Ava, Mia, and Sophie lined up in matching blue dresses. Ava was in love with the poof and lace and patent leather.

“Are you ready?” Stella asked. She wore a knee-length sheath dress the same shade as the girls’ dresses. Morgan smoothed her own dress, a column of white silk that hugged her body to just below her knees.

Wait. Where are Sophie’s shoes? Morgan smiled. It didn’t matter. The afternoon was warm and sunny.

At the end of the aisle, Lance waited for her in his dark-blue suit. Sharp stood at his side, as always. Morgan spotted Gianna and Olivia in the front row. Olivia held an iPad so Lance’s mother could watch the ceremony via video chat.

“Mommy, can I go?” Ava asked in a whisper loud enough to make all the guests smile.

Morgan nodded.

Ava walked down the aisle, tossing rose petals in front of her. Mia followed, her steps slow and measured, just like they’d practiced the day before. Sophie turned in circles and pelted the guests with flower petals.

Stella walked behind the girls to stand in front with the minister.

Morgan’s gaze went back to Lance and stayed there. His eyes held hers as she walked down the aisle toward him. Grandpa sniffed as he patted Morgan and Lance both on the shoulders; then he went to his seat in the front row between Morgan’s other sister, Peyton, and her brother, Ian. Stella took her place next to Morgan, and the girls clustered around their feet.

With three young kids, they’d opted for a short and sweet ceremony. The minister read the traditional opening, then said, “Lance and Morgan wrote their own vows.”

Lance faced her. “I promise to be your lover, companion, and friend. I will be your partner in parenthood, your ally in conflict, and your accomplice in mischief. I will make sure you always have coffee in the morning and donuts on Saturday, and I will love you with all my heart for the rest of my life.”

Morgan had expected to cry, but joy filled her as she squeezed Lance’s hand. “I will never take you for granted. I promise to be your lover, your friend, your sidekick—and your lawyer when necessary. I will be forever grateful to be your wife. Today, I give you my hand. You already have my heart.”

They said their I dos and exchanged rings. Before Morgan could blink, the minister proclaimed them man and wife, and Lance kissed her.

It seemed like a dream. Three years before, her life had been shattered. Now it was rebuilt, and her heart was full.

Lance lifted his head. His blue eyes sparkled with happiness—and maybe a tear—as he smiled and kissed her again. She wound her arms around his neck and held on.

The girls cheered.

Sophie pried them apart. “That’s enough kissing.”

“It’s never enough kissing.” Lance put Sophie on his back and scooped Mia and Ava into his arms. Music played and kids raced around the tent that had been set up on the beach for the tables and chairs. The girls were a little disappointed there was no bouncy castle or ponies, but Gianna had hired a face painter and organized some games for the kids.

Morgan dragged Gianna away from the children and shoved a plate of food into her hands. “Sit and eat. You need to conserve your strength.”

“I’m feeling much better.” But Gianna sat and forked pasta into her mouth.

Sharp tugged Olivia to the table. He turned his chair to face Gianna’s. “So, I have some news for you. The day Olivia was released from the hospital, we went down to the transplant center and got tested. I don’t know if they told you, but the whole family went. The center called yesterday. It seems I’m a match for you. There are still a bunch of tests I have to have, but as long as I pass, I can give you a kidney.”

Gianna put down her fork. Tears flowed down her face. “I can’t . . . I don’t . . .”

Morgan’s knees went weak. The family had been devastated to learn none of them were the right blood type, and Sharp hadn’t said a word. She hadn’t even known he’d gone to the center, not that it surprised her.

Sharp patted Gianna’s arm. “It’s OK. You don’t have to say anything.”

She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him hard.

Sharp froze for a few seconds, then returned the hug, patting her back. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

“I should say no.” Gianna sniffed. “Taking your kidney feels selfish.”

“Why the hell would you say no?” Sharp frowned. “I have two, and I only need one. It’s basic math.”

The decision was anything but basic.

Morgan’s eyes brimmed with tears. She hadn’t cried during her own wedding, but Sharp’s generosity did her in.

“Thank you, Sharp,” she said.

He nodded. “Friends help each other. It’s what we do.”

The rest of the reception flew by. Morgan held Lance’s hand as they said goodbye to the guests.

The caterer shooed Morgan away from the tent when she attempted to organize the cleanup. The sun was setting as they loaded the girls into the minivan. The kids were exhausted. Sophie fell asleep on the drive home. Lance carried her to bed and changed her into her pajamas. Morgan helped Ava and Mia change and brush their teeth. Then she tucked them into bed.

“I’m going to bed too.” Grandpa kissed Morgan and disappeared.

“And me.” Gianna hugged them both and went to her room.

Morgan went into the kitchen in her wedding dress and bare feet.

Lance opened the fridge and took out a bottle of champagne and a container of leftover pizza. “I’m starving.” He’d taken off his jacket and tie. The sleeves of his white dress shirt were rolled up.

“Me too. I didn’t have time to eat anything at the wedding.” She took a slice from the box and ate it cold.

Lance opened the champagne and poured two glasses. “Is this the right vintage for pizza?”

“Everything goes with pizza.” Morgan lifted a glass. “To us.”

“To us.” Lance touched his glass to hers.

Morgan’s heart overflowed with happiness. She felt almost giddy with it.

“It was a perfect day.” Morgan sipped. Pizza and champagne were the perfect combination to end it.

“It was.” Lance set his glass down. “I have something for you.” He took an envelope from his jacket pocket and handed it to her.

She opened it. “It’s a brochure for Italy.”

He nodded. “That’s where we’re going. For eight days.”

“Eight days? But the kids . . .”

Lance held up a hand. “Peyton is staying here with the kids. She wants to spend some time with your grandfather anyway. She says she’s missed him.”

“Eight days in Italy.” Morgan opened the brochure. “Rome, Florence, and Venice. It feels like a dream come true.”

Her whole life felt like a dream come true.

She suddenly remembered her gift for him. She grabbed his hand and dragged him from the kitchen, through the living room, and into the den. “The space is a little tight right now, but we’ll be getting new furniture when the addition is finished.”

She had shoved the furniture against one wall to make room for a baby grand piano. Lance froze, disbelief in his eyes. “How?”

“I had it delivered today. Our neighbor let them in.” Morgan felt her smile to her soul. “I worked really hard to make this a surprise.”