Violet said her vows first.

"Growing up, I wanted a relationship like my parents', not realizing I already had that with you," she began. "We've had each other's backs since we were toddlers, and you're the one person in this world who truly understands me. I've always loved you for that, Noah. You've always been my voice of reason, my favorite person to talk to, and the best fan a ballerina could ever hope for. I have more fun with you than anyone else, and I feel most relaxed when I'm with you."

She laughed softly before continuing. "In terms of support, a best friend and a spouse aren't so different. I promise to remain your best friend, but I also promise to show you how wonderful you are and how much I love you for the rest of our lives."

Noah's grip on her hands tightened, his wide smile threatening to split his face. Every second since she'd appeared in her wedding dress felt like a dream. After so many years of hoping, this was actually happening.

He cleared his throat, his voice choked with emotion as he looked at his bride. Something about her had always been radiant, but today, as she beamed at him, it was even more apparent.

"After we got engaged, my mom teased me about how I used to say I was going to marry you when I was little," he said. "Violet, I've been in love with you since before I even knew what that meant. You are the kindest, most beautiful, and most talented person I've ever met. Every day with you has been a blessing. I honestly wouldn't be the person I am today without you as my best friend. I promise to spend the rest of my life proving you made the right choice in marrying me."

Once the vows were exchanged, the officiant concluded the ceremony, and Noah kissed his wife. He dipped her backward, his arms tightening around her as the kiss deepened. It was a good thing she was wearing smear-proof lipstick.

Cheers and shouts (likely from their brothers) erupted from the crowd, snapping Noah back to reality. The reception still awaited. There were dozens of people to greet, a luncheon to attend, and a program to follow. Everything passed in a blissful blur until their first dance.

Violet had insisted on choreographing their first dance. They'd practiced on the slick hardwood floor of their apartment kitchen. During one practice, she'd told him, "You aren't like my other dance partners. My heart races when I dance with you." In a strange way, it was the highest compliment she could give. Noah knew she'd previously treated her male partners as merely dance partners. He'd seen it firsthand before she fell in love with him—he'd been devastated by their closeness, while she remained unaffected.

That her opinion had changed meant she truly loved him, not just as a friend. Touched, he'd broken their practice by pulling her into his arms and kissing her.

Violet's eyes sparkled as they glided across the dance floor to a song popular during their teenage years. She hadn't stopped smiling since the music started. Lost in the depths of her dark blue eyes, Noah wished the moment would last forever, but the song ended, and other guests joined them on the floor.

Kristen and Scott gave him synchronized, unsubtle thumbs-up from a distance. He rolled his eyes but grinned.

So many people had come to celebrate: the Clarks, Quinns, and Griffiths (like family); his uncle Brian's family; most of the Singleton clan; Violet's uncle and his wife; Aaron, Keeley, and Mandy's family; many of Violet's fellow dancers from the New York City Ballet; and even his dojo owner and some older students. People from all aspects of their lives honored their love. Though accepting congratulations was exhausting, Noah was deeply touched by the turnout.

As a child, he'd wanted to marry Violet to see her all the time. Growing older and falling deeper in love, he'd grown confident it would happen. But when she started dating others, he feared being left behind. He waited, though he felt he might lose his mind.

Noah was grateful for the heartache of the past year. Without it, his dream wouldn't have come true. That day, no one was happier or more at peace than he was.

The final sentence, "S~eaʀᴄh the Novelƒire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality," is an advertisement and has been removed.