Zack took her hand as they turned to face the minister.
The older man with his white robe, white hair and deep voice began with, “Dearly beloved…” Melanie smiled at Zack, and he smiled at her.
Each word the minister uttered went straight to Melanie’s heart, and she could see Zack was filled with as much emotion as she was.
When it came time for their vows, Zack faced her, taking both of her hands in his. “You came to me in a very special way, Melanie. I know we’re right for each other. I know you were chosen to be my life partner from this day forward. I know you were chosen to be Amy’s mother. Because I know all this, because I feel closer to you than I’ve ever felt to another person, because I love you with a love that is growing stronger each day, I promise you my life, everything I am, everything I have. I will listen to you and trust you and walk beside you every day of our lives. I vow to be faithful and to cherish you each precious moment we have together. I love you, Melanie, and in the years to come I will try to show you how much.”
Melanie was overcome by everything Zack had said straight from his heart. They’d decided to make their vows this way…to honestly say whatever they were feeling. She was feeling so much she didn’t know where to begin.
Then she looked into his eyes and knew anyplace would be the right place to begin. “Not so long ago, I thought I’d lost everything. Then I dreamed of you. My journey brought me to you, to your kindness and tenderness and passion. You and Amy have brought light to my world again, and I can truly see what’s important. You are my soul mate, Zack. I can see and feel the love you want to give me, and I want to give you everything I am in return. I promise to love you each day as if it’s the only one we have. I promise to stand beside you and honor you and respect you. I will be the best mother I know how to be to Amy. She’s already a part of my heart, just as you are. I will try to make our home a haven, a place where honesty and patience and consideration abound. I give you my whole heart today, Zack. I promise you all of my tomorrows.”
They were lost in each other.
Although the minister began speaking again, their silent I love yous were much louder than any human voice. When Zack slipped her diamond wedding band on her finger and vowed, “I thee wed,” his voice was husky. When she slipped the wide gold band onto his finger, her voice trembled.
The minister’s blessing fell upon them, gently cloaking them in the knowledge that they belonged together. When the older man proclaimed to Zack, “You may kiss the bride,” the last golden light of day lingered on the horizon.
Zack’s kiss was the beginning of their future and the assurance of every promise they’d made. Her response was the acceptance of everything he’d offered her, as well as her pledge to love him for a lifetime.
Finally the minister cleared his throat, and Zack gently ended the kiss. Though he leaned away, he kept his arms tightly around her. “I can’t wait till tonight,” he murmured near her ear.
She whispered back, “Neither can I.”
Then everyone was congratulating them. Amy leaned away from Ted toward Melanie and kissed her on the cheek. She took the little girl from her grandfather, and Zack smiled down on them both.
“Let’s go celebrate being a family,” her husband said.
“I’ll second that,” Ted agreed, and kissed Melanie on her other cheek, patted Zack on the back and proclaimed loud enough for all to hear, “Everything’s right about this, son. Absolutely everything.”
As Zack wrapped his arm around Melanie’s waist to walk her back to the hotel and their wedding reception, he stopped in the middle of the path and kissed her again. The breeze wafted the chiffon of Melanie’s gown around them, and she returned her husband’s desire, knowing they were one in spirit, knowing they would soon be one in body, knowing the rest of their lives would be filled with gratitude and love.
ISBN: 978-1-4603-5323-3
A HUSBAND IN HER EYES
Copyright © 2002 by Karen Rose Smith
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*Darling Daddies
†The Best Men
‡Do You Take This Stranger?
A Husband In Her Eyes Page 16