Forever & A Day

by Donalyn Maurer

  “Honey, no. I just forgot all about it,” he admits. “I blocked out a lot of memories, I’m sorry. No one said anything. It just surprised me.”

  “Do you mind if I wear it?” I ask hesitantly.

  “Baby girl, after I married your mom, she carefully packed that away in hopes that one day she’d have a daughter to wear it. I’m so glad you found it. Come here,” he says, and opens his arms for me. I go to him, and we hold each other for long moment. “Wherever she is, I know she’s smiling down on you and she’s so happy. Even though she’s not here to see it, you made a dream of hers come true.”

  “I love you, Dad,” I whisper, and his arms convulse.

  “Let’s go,” he orders on a grumble, then kisses my forehead.

  Once downstairs, we stroll across the lobby with me holding up my dress, so the hem doesn’t drag and get dirty. Right outside the front door is Dad’s huge, black Silverado pick-up truck. “I gave my key to valet when I took down the bags. Called down before we left the room to have them pull it up front, and turn on the air conditioning. I didn’t want you getting too hot, even though it’s not real bad today.”

  “Thank you,” I respond and smile.

  “Here.” Dad opens up the back door, behind the driver’s side. I slide in, then situate my dress to make sure it doesn’t get caught in the door when Dad closes it.

  Despite the size of my dress, and there being five of us, we all fit comfortably in the cab of the truck. Callie hops into her car seat, that’s buckled in right next to me. After Aunt Paige secures her, she moves back, and Abigail settles in, with Aunt Paige hopping into the front seat with Dad.

  “Buckle up,” Dad orders, and then we’re moving.

  As Dad drives out of the resort parking lot, everyone is quiet, so I relax and take in the beautiful hill country. Everything is bright and green on the short drive there. The sky is a brilliant blue, with a few whiffs of white clouds drifting softly across the sky. The day, along with everything else, is perfect.

  When we pull down Pecan Lane my heart and belly flutter, but I remain calm. I glance over at Abigail and she’s smiling from ear to ear, watching me. I return her smile and hold on, as Dad pulls up the slight incline of the property and pulls as close as he can to the back door of the cabin, like Betsy Kay instructed. We’re all still quiet as everyone steps out. Dad helps me, while Abigail unhooks Callie, then they both slide out of the cab. We all walk up the steps to the back door, and I can hear the soft chatter of voices and music playing.

  When we enter the cabin, I gasp because there on the table are the most beautiful bouquets of flowers I’ve ever seen. Stunning shades of pink and peach, as well as white and blue, are gathered in a gorgeous display. Next to the largest bouquet is Grandpa’s handkerchief and Grandma’s pin. Right as I step up to the table, the cabin door opens and in walks Violet and Grandma, followed by Betsy Kay.

  “I didn’t get you anything. I should have got you something,” Dad grumbles sadly, and I turn back around and face him.

  “What?” I ask stunned. My God, what else could he give me? He’s given me the world.

  “I didn’t get you anything. I’m so sorry.”

  “Dad, you and mom gave me life. You built me a home. You gave me Abigail, Violet and Chase, Jesse, Jake and Nash. You’ve sacrificed so much for me, and that’s the most beautiful gift anyone can receive. The biggest gift though, is you. You’re here with me today. For so long, I’ve been torn apart about Grandpa missing this and walking me down the aisle,” I confess, and his lips fall into a frown. “But, Dad, here...us...today...I have no doubt that this is how it was always supposed to be, because it’s perfect. You got me up on the skis. You’ve been the best Dad, and the most precious gift is you and your big heart. Nothing you could buy, would come close to that,” I share with him, and visibly watch him relax. “My heart is full. I love you, and the only gift I’ll ever need or want from you is your love”

  “You have that, and always will,” he responds, choked up.

  “Well, there is one thing you don’t have yet, and I was going to ask your dad to give it you,” Violet says.

  “What’s that?” Dad asks, giving her his attention.

  “A silver dollar,” she replies.

  “A dollar?” he scoffs.

  “No. A silver dollar,” she laughs.

  “Here, I brought one just for this,” Violet says and produces one from her clutch. It’s customary for the father of the bride, which is you, to place a sixpence in his daughter’s shoe, as a token of him wishing her prosperity, love, and happiness in her marriage. My daddy did the same for me when I married you, and look how blessed we’ve been,” she shares, and hands Dad the coin.

  “I just place it in her shoe?” he asks, befuddled.

  “Yes. Come sit, Jaycee,” Violet instructs, so I sit down on the edge of one of the beds and pull off my right shoe, then hold it up for my dad to place the coin in.

  I had read up on this tradition, but forgot all about it. I’m so thankful she remembered. Dad places the coin in my shoe, and I smile up at him as he grins down at me. I then slip my shoe back on before, I stand and give him a big hug.

  “You’re walking down the aisle in ten minutes,” she informs me.

  “Oh my God,” I squeal. I hurry to the table and, with care, pull the monogrammed handkerchief from the box, and fold it in half with my grandpa’s monograms showing.

  “This is yours,” Betsy Kay says, and holds up the largest round bouquet, so I can wrap the linen around the holder and pin it with the blue bonnet pin.

  “Okay,” I say with a smile.

  “Stone,” Betsy Kay says, and hands Violet his boutonniere, along with a long pin. Dad slides on his suit jacket, about the time there’s a soft tap on the door. Violet answers it, and it’s Dillon and his mom, and, oh my goodness, he’s adorable.

  “Dillon,” Callie squeals, and rushes to him.

  “Wow, Callie. You sure are pretty,” Dillon whispers and blushes. And when I say he blushes, I mean turns as red as a ripe tomato.

  “Thank you,” Callie replies, smiling so huge, her dimples pop out, and he turns even redder.

  Grandma and Violet are already wearing their corsages, so Betsy Kay picks up Aunt Paige’s from the table and hands it her. Grandma walks over to assist her in securing it to her dress, while Violet helps Dad. Then Abigail is handed her own amazing bouquet, and Callie is handed an adorable, country style, brown basket, full of rose petals the same color as the flowers in my bouquet.

  “It’s time,” Betsy Kay alerts us as she walks over and releases my train, then leads us to cabin door. “Are we all ready?”

  “We’re ready,” I reply, and my heart warms, while butterflies flutter in my stomach.

  On that, Grandma, Aunt Paige and Violet give out a few quick hugs and kisses, and leave to take their seats.

  Betsy Kay smiles, then opens the door and stands back. “Callie and Dillon, you’re up first. Abigail you’re next. Finally, Stone and Jaycee.”

  As she says our names, we file out the door and gather on the porch, and wait for her cue. As we wait, I take everything in. I can’t see too much under the tent, but I can see the faint twinkle of lights wrapped around the tree trunks, and the mason jars hanging from all the tree branches. Flowers, the same as my arrangement, stand at the entrance of tent I’ll be walking though. Temporary pathways have been laid down, and it’s all so beautiful that I almost lose it and begin to cry, but manage to catch myself and take some steadying breaths.

  Betsy Kay signals a girl about my age with a nod, and a couple of seconds later, Everything, begins to play and a hush settles throughout the entire area. Betsy Kay ushers Callie and Dillon forward along the path that leads to the tent. They stop, only briefly, before Betsy Kay points for them to go, and they disappear into the tent. Both their mom’s follow, keeping their eye on them. Next is Abigail, and before she steps down from the porch, she turns and gives me a hug.

  “I love you, si
ssy,” she murmurs in my ear.

  “I love you too,” I respond softly, then release her.

  I watch as she walks down the steps and stops just outside the tent, and waits for her cue. About halfway through the song, Betsy Kay nods, and she gracefully steps into the tent disappearing from my view.

  “You two are up,” Betsy Kay says with a huge smile, and I reach over and lock arms with my dad.

  We step off the porch, and down the path, then stop. About the time the song picks up in beat, Betsy Kay rushes to straighten out my train, then we wait for her cue. We stand in the threshold of the tent, and my eyes travel across the beautiful, sparkling chandelier, and white chairs covered with blue bows. I briefly take in all the flower arrangements, along with the petals Callie has sprinkled like bread crumbs for me to follow. I barely take in Pastor Mays at the altar, as my eyes do a quick scan of our guests, finally locking on their final destination.

  When they find him, I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding. When he sees me, he stumbles like someone shoved him, or his knees have given out. Johnny, quick as lightning, leans forwards and catches him though. I can’t help but giggle a little, as I stand smiling at him, while I wait to walk between our family and friends. After a second, Max composes himself, and his eyes scan me from head to toe. His lips part in awe, and I can see him pull in a deep breath. I study him right back, my eyes traveling up and down his handsome body, and I pull in a deep breath. His expression matches mine–wow.

  The music stops, and a new one song begins. Not the wedding march like everyone, including Max, is expecting. Instead, Still Fallin’, fills the tent. When Max catches on to the song, he breaks out into a glorious smile, which I return, as all of our guests stand and turn their attention to me.

  “It’s time,” Betsy Kay whispers, and I glance up at my dad and see he’s looking down at me.

  He reaches over with his free hand, and gives my hand a squeeze, then we step forward. As we walk down the aisle, my eyes break from Max’s, only to smile at my smiling guests, before giving them back to Max’s beauty. When we reach the end of the aisle, we stop and wait for the song to end, my eyes on Max the entire time.

  “Beautiful, love,” he mouths, and my smile widens.

  “You too, sugar bear,” I mouth back, which causes him to grace me with his dimpled smile and a chuckle.

  “Good afternoon,” Pastor Mays greets. He’s wearing a gray suit, much like my dad’s, only he’s wearing a pair of dark brown cowboy boots, and cream tie with blue pinstriped shirt. “Please stand so we can pray,” he requests, and everyone stands. After the prayer, Pastor Mays invites the congregation to be seated, then turns to my dad. I intensify my hold on his arm, when I feel him tense. "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

  “I do,” Dad says, but his words seem to get stuck in his throat.

  He turns and looks down at me, with glassy eyes. He leans down and gives me a soft kiss on my cheek, before turning back to Max and shaking his hand. He then places my hand in Max’s, before turning and walking over to the front row of chairs on my side, and sitting in the second seat. He takes a deep breath, and rubs his hand down his face. Violet takes his hand, while Grandma, who’s in the first seat, pats his arm. The first three of rows on each side, are mine and Max’s family. All the women are wearing shades of pink, and the men are in summer suits, or slacks and dress shirts. Ana and Acer, are sitting first on Max’s side, and although they’re both smiling, Ana is softly crying while Acer’s eyes are like my dad’s.

  Just like Pastor Mays said at the rehearsal, he reads from First Corinthians. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” After he says this, I prepare for the vows by handing off my bouquet to Abigail. She is smiling at me, just like Callie. Dillon has taken his place next to Johnny, and is standing tall watching us, same as Johnny.

  Max and I turn to each other and take hands, as Betsy Kay discreetly comes forward and arranges my train, so that it fans out towards our guests. I only spare her a quick glimpse, because I turn back to Max, and gaze into his beautiful eyes so full of love. Right then and there, I thank God that every day, for the rest of my life, I’ll have this.

  “The marriage between these two, is a vow of love. I met with Blue and Jaycee, so I know the sincerity of their feelings for each other, are the deepest and most genuine I’ve ever witnessed. During the exchanging of their vows, they’ll dedicate themselves each other’s happiness, and promise to always care for one another. Before I begin, is there anyone here who knows why these two should not marry?” Pastor Mays asks, and a silence takes over. The pastor waits a few seconds then goes on.

  “Maxwell,” Pastor Mays says, and we both turn to him. “Will you take Jaycee to be your wife?” he asks, and Max’s eyes return to mine and flare, as he grips my hands in his. “Do you commit yourself to her happiness and self-fulfillment as a person? Do you promise to love, honor, and trust her, in sickness and in health, in adversity and prosperity, and to be true and loyal to her, so long as you both shall live?"

  “I do,” Max says without hesitation and smiles down at me. My breath hitches but before I can break down in happy tears Pastor Mays turns to me.

  “Jaycee,” he asks, and I tear my eyes from Max’s, to briefly look at Pastor Mays, before looking back at him. “Will you take Maxwell to be your husband?” he asks, and my breath hitches again, because I’m trying to hold back my I do until he finishes. “Do you commit yourself to his happiness and self-fulfillment as a person? Do you promise to love, honor, and trust him, in sickness and in health, in adversity and prosperity, and to be true and loyal to him, so long as you both shall live?" he asks.

  “I do,” I reply, staring up at Max.

  “Do you have the rings?” Pastor Mays, asks and my heart lurches in a panic.

  The rings, I gasp inwardly. I didn’t remember to make sure Abigail and Johnny have the rings, but when Johnny steps forward and hands Max my band, I relax a little. I glance back over my shoulder at Abigail, and she’s holding up Max’s band. I sigh in relief before I turn back around.

  “We’ve heard the vows, which have been shared by Jaycee and Maxwell, now; the wedding rings will be exchanged, as they are a visible symbol of the promises that have been made.

  “Maxwell, repeat after me, I, Maxwell Bacsibio Bradshaw,” he says, and I hear Ana gasp from the front row. Both, Max and I, turn to her and see whatever tears she had at bay, are now falling.

  “I love you, Mom,” Max says to her.

  “Love you too, baby,” she says through her sniffles, and Acer wraps his arm around her shoulder and pulls her close.

  Max then turns back to me and smiles, as he repeats what Pastor Mays said, “I, Maxwell Bacsibio Bradshaw.”

  “Now take you to be my wedded wife,” Pastor Mays says.

  “Now take you to be my wedded wife,” Max repeats.

  “To live together after God’s ordinance in the holy relationship of marriage.”

  “To live together after God’s ordinance in the holy relationship of marriage.”

  “I promise to love and comfort you, honor and keep you, and forsaking all others, I will be yours alone, as long as we both shall live,” Pastor Mays’ voice rings loud.

  “I promise to love and comfort you, honor and keep you, and forsaking all others, I will be yours alone, as long as we both shall live,” Max vows, and I feel it to my bones.

  “Please place the ring on Jaycee’s finger, and repeat after me,” Pastor Mays directs.

  “I give you this ring to wear. As a symbol of my abiding love, my eternal faith, and my undying devotion. It is an outward reminder of our inner unity.”

  After Max repeats his vow, he slides the ring on my finger. I stare at it and sniffle, wondering how I lived without it for so long.

  “Jaycee, now it’s your turn. Repeat after me.�
� As Pastor Mays directs, I repeat my vows, and with every word my heart warms.

  “I, Jaycee Lillian McGinty, now take you to be my wedded husband.” I continue to listen then repeat my promise. “To live together after God’s ordinance in the holy relationship of marriage. I promise to love and comfort you, honor and keep you, and forsaking all others, I will be yours alone, as long as we both shall live.” I squeeze Max’s hand tighter with every word. With every phrase and vow, I’m closer to being his wife.

  “The ring,” Pastor Mays instructs, and Abigail hands me Max’s band, while balancing our large bouquets in her other hand.

  I take the band and slide it halfway up Max’s finger then repeat the vow. “I give you this ring to wear as a symbol of my abiding love, my eternal faith, and my undying devotion. It is an outward reminder of our inner unity,” I whisper up at Max, as a few tears tumble down my cheeks. Max smiles and lifts one of his hands, and gently wipes them away.

  “I now ask to all of you,” Pastor Mays directs his attention to our guests. “As you are all witnesses to these vows, will you promise to do all you can to uphold and support this marriage? If so, respond, we do.”

  A booming sound of, “we dos,” fills the air, and my tears dry up as Max and I both smile out at our guests.

  “Let us pray,” Pastor Mays instructs, and Max and I bow our heads.

  I know I should be listening to his words, but I’m too focused on Max’s hands holding mine. His thumbs are gently brushing against my pulse, soothing me as he reminds me he’s right here with me. Soon, Pastor Mays says amen, with Max, our guests and me following behind. We both look at him as he wears a huge smile and reads the second scripture; Ecclesiastes, chapter four, verses nine through twelve.

  “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.