pitched scream that has just left Monica's lips as she stares at her back in the mirror, trying to pull the zipper of her wedding dress up. Her demeanor is almost hysteric and I'm pretty sure she is close to jumping up and down any minute now and potentially damaging her dress.

Talia rises from her spot on the couch before anyone else can do or say anything else. Gently prying Monica's fingers away from the zipper before she rips it and causes an even bigger fiasco. She easily pushes the zipper up higher, securing Monica in the dress.

"There you go," Talia affirms.

Monica swivels around with a grateful expression on her face. "Thank you so much, you're a lifesaver."

Suddenly, the door opens, Nick popping his head in with a huge grin on his face.

"Five minutes left, Mon."

I swear, as the words leave his lips, I notice all of the color drains from her face. She nods stiffly at him as Nick gives her a thumbs-up, clearly not sensing the sudden mood drop, before disappearing again.

One of her bridesmaids, Harper, shoots Monica a concerned look. "Are you okay?"

Monica violently shakes her head, her red hair that is curled to absolute perfection spinning all around.

"I think I'm going to be sick."

Veronica looks wide-eyed as she scoots further away from the hysteric bride-to-be.

"Should we get her a bucket?"

I shake my head, looking at Monica whose face has grown considerably paler.

"You'll be fine. You want to marry Wes, right?" She nods, not even hesitating in the slightest. To my amusement, everyone in the room sighs in relief, as if she were about to pull an escape before walking down the aisle.

The door flies open again, except this time it isn't Nick but Monica's older sister, Callie, who also happens to be her maid-of-honor.

"It's time," she announces with a huge grin on her face.

Walking over to Monica, I try to be as reassuring as possible. "This day is all about you and the man you're about to marry, okay? No one else matters." Monica relaxes, shooting me a look of gratitude.

Turning to her sister, she nods. "Let's do this."

We all let out synchronized cheers of excitement, clapping our hands as we file out after Monica.

The church they've picked is gorgeous, the stained glass windows practically glinting from the sunlight, flowers placed all over the area in large bouquets. Everything seems to be done to perfection, though knowing Monica, I wouldn't have expected anything less.

Quickly walking behind Talia and Veronica, we shuffle into our seats before the ceremony is to begin. Immediately after sitting down, I spot Miles by the alter, laughing with Nick and the other groomsmen and best man. His smile causes butterflies to erupt in my stomach as he throws his head back in laughter.

"You're staring," Talia teases as she elbows me on my side.

"Yeah, I know."

It's nice to finally be in a stable place with Miles. After the entire airport scene, he still flew to Los Angeles, mostly because I wasn't letting him miss such a big opportunity. I told him when he got back, we would sort through everything else. He spent two and a half weeks in California, and with any free time he had, we were either texting, calling each other, or FaceTiming. It was nice, and honestly, those two weeks practically solidified that I wanted to make it official with him when he returned to New York.

According to Miles, the interviews with Republic went extremely well. Even saying that he will eventually move out there to be closer to the studios and managers he has, making it easier for him to start recording music.

"Don't worry," he'd reassured me as we were laid on his couch watching movies. "I'm not moving until the summer . . . and maybe you can come with me?"

I hadn't given him a straight answer because frankly, I don't know if I will be able to.

A week after I submitted my internship application, I'd gotten an email from The New York Times of my acceptance for the photojournalism intern role. The position is from the end of January to mid-April, and I'm slightly hoping that they will either then offer me a full-time position within the company, or from my internship, I will be able to make connections at some other New York-based magazine. Because the truth of the matter is, I want to stay in New York for another few years.

Except I don't know how to tell Miles that.

We will have been dating for six months at the point of him moving to California, and I'm not too sure if we'll be able to handle long distance.

Talking about it with my mom, Talia, and Veronica, they'd each given me the same kind of advice.

You won't know until you try.

"Wait, isn't your first date with Nick tomorrow night?" Veronica asks Talia, pulling me from my thoughts and back into the conversation.

I watch as Talia's cheeks go red, nodding slightly at the question. "Yeah, he's been keeping where we're going this huge secret, so I'm very nervous about it."

"I'm sure wherever he's taking you, it'll be amazing," I pipe in.

Talia raises her brows at me, leaning forward a little. "Maybe you happen to know where Nick might be taking me?"

I smile sheepishly. I do know. I had been in their apartment when Nick had burst into Miles' room with the details. Of course, though, I'm not about to ruin the surprise.

"My lips are sealed."

Talia huffs, giving me the stink eye as she turns back towards the front. Veronica chuckles, about to say something when a shadow passes over us.

"Hey, sorry I'm late," Olivia rushes out. Immediately, Veronica stands up, giving her girlfriend a quick peck on the lips before we all scoot over so she could sit down.

Talia waves away her apology. "You haven't missed much."

According to Veronica, she and Olivia are going to try and give their relationship another shot. I know the idea of long-distance scares them immensely, but Veronica is also madly in love with Olivia and is willing to try. The same can be said for Olivia. They've been easing back into their relationship, despite spending every waking moment together. But, it's really sweet to see them back together, especially with their newfound goals for the future.

Just as soon as Olivia sits down, the pianist in the corner begins playing a tune on the organ, everyone growing silent. We all turn to see Wesley walking down the aisle with his parents. He looks pretty good in a black tuxedo, a blue tie fastened over his neck to match the color scheme of the wedding. Followed by Wesley, is Monica's mother, who honestly looks like her daughter in thirty or so years. Her red hair is pined up, and she is glowing, smiling so wide I find my lips twitching.

The bridesmaids and maid-of-honor file down one by one, until finally the song that is being played on the organ changes, and we all stand. Monica and her father emerge through the double doors, and even though I'd seen her a few minutes before, she still looks amazing. It seems as if her nerves have dissipated in the five minutes since we'd left her. Her wedding gown is off-the-shoulder, billowing out like a princess dress. The white looks amazing against her olive complexion as she walks slowly down the aisle.

I peek a glance at Wesley, whose smile is practically blinding. He can't take his eyes off of Monica as he shakes her dad's hand before taking Monica's and tugging her onto the elevated platform.

The music stops and we all sit back down, Talia immediately taking a tissue out of her clutch and loudly blowing her nose.

"Seriously?" I whisper to her.

Talia sniffs. "Sorry, weddings make me emotional."

I roll my eyes, except I know that once they begin to exchange vows, I'll most likely be a blubbering mess as well. Discreetly, I pull out my own tissue, balling in my hand just in case.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Monica King and Wesley Brooks. It's no accident that each of you are here today, and each of you were invited to be here because you represent someone important in the individual and collective lives of Monica and Wesley. The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete. The person who makes the world a beautiful and magical place. The person with whom you share a bond so special that it transcends normal relationships and becomes something so pure and so wonderful, that you can't imagine spending another day of your life without them." The priest pauses, looking out towards the crowd of people. I find my eyes drifting over to Miles at the last part of that speech, finding him already looking at me. He winks, a sly smile twitching at his lips, and I flush, bringing my attention back to the priest.

"Now, before we get into the vows. If there is anyone here that objects to the matrimony of Monica and Wesley, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The church remains silent, and I swear I see Monica glaring at a few people in the crowd, almost making me laugh.

"Alright then," the priest says, and a few people chuckle. "This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. The groom and bride have each prepared vows that they will read now."

Wesley takes a step back, digging into the pocket of his jacket for a crinkled piece of paper. Instantly, I feel the tears clouding my vision, and he hasn't even opened his mouth yet. Clearing his throat, he looks down at the sheet.

"From the first moment I saw you, I knew you'd one day be my wife," he begins, glancing up at Monica. "From the way, you laughed at my corny jokes, and stuck by my side when I was being a dick." Laughter spills from some of the guests. "There hasn't ever been a woman for me, not since I met you, not since you've become the love of my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I want to have a whole bunch of children that we can spread our love to. You're it for me, Monica Louisa King."

I feel myself melt at the end of his testimony, having to blink back the onslaught of tears that are threatening to fall. Monica isn't so lucky, her entire body shaking with sobs as she takes deep breaths to try and calm herself down.

"Alright—so," she stutters. "I didn't actually write my vows down so this is a bit of improv." I laugh at her honesty. "Wes, before you, I'd practically given up on the idea of love. I didn't think I'd ever be whole again or ever want to be whole again. And then you came along, with your cheeky grins and insane amount of dad jokes and I caved." Wesley shakes his head, his shoulders also shaking with laughter.

"I don't think there was ever a moment of doubt. Even with the distance, even when we took that break and we spent three years avoiding each other, even then, I knew we'd find our way back together, and now we're here." Monica reaches forward, taking Wesley's hand in hers. "I want to go through the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly with you. Because if I'm going through it with you, then I know it'll be all okay."

There is absolutely no hope for my makeup as the tears stream down my face, using the tissue to blot under my eyes. From my peripheral, I notice Veronica and Olivia also discreetly brushing away their tears while Talia simply sobs next to me, not even caring who sees.

"And now, Wesley, do you take Monica to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?"

"I do," he answers.

"And Monica, do you take Wesley to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?"

Monica nods her head. "Yeah, I do."

The priest smiles. "Monica and Wesley will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle—a symbol of love never-ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end. Monica, please place the ring on Wesley's left hand and repeat after me."

Callie walks forward, giving both Monica and Wesley their rings. Sliding it onto Wesley's fingers, Monica waits for the priest to start speaking.

"As a sign of my love that I have chosen you above all else with this ring, I thee wed."

Monica repeats it word for word with a smile on her lips.

It's Wesley's turn now as he slides the ring onto Monica's finger, reciting the same lines.

"And now by the power vested in me by the state of New York, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss." Everyone cheers and claps as Wesley steps closer to Monica, bending down and kissing her. We all stand up as they pull away smiling at the crowd of guests.

"I am pleased to present the newlyweds, Monica, and Wesley Brooks!"

• • •

"Ugh, my feet are killing me," Talia complains as she sinks onto the empty seat beside me. We've been milling around the reception for the last hour, dancing and eating plenty of the food that is coming around on trays by the caterers.

I lost sight of Miles after the wedding had ended. Even now, in the huge layout of the ballroom, I can't spot him, or frankly, anyone that I knew.

"Tell me about it," I join in. I'd abandoned my heels as soon as I'd stepped onto the dance floor, shoving them under the table. The shoes are cute, but not made for walking more than two steps.

"Where's Ronnie and Liv?" Talia questions. I point to the dance floor where the two of them are spinning around to the Justin Bieber song currently being played by the DJ. They're laughing as they moved to the beat, it's rather adorable to see.

Talia stares at them for a moment. "I'm so glad Ronnie is happy again."

I smile fondly, looking at the two of them twirling each other around, occasionally almost knocking into a nearby couple. "Yeah, I'm happy for her."

Talia's smile turns sad. "I'm going to miss her so much." She turns her despondent gaze to me, her bottom lip quivering. "And I'm going to miss you too. When you eventually move away, probably with Miles, and start a cute little family. God, you're basically my sister. What am I going to do without you."

"Good try, but I'm still not telling you about your date."

Talia's sad expression melts off of her face in an instant as she scowls at me. It had been a nice try, I have to give it to her, but I'm not about to spoil a surprise that Nick has worked hard to put together.

"C'mon," she pleads, grabbing my hands roughly. "If it were you, I would spill the beans in a heartbeat."

"I'm sure you would," I reply dryly. When it comes to keeping secrets, Talia simply can't do it. Her mouth is constantly running a million miles per second. If the roles were reversed, her telling me about a secret date that Miles was planning wouldn't have been because she wanted me to know in any sort of genuine matter, it would be because she just wouldn't have been able to keep something like that in.

Before she can respond, and judging by the look on her face, I know she would've kept badgering me about the goddamn date, Nick materializes through the crowd of people, walking up to Talia and me.

"Hey Evie, do you mind if I steal your friend for a dance?" he asks cheekily. I shake my head, practically shoving her hands off of mine and feeling rather grateful for his timing. I fight back a chuckle as Talia completely forgets about trying to get me to reveal what I know, her face lighting up like a Christmas tree as she takes Nick's outstretched hand and he pulls her onto the dance floor. Like me, she is barefoot, and I notice Nick look down before laughing, whispering something in her ear.

Picking at my nails, I decided that now is a good time to try and hunt down some champagne, but before I can get up, someone slides into the chair that Talia has just vacated.

"Sorry, I couldn't help but notice you from across the room, you're very beautiful. Mind if I ask for a dance?" he asks, grinning at me as his dimples protrude.

I smirk, leaning forward. "Unfortunately, I have a boyfriend."

His grin grows in size as he stands up, holding out his hand for me. "I won't tell if you don't." Laughing, I accept Miles' invitation to dance, feeling myself being pulled from my seat in one fluid motion. He spins me around so my front is facing him, placing his hands on my waist as he brings me closer to him.

As Nick did, Miles glances down at my bare feet that are peeking out from the bottom of my dress. His lips twitch a little, and before I can blink, he wraps his arm around my waist, lifting me off the ground before placing me on the tops of his black loafers.

"What was that for?" I ask, looping my arm around his neck to keep my balance.

The little smile he has on practically melts my heart as he leans his head on the side of mine, his lips a mere centimeter from my ear. "I didn't want an incident involving my shoes with your bare and defenseless feet."

I chuckle, holding him tighter against me as we move to the now slow song playing, my head resting on his chest. It's moments like this, that I'm afraid for the future. I want to simply live in this bubble with him for as long as I can, without fear of the outside world ripping us apart.

"What's on your mind?" he asks as if sensing my change of mood. Pulling away slightly, I still keep my arms wrapped around his neck.

"I know I never gave you a direct answer to your offer of moving to Los Angeles with you, but I don't think I can—or want to," I admit softly. I feel my heartbeat quicken as the revelation leaves my lips. Because now it's real, Miles finally knows what I've been thinking since he offered to bring me with him to a city that is basically on the other side of the country. I look down and closed my eyes, not wanting to see his reaction. I don't want to see the sadness that is probably printed on his face, or maybe the anger at the fact that I have waited so long to tell him that I want to stay in New York.

"Will you look at me?" he asks softly, his fingers brushing under my chin as he raises my head. Reluctantly, I open my eyes to see a smile on Miles' face instead of the dejected expression I'd worked up for him to have had on in my brain.

It's a gentle smile, a smile that says you don't have to explain yourself.

"It was just an offer, Eves," Miles remarks. "I wasn't expecting you to say yes but I also didn't want to leave without asking first."

I sigh heavily, running my fingers against the color of his tux. "I'm just scared. What if we can't do long distance? What if we end up breaking up and hating each other? What if–"

"Hey, hey, hey," Miles says soothingly, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear as his thumb lingers on my cheek. "It's not even the end of January yet, we still have a good few months before I need to leave. But I promise, I'm not giving up on you, not when it took me so long to get you in the first place. I love you, and nothing can or will ever change that."