Surely this day has to be a dream, Jenny thought as she exchanged vows with Alex on the wide veranda behind the Chesterfield. Because nothing could ever be this perfect and still be real. Even though this ceremony was a mere formality, that didn’t stop a tight knot of emotion from forming in her throat as Alex whispered, “Told ya so, it’s all good” as promised and once again pledged to love and cherish her forever. She would never get tired of hearing those words or of the way his fierce brown eyes went soft with love when he said them. They lit the third candle for Toby, sharing a meaningful private smile as they paid tribute to the man she’d loved and lost, which only made her love Alex more than she already did.

Her family, Toby’s family, Alex’s friends and their Gansett Island family were all there to watch this time, which somehow made it that much more official.

With Sydney and Erin standing by her side, this wedding bore little resemblance to the one she’d planned so long ago. Then, her sisters would have been her attendants, but life and years had changed the dynamic between the three of them, and when it came time to choose attendants this time, there’d been no doubt about who she wanted standing with her today.

Sydney had been the first to reach out to her when she arrived on Gansett hoping for a fresh start. They had bonded initially over their shared experience with tragedy and loss, but their relationship had become a friendship Jenny treasured. They’d moved past that early common ground, with both of them finding a second chance at happily ever after while continuing to honor the ones they’d loved and lost.

And Erin… In the years since Toby’s death, Erin had become a sister of Jenny’s heart. She was thrilled to have Erin here on Gansett, especially today.

Having Toby’s parents here had also made the day extra special. Knowing they were happy for her and that she had their love and support meant the world to her.

As the day unfolded with military precision thanks to Lizzie’s unwavering attention to detail, Jenny thought of the secret she and Alex had decided to keep to themselves for the time being, until they were through the critical first trimester. But knowing their baby was part of the wedding made the day that much sweeter.

And when Alex gathered her into his arms to dance to the song they’d chosen to summarize their love, Jenny knew a moment of pure bliss as she danced to “At Last” with her gorgeous new husband.

“Happy?” he asked.

“That’s not a big enough word to describe how I feel today. You?”

“Same. There are no words.”

“I’m sorry your mom couldn’t be here.”