Only Ever You: Bonus Chapter One

Isla and Michael's story was nothing but a rollercoaster, full of angst, happiness and love. They honestly made me believe in soulmates more than any other couple I've written ever did. Beyond grateful to all of you who decided to give their story a chance!

This chapter takes place a few months after Isla's epilogue.

I hope you'll enjoy this bonus chapter.

Happy reading!

ISLA

Twenty-four years old

“Honey, are you okay?” Mom’s voice registers first, even though I don’t see her. “Isla?”

I blink and find my mom, standing in front of me. She’s wearing a dark green dress that makes her eye color pop, her long brown hair pulled into a piled-high updo with a few wild locks framing her face. Her eyebrows knit together, eyes filled with worry, as she studies me. I shrug uncertainly, trapping my bottom lip between my teeth.

“Janice did your makeup and it looks amazing on you, but with how pale you’ve suddenly become, I’m actually tempted to call the doctor.”

A throaty laugh scrapes out of my throat. “I’m fine, I promise.”

“I’m not convinced.”

I take her hands in mine. “I’m just nervous. Really nervous, and all I’m trying to do right now is to center myself so I won’t have a panic attack at my own wedding.”

“Honey.” She lets out a relieved breath, running her fingers over my knuckles. “You competed in two Olympics, and countless other competitions. You won Olympic gold, and you’re nervous because it’s your wedding day?”

“The wedding day I didn’t really need.” I bristle. “I’m already married. For over a year.”

Her blue eyes soften. “You should’ve said no to your dad. He would’ve understood.”

With a jerk of my head, I let go of her hand and turn to look at myself in the mirror. White lace skims over my body, tight around my waist before stopping right above my knees. From behind, it spills into a long skirt that pools on the floor. My shoulders are bare, framed by delicate lace sleeves, and the plunging neckline makes the dress feel not over the top, but still daring enough. Through the sheer lace of the skirt in front, flashes of skin peek through whenever I move. I’ve tried on a big number of dresses before I chose this one, I’ve seen myself in a lot of beautiful gowns whenever I was attending parties, or official events, but not a single one made me feel so pretty.

“Are you really that unhappy?” Mom asks, meeting my gaze in the reflection as she stands beside me. “If this wedding is not what you want, we can cancel it.”

“Everything’s fine. I really am just nervous.” I clasp my hands together in front of me. “I did feel like Dad and Uncle Colton trapped me when they decided to organize this wedding for us, and I was angry but…”

“But what?”

“But Michael seemed so happy and enthusiastic when he found out, I didn’t have it in me to say no.” My cheeks are heating, as I mumble, “And I actually love how this dress looks on me, and I loved the preparations, and all the planning. It felt nice.”

“That’s why I also wanted you to have this day.” Dad’s voice reaches my ears.

I turn and my eyes collide with Dad’s. Dressed in his three-piece suit, he looks incredible, as always. A gentle smile plays on his lips as he comes to stand on my left, while Mom stays on my right.

“I know we talked about it. I know Colt and I forced your hand.” He gives me a cheeky grin. “I know I kind of guilt-tripped you into this, but…looking at you now, it all feels worth it. Even having you mad at me was worth it, because now I finally get to walk my baby girl down the aisle.”

Tears brim in my eyes, so I lift my hands and fan them in front of my face to stop myself from crying. The last thing I want is to ruin the makeup.

“It’s time.” Dad nods.

My heart goes pitter-patter, and I freeze on the spot. Is this really happening?

Mom presses her lips to my cheek. “Don’t be nervous.”

Easier said than done.

Mom leaves, and now it’s just Dad and me. He watches me with tenderness, then lifts his hand and runs his knuckles over my cheek, almost featherlike.

“You look stunning.” He smiles. “Happy. And loved. Looks like Michael really knows what he’s doing.”

“He loves me.”

Dad chuckles. “Don’t I know it?” Then he holds out his hand to me. “Shall we?”

I place my palm in his, and we slowly make our way out of the room. Dad’s presence helps me calm down. My breathing evens out, my heartbeat slows. I grew up, knowing Dad would do anything for me and our family. I’ve always felt protected and safe with him, and even though I’ve been living away from my parents for years now, part of me still feels like a little girl, who can always count on her dad to make the nightmares go away.

“I love you, Dad,” I whisper, as we walk closer to the altar, where Michael is waiting for me under the flower arch.

Dad lets go of me as we reach it, then presses a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I love you too, baby girl.”

The moment I take my place in front of Michael, every thought disappears from my mind, and all of our guests fade into the background. I have no idea how I’m going to say my vows because my entire world narrows to the man, who watches me with tears glistening in his eyes.

He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “You’re absolutely breathtaking.”

“You too.” And I mean it. This black suit fits him to a tee.

The officiant, Michael’s godfather, Clay Rodgers, starts saying something about the wedding, about Michael and me, about our relationship. I barely listen, only a few words here and there actually registering because I’m too lost in my husband’s gaze.

“And now your vows.”

With a deep breath, I begin. “Michael, you’ve been my best friend for longer than I can even remember. You’re my safe place, my home. You’re the person I’ve wanted beside me through every stage of my life.” I lick my lips, suddenly so dry. “I fell in love with you before I even knew what love meant. Before I knew what it was supposed to feel like. All I knew for sure was that I never wanted that feeling to go away.”

He chuckles under his breath, gazing warmly at me.

“I’ve loved you when I was a little girl, who wanted to spend all her time on the ice. I loved you as I grew up, and I loved you even when we fell apart. I’ve loved you for years, and I know that’s something that will never change.” My heart beats faster, sending heat creeping up the back of my neck. “I promise to keep choosing you, just like I chose you all those years ago, and like I choose you today. I promise to be by your side always. And I promise that no matter where we go from here, or where we end up, you’ll never have to wonder if you’re loved. Because you, Michael Thompson, are the love of my life.”

He squeezes my hand, then takes a deep breath. “Isla, I’ve known you since we were kids. Toddlers, basically, all thanks to our parents.”

Quiet laughter ripples through the crowd, but neither of us looks away, our eyes glued to each other.

“Being your best friend was the easiest and the most fulfilling thing in the world. That’s why, when we stopped being friends, pretending I didn’t care about you was the hardest. And also the stupidest, because let’s face it—I never stood a chance of moving on. How could I when my heart recognized its other half in you, and refused to settle for anything else than having you?”

I sniffle, praying and hoping my makeup survives these Niagara falls.

“What I’m not going to do is promise you to love you forever. Because you don’t need that promise. You already know you’re the only person out of eight billion people in this world who means everything to me. I’ll always love you. Always and forever. And that’s actually the easy part.” His voice grows quieter, hoarser, like he’s fighting his emotions too. “But I am going to promise you something.” He lifts his hand and adjusts his nose ring, a nervous habit that gives away exactly how he feels inside. “I promise to talk to you even when the things we need to talk about aren’t easy. I promise to listen—to really hear you—even when staying silent feels simpler. I promise to stand beside you, holding your hand and supporting you in everything you ever want to do, without ever standing in your way.”

The butterflies in my stomach flutter so hard, it’s impossible not to feel light and weightless. The smile tugging at my lips makes him grin back at me.

“I’m your biggest fan. A very dedicated and loyal one, and I will never stop rooting for you.” His fingers tighten around mine, his eyes darkening. “You are my best friend. You’re the love of my life. You were even one before I understood what my galloping heart meant every time I watched you skate, or was simply by your side. I will always love you, Isla, because I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Happiness so big it’s almost palpable settles in my chest. My eyes never leaving Michael’s, I listen to Uncle Clay. I’m floating on cloud nine.

But it becomes pure magic when we finally say “I do,” and Michael pulls me in for a kiss. A kiss I never want to end. A kiss that marks a new beginning for us, even though officially we’ve been married already.

None of it matters.

Because just like I’ve always been it for him, it’s only ever going to be Michael for me.

My steady. My person. My forever.

***

Thank you so much for reading! Check out the second bonus chapter :)

With love,

Ana