Lexi's POV (15 years later)

My little brother getting married and he is flipping out. We all knew this day was coming from the day he was 10 and Jake caught him kissing Mia in her room. Jake was furious and wanted to keep them apart but Dad and Leah would have none of that. They just weren't left alone anymore until years later. We knew we couldn't stop them kissing forever. And now they are getting married. Jake is a wreck while Leah is much calmer. Daddy is taking this wedding much better than he took mine. He took my pregnancy better than he took my wedding. I think it was the whole giving me away thing. I waited for him for five years as my mother said, then abandoned him for two and he was afraid he was going to lose me for good when I walked out with Braden. As if I would keep my Izzy away from one of her favorite people.

"Lex I don't think I can do this. What if I screw up?" Carter continues his flipping out.

"All you have to do is stand there, repeat the words, and kiss her at the end." I try to make him feel better.

"And then live with her and take care of her and love her for the rest of my life!" Ah, I get it now.

"Carter you have loved and taken care of Mia since she was 5. You'll be fine. Did daddy give you your letter?" I suddenly remember.

"Oh yeah but I couldn't read it. Can you read it to me Lex?" as he hands it to me.

Carter,

I so wanted to be here for you on this day. I'm sure you look so handsome and Mia is picture perfect. Yes, I know it will be Mia (though if for some reason it's not just replace her and Jake's name.) I knew you loved her when you were little bitty. And she always loved you just as much. I'm sure Jake is freaking out and he's probably taking it out on you. Don't take it personally; you will understand if you ever have a little girl. Take good care of her Carter. And she'll take good care of you. Don't be nervous. Haha. That's what you're supposed to say but seriously I was so nervous for the entire week before I married your daddy. So be nervous but be happy. I love you Carter.

Mommy

"Don't cry Lex you'll ruin your make up." Carter hugs me. He's crying too.

"Do you know how happy mom would have been to see you marry Jake's daughter, Carter? I love you so much. I can't believe my baby brother is getting married!"

I leave him so he can finish getting ready and I walk into the hall right into Jake.

"Hey Lexi, is he OK in there?"

"Yep, he's fine. And you?"

"I don't know how your dad did it! I just want to take her home and lock her away!"

"Well I don't think Dad wanted to raise Izzy so…" and he laughs. "Carter loves her so much Jake."

"I know, I know." And he smiles just a little bit.

Soon it is time to take our places. Del and I are bridesmaids so we go stand in the front. I whisper breathe, I love you to Carter as I stand.

Looking out at the guests I realize everyone I truly love is in the room except my mom and my grandpa, he died a year ago.

Jake, my mom's best friend from high school but so much more than that. From the time I was born until even now he was always there for me.

Leah, who accepted me and my mother with open arms. She's like a mother to me and Carter and Del. She's really the reason my mom and dad ended up together. She introduced them and she convinced Jake that Dad was good for her.

Carter, my baby brother who is every bit as stubborn as my mom and me and his beautiful soon to be wife Mia who luckily is the complete opposite. My mom and Jake met so many years ago at a cafeteria lunch table. They went through the best and worst parts of their lives together and now their kids are getting married. We have always been a family but this totally seals the deal.

Del, my sweet little sister. I cannot believe she is 17 and about to graduate high school. Del is the one thing mom was wrong about. She is not stubborn or dramatic and she does not push people away. The exact opposite actually the girl loves everyone and everyone loves her. She's not the least bit artistic but she's an amazing athlete. She's daddy's little girl without a doubt. The only person she never really clicked with is Jake. No one knows why but Dad secretly loves it. Her and Izzy are very best friends and are inseparable. They go between staying at my house and Dad's house but they are always together.

Izzy is 3rd generation crazy. She got all the stubborn and dramatic and pushy. How her and Del get along I have no idea. She definitely is payback for the hell I put my parents through but I love her and I would do anything for her. She works with me on the weekends just like I used to work with my mom.

Braden, my wonderful husband. Even after Izzy was born I had this fear of him walking out on us but he never did. Even with all the crazy. He adores me and Izzy just like my dad did me and my mom and I know how lucky I am to have found him. I hope every single day Del and Izzy are as lucky as me.

And finally Sam, who chose to be my dad and stuck by me no matter how hard I pushed or what I did. His was an amazing husband, he is a wonderful father and grandfather. I am so thankful he came into our lives.

My family is perfect and I know my mom would be so proud of who we have all become.

The end.

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