by Jamilia Fair
Every day, I thank God and Jason for helping save my wife’s life. If Jason had not jumped into action and started CPR, my wife would not be here.
I owe Jason and God my life.
When she is finally standing before me, her father kisses her cheek then hands her over to me. “Wow. Baby, you are stunning.”
She smiles at me. “So are you,” she says, taking her place beside me.
“Good evening, everyone. We are all gathered here today to witness Jeremiah and Tabitha Keegan renew their vows,” the pastor says with a wide smile. “As requested, the bride and groom will say their vows first.” He looks down at me. “Jeremiah.”
Taking a deep breath, I turn to face Tabitha and take her hands in mine. “Stubborn, hard-headed, sarcastic, courageous, and beautiful. Those are only a few words to describe the woman you are to me. But the one word that speaks volumes is perfect.” I swallow back tears and square my shoulders. “If someone would have asked me four years ago, if my life were perfect, I would have said yes. I would have told them I had everything I could ever want, but that would have been the biggest lie I’d ever told because I was wrong. My life was not perfect. It was as empty as I felt when I thought I’d lost you forever.”
She squeezes my hands as tears roll down her cheeks.
“You were the beacon of light in the darkness I called my life. You showed me what it was like to love someone with all my being, you gave me a beautiful family, and most importantly, Tabitha Keegan, you saved my life.” She lifts a hand to wipe away my fallen tears. “You saved my life, and I will spend the rest of forever showing you how much I appreciate and adore you. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she cries.
“Tabitha,” the pastor says, looking at her.
She takes a deep breath. “Give me a minute. I have to find my bearings after that.”
Our family and friends erupt into small fits of laughter.
“Take your time, baby,” I tell her softly.
Her eyes drift shut as she takes another deep breath. After a few seconds, they flutter open and are staring directly into mine. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a man, or anyone for that matter, that is almost as stubborn as I am. When you want something, or in my case, someone, you don’t stop. You don’t give up. You’re persistent, almost stalker persistent.” Everyone, even the pastor, laughs. “I can’t complain, though, because if you had not been stubborn, I never would have seen what a wonderful man you were, and I never would have fallen in love with the man of my dreams. I, too, thought my life before you had been perfect. I had a good paying job, great parents, and amazing friends. I had everything I wanted. I never thought I needed anything else or anyone else until I met you. You crashed into my life like a meteor, and every day, I thank God for sending you to me.”
I lift a hand to brush away her fallen tears as my own ran down my face.
“You showed me that I was missing the most important thing in my life, the one thing that would make my life perfect: Love. You taught me how to love hard, not only you but myself. You helped me to see myself even more clearly than I did and to never be afraid to love hard or try something new.” She swallows. “You are not only the man of my dreams, but you are the man of my heart and soul, my smile, my laugh, and my life. You’ve given me five beautiful children, and I will spend the rest of forever showing you how much I appreciate and cherish you. I love you.”
“I love you too,” I say with a smile.
Wait, … she said five children when we only have four: Melissa, Jacob, Briana’h and Brian.
Unless…
My eyes widen at her. “You said five children.”
She smiles then nods. “I did.”
I look down at her flat stomach then back up at her. “Are you… are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
Her eyes widen as she takes my hand and places it against her flat stomach. “Happy Second Anniversary, Daddy.”
Everyone erupts into cheers, standing to their feet and clapping at the sudden news. My chest nearly explodes with emotion as I take her face in my hands and pull her into a passionate kiss. Her arms move up my chest and wrap around my neck, drawing me closer.
I kiss her harder before drawing back. “I’m going to be a father again,” I breathe.
She nods. “Are you happy?”
“Of course, I’m happy.” I drop to my knees and place my hands on her stomach, and she chuckles and runs her fingers through my hair. “Hey, little boy or girl, this is your daddy speaking. I hope you know how much I love you, your brothers and sisters, and your mommy.”
“I don’t think they can hear you just yet, Jer. I’m only a month and two weeks at the most.” She laughs. “It’s too early.”
“It’s never too early to start talking to my baby.” I shrug then lean closer to her stomach. “We can’t wait to meet you. You have a big ass family out here waiting to meet you.”
Tabitha slaps my shoulder. “Jer, language!”
I just smile. “Sorry, little one. Excuse my language. Anyway, when you’re ready, we will all be here waiting to spoil you.” I laugh.
“I love you, Jeremiah Keegan,” Tabitha says from above.
I tilt my head back to look up at my beautiful wife and the mother of my children.” I love you, too, Tabitha Keegan.” I kiss her stomach. “And our growing family.”
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