jordyn dolan

five years later

Ethan, my two kids, Xela and Jace, River who had just turned nine, Riley, Matt and their seven year old boy, Dre, all sat around a round table at Grayson and his bride, Julia's wedding.

"For the first time forever," The DJ said into the microphone. "Please give the warmest welcome for Mr and Mrs Grayson and Julia Dolan."

The couple walked out with their hands intertwined. We all clapped as they began to have their very first dance as a married couple.

Grayson had met Julia just after I had the twins and when we first met her, I adored her. You could tell that she was just the sweetest girl ever and absolutely perfect for Grayson.

Grayson was going on dates with girl after girl just to find someone he liked, but it never worked out. When he brought up that he had a child, they scurried off. He was still in his twenties and I suppose those girls just didn't want a child.

That's not the story for Julia though. They met in a coffee shop as he was heading to work and they apparently talked for hours. He missed his first meeting because of her. He won't admit it, but it was totally love at first sight for him.

Julia is one of the sweetest girls I've met and she's amazing with River. She's so patient, kind, has a strong parent role already and River loves her back. It's been a little while since River has had a mother in her life and Julia makes it so easy for River to transition back into it. It's obvious that Grayson is so grateful for her.

I had Jace in my lap as I watched how in love Grayson and his wife were. I haven't seen him this happy in such a long time, it's a great feeling.

The DJ asked for everyone else to join in dancing. All of the kids ran towards Grayson and Julia.

"So how are the little ones doing?" Riley asked Ethan and I. We haven't seen them in a while so it's been good to catch up with them.

"I would say pretty good." I looked at Ethan and he nodded.

"Jace is a handful." Ethan joked.

"Yeah, little boys are something else." Matt turned to look at Dre.

"No, but they're great." I smiled. "There isn't too much fighting yet, which we're grateful for."

"Let's hope it stays that way." Matt said.

"How's Dre doing?" Ethan asked.

"Apparently to his teacher, he's the class clown." Riley said laughing a little bit.

"Just like his dad then." Ethan joked and Matt laughed.

After some time of catching up with our old friends, Ethan walked up to me and held out his hand. I smiled and grabbed it. He led me towards the dance floor and put his hands on my hips.

We swayed back and forth as the music began to slow down. It was nice to be with just him for once. I put my hands around his neck and rested my head on his chest.

"I was just thinking," He whispered in my ear. "About how lucky I am." My lips curved into a smile and I raised my head off of his shoulder.

"Why do you say that?" I smiled.

"Because I fell in love with the most perfect girl."

"You're so mushy." I joked.

"No, but seriously." He laughed. "You made my life so much better."

"Okay, you practically took me out of the system, you made my life so much better."

"I was the rudest person before I fell in love with you."

"We could go back and forth for hours."

Ethan laughed and squeezed me tighter.

"I just want to say that I'm so grateful for you." He said.

"I love you." I whispered and rested my head back on his chest. He kissed my forehead.

"I love you too, Jordyn."

We swayed back and forth for a little bit longer until we were interrupted by Grayson, Matt and Riley.

"Hey lovebirds." Grayson said. Ethan and I pulled apart.

"Hey married man." I smiled and pulled him in for a hug. He lightly laughed.

"Yeah, congratulations man." Ethan hugged his brother as well.

"Isn't this crazy?" Matt said and we all looked at him confused. "It's been over ten years since we all met and look at us. We're at Grayson's wedding. We all have kids, but for some reason I still feel like we're just teenagers again."

"I feel like we all need a coffee at Central Perk." Grayson joked.

"I call being Joey." Ethan blurted out, making us all laugh.

"It's been kinda crazy." I said while looking each one of my best friends. "But I wouldn't change any of it. I wouldn't want to lose a single one of you."

"You're the actual sweetest." Riley smiled bright.

Matt is right though. Whenever I'm with them, I feel young again. I feel the happiness I felt when we were all in high school just living our best lives. It's sort of surreal in a sense.

After all of these years where we could've split off and done our own thing without each other, we wanted to stay friends. It makes me happy to know that I picked some pretty damn good friends who truly do care and love me.

When I was younger and in the foster system, I didn't think I was ever going to find that. I had no hope.

Jace and Xela ran up to all of us with Dre and River and pulled on all of our clothes. We all chuckled and looked down at them. I picked up Jace as Ethan picked up Xela.

"We're hungry." Dre pulled on Matt's arm.

"Do you want some cake?" I gasped at Jace and he started to giggle and nod his head.

"I want cake." Xela threw her hands up, making me laugh.

"C'mon guys, we'll go get some food." Grayson said while gathering all of the kids around him. I laughed as the herd walked towards the food table. Matt, Riley and Ethan followed them.

I stayed back and just smiled bright. To make it short and sweet, my life is the best life I could have ever asked for.

I married my best friend that I love so goddamn much. I have two beautiful children. My best friends are honestly the best people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I don't know how I got so lucky.

"Hey, you coming?" Ethan turned around to me and walked back towards me. I took a step towards him and cupped his cheeks in my hands.

"I love you so much." I whispered and a light smile appeared on his face. I pressed my lips gently onto his as his hands held my hips like he use to do when we were younger. He pulled away with a grin pasted onto his cheeks.

"I love you too."