Chapter 4: The Time of Her Life

The next two years were the happiest of Heather's life. She and Taylor dated each other off and on, but both agreed that they should date other people, at least until they were out of high school. Even after just one date, Taylor had given her the confidence she needed to date others, even if she had to ask them herself. However, she noticed that no matter what she did on any given date, she always had more fun when she was with Taylor. With each date they went on, each precious moment she spent with him, she found herself falling more in love with him. She even caught herself wishing, on those dates with someone other than Taylor, that she were with Taylor instead. The dates were pleasant enough, of course, but it was never quite the same as when she was with Taylor.

The January after Heather turned 18, she and Taylor were on one of their increasingly frequent dates. This date was highly reminiscent of their first date, complete with dancing on the beach, though this time Taylor provided the music with his portable radio. As they were dancing, Taylor even sang along softly in Heather's ear with some of the love songs. It made her smile to know that he was singing it to her. Finally, they stopped dancing and walked hand in hand on the beach, just talking.

"So, what would be your perfect wedding, if you were to get married right now?" Taylor asked.

Heather thought a moment before answering. "Well, I think I'd like an outdoor wedding, mid-spring, with flowers and roses everywhere. I'd like my dad to walk me down the aisle, of course, and to be married under a rose-covered archway. The bridesmaid's dresses would be of a pale pink or lavender, or both, whichever looks better to me at the time, and the men's tuxes would have a light blue vest and bowtie. The weather would be perfect, and a reception would follow, with dancing late into the night. I'd have a father-daughter dance, 'cause who could have a wedding without one? Especially since my dad's been such an important part of my life…" She trailed off, smiling blissfully at the image created in her head.

Taylor opened his mouth to speak, but then his cell phone rang. He checked the caller ID before answering; the call was coming from Heather's house. Frowning worriedly, he answered, "Hello? … No, she's right here, just hold on!"

He held out the phone to Heather, who was startled by the worried crease to his brow. She answered, and her mother's voice, sounding panicked and anxious, answered back, "Heather? You need to come home right now! Your father's had a heart attack, and they're taking him to the hospital now. Please, hurry!"

Heather handed the phone back to Taylor, looking worried. She didn't need to say anything, Taylor understood. The two of them rushed back to his car, and he drove her home.

A/N: I know this is a really short chapter, but I really didn't want to put a whole lot of detail into other dates, so this is as good as it's gonna get. Again, please read and review! I really need to know how I'm doing so far!