Jill stood just off to the side, close enough to see everything, but far enough to let the moment belong to Isa and John.
From where she was, she could watch it all unfold, not just as a bridesmaid, but as someone who cared deeply for both of them. Her eyes moved between them as the rings were exchanged. She noticed Isa’s hands shaking a little and the way John steadied her with that quiet calm of his. It made her smile softly. They really were good for each other. She glanced down as Anya made her way back, still holding her bunny tightly like it had been part of the job all along. The moment she reached Jill, she leaned gently against her. Jill rested a hand on her shoulder, grounding her with a soft touch. “You did so well, sweetheart.”
Anya looked up at her, still a little unsure, her small voice quiet as she asked if she had done it right. Jill smiled warmly, meeting her eyes. “You did it perfectly dear.”
That was enough. The tension left Anya’s little shoulders, and she hugged her bunny tighter before turning her attention back toward the front, now content to simply watch. Jill lifted her gaze again as Harlen continued. She listened, but her focus stayed on Isa and John. On how far they had come. On how right this felt. When the words finally came, she felt something shift inside her.
"You may now kiss your bride."
Jill watched as John lifted Isa’s veil. She could see the tears in Isa’s eyes, the way she held her breath for just a moment. Then when he kissed her and shortly after, the room erupted into cheers, but Jill stayed quiet for a second longer, watching them. The way Isa reached for him, the way John held her. It wasn’t just a kiss. It felt like something certain, something lasting. Beside her, Anya tugged gently at her hand, her voice filled with quiet excitement. “Mommy… they kissed!"
Jill looked down at her, her expression softening immediately. She lowered herself and leaned a little closer, speaking gently so only Anya would hear. “They did because when people love each other, they kiss. That’s why mommy kisses you too right?”
Anya seemed to think about that, then gave a small nod, hugging her bunny again as if that made perfect sense.
Jill smiled faintly as she stood up and looked back toward the couple. They really did it. And as Isa and John walked back down the aisle together, rice flying and music filling the room, Jill reached down and smoothed Anya’s hair without thinking. “That’s Uncle John and Aunt Isa now.” Anya said out of the blue and slightly louder than usual so it made people turned their heads.
Anya looked up at her. “Forever?” Jill’s smile softened even more as she looked down to Anya's beautiful eyes with a loving look only a mother can give. “Forever my dear.”.
At the reception table, as the celebration began to settle into something warmer and more relaxed, Harlen approached with the certificate. Jill stepped forward when it was her turn. She watched John sign, then Isa. When the pen was placed in her hand, she paused for just a moment. It felt important, more than just a signature. Then she signed her name carefully and stepped back. Her eyes met Isa’s, and she gave her a small, warm smile. She didn’t need to say anything as hugs would come later.
