Ava's wedding was everything she ever wanted. It was a magical night for my sister, who seemed to be in seventh heaven every time Owen looked at her. The food was perfect (thank you, Victor), the music was amazing, and the venue, while not being her first choice, turned out to be somehow even better. It was the perfect night for her, and I know she'll never forget the feelings she had as she slow danced with her new husband with their family and loved ones surrounding them. I'm sure it's a day that will live in her memories forever.

So two years later, when Vale took me to a secret spot on the beach in Coeur d'Alene that he decorated with pictures of us together throughout our lives, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him, I was over the moon. I said yes, of course, but once the shock and excitement of the night wore off, all I could think about was Ava's wedding day. Not just how special it was, but how much work and planning it took to get there. So I immediately began combing through magazines and saving as much money as I could to afford the perfect day for Vale and I.

We've spent the last three years preparing for the day we could say "I do." But just a few weeks ago, something happened that changed all our plans. I just finished working with Julie Graham last year, and I've been itching to start something of my own using all the knowledge she gave me. So when the perfect location for a bakery popped up, I knew I couldn't let it go. Vale, being who he is, wouldn't let me give it up. So we took everything we've saved for our own wedding the last few years and put it into my new bakery.

He was willing to wait another three years if that's what it took for me to have my perfect wedding day. But as we were hanging the sign for the bakery, which I lovingly named A Touch of Cinnamon, I realized that I didn't want to wait another three years. My perfect day wasn't Ava's perfect day. I didn't need the fancy dress or the gorgeous venue to make my wedding day special. I just needed Vale.

So here I am, in a white summer dress that goes just past my knees, looking up at Vale, who's dressed in a black button-up shirt and a pair of black slacks. Keke, Tyler, and Victor are the only people here. I invited my parents and sisters, but it was kind of a last-minute decision, and they just couldn't make it. And that's okay. They've witnessed all my big moments since I left for school, and I know they'd be here if they could. Besides, we plan on having a proper wedding with a reception after we get the bakery up and running. But the truth is, we just didn't want to wait any longer.

But even though we've decided to forgo everything else that goes into wedding planning (for now, at least), we chose to write our own vows. So, as the officiant looks at Vale expectantly, he takes a breath, pulls a piece of paper out of his back pocket, and begins to read.

"Genny," he begins, and tears are already beginning to well up in my eyes. "Since the time we were six years old, everything you did made my heart flutter. It took me years to understand why, and when I finally did, it scared the hell out of me. Because the idea of shooting my shot with you, and missing, was more than I could stand. I would rather stay friends and keep you in my life, than risk it all for nothing.

"And then I thought all my dreams came true when I was dared to kiss you for the first time. And then I thought all my dreams were coming true when I confessed my feelings to you on the beach, and you didn't run away. And then I thought all my dreams were coming true when we officially got together at your sister's wedding. But I was wrong. Because every day with you, you figure out a new way to make my life a dream come true. Every moment with you is a new dream, and I never, ever want to wake up. I love you, Genny."

I'm pretty sure I hear someone sniffle, and when I look over, I spot Victor with fresh tears rolling down his cheeks. Vale and both laugh as we look at his father, but we're crying too. Turns out weddings don't have to be flashy to be emotional. Who would've thought?

Okay, it's my turn. I pull my vows out of my bra (classy, I know, but this dress doesn't have pockets), and read from my own sheet of paper. "Vale," I begin, and damn these tears. I have no idea how I'm going to get through this in one piece. I clear my throat and continue. "You and I have shared so much of our lives together. You were there when I lost my first tooth. You were there when I learned how to ride a bike. You were there when I broke my arm falling off said bike a year later." Everyone laughs, even the officiant. "You were there when my heart was broken for the first time.

"But the point is, you were always there. No matter what was going on in my life, you were always there, waiting for me to come to you. You spent way too long waiting for me to open my eyes, but I am so glad you did. And now that I have, I never want to see anyone but you. Every morning when we wake up. Every night when we go to sleep. And every moment in between. You are the only person I want to see for the rest of my life. I love you, Vale."

Tyler hands Vale my ring, and Keke hands me Vale's. We exchange them, and my hand is shaking as he slides the ring on my finger before lifting it to his lips and pressing a kiss against it. Then we turn to the officiant, who looks down at his book and says, "With the power vested in me, by the State of Idaho, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He looks at Vale, whose eyes are shining with fresh tears. "You may kiss your bride."

Vale bites his lip as he leans down and presses his lips against mine, snaking his arms around me to pull me closer. I cup his face in my hands and hold him to me, not wanting to let him go. This kiss is better than any one we've shared before. It's warm. It's tender. It's passionate. It's everything a kiss should be. And when we finally break away, our friends and his father applauding as the officiant introduces us as Mr. and Mrs. Morgan for the first time, I realize that I no longer feel invisible. Because this man holding my hand as we run down the aisle together, makes me feel seen. My life with him is so perfect.

And, I think with a little smile, as we burst through the doors as a married couple for the first time, it's sweeter than any cupcake.

THE END

Author's Note:
And there we have it, ladies and gentlemen! That concludes A Touch of Cinnamon! I hope you enjoyed this last little bit. I don't usually like to end my romances with a wedding, but with these two, it just felt right. Hopefully it wasn't too cheesy haha!

This is the first draft of this story, so I do plan on going back later this year and doing some edits. The final product will probably be a bit different. I'll let you know when it's available for purchasing in its final form.

Thank you for reading! You're all amazing! I plan on writing a behind the scenes chapter soon, as well as a dedication chapter and a chapter about my next project, which I hope to be sharing with all of you soon. Take care until then, my dears!
XOXO,
~Aly