by Paige Steele
Me: Missed you last night. Can’t wait to see you.
Ansley: Missed you, too. I look forward to seeing you looking as stunning as ever.
Me: What are you wearing under your dress today?
Ansley: I guess you’ll just have to wait to find out.
Me: I don’t like waiting. You know this of me.
Ansley: Haha! I do. You’ll survive…my poor baby.
Me: I love you. See you soon, Beautiful. <3
Ansley: Love you, too. Looking forward to seeing you soon. <3
“You ready, dude?” Jesse asks, as he sits on the barstool at the counter.
“I am, more than you know.” I join him after grabbing a muffin and my mug.
“Nervous?”
“Not at all.”
“You ready to see Ansley in white?” Ryan asks, as he comes walking into the kitchen.
“White, black, purple, or blue, I don’t care what she’s wearing as long as she’s walking toward me, forever.”
“Well, my friend, I couldn’t be happier that my two best friends are becoming one today.” Ryan slaps me on the back as he passes by toward the fridge.
My front door opens to my dad, Mr. Evans, as well as Cole, Adam and Trey. They all arrive shortly after ten to get things ready to head to the church at eleven. The tuxes are all hung in the closet by the door, and our bags are next to it. Ansley gave me a T-shirt that says ‘groom’ on the front of it, so I’ll wear it to the church. Yes, it’s kind of cheesy but I don’t care. If it makes her happy…then I’m happy. You know what they say…Happy Wife, Happy Life.
The black stretch limo has arrived and we are ready to go.
Ansley
Today’s the day I become Mrs. Cooper Brewis. I lie in bed looking up at the ceiling fan go around and around, and I think to myself about what I’d be doing if my mom was here with me. Tears come to my eyes just thinking about her. I miss her. She was supposed to be with me when I picked out my dress, and she should have helped me decide how to wear my hair. I’m sad and mad all at once: mad at God for taking her from me, and sad because she’s not going to see me walk down the aisle. Frustrated, I throw back the covers and grab my robe. Walking toward the kitchen, I find Kenna already starting the day.
“Can I join this party of one?”
“Of course. I thought you were never going to get up.” Kenna winks.
“Well, I’ve been up for a while but just laid there thinking. But you do know it’s only five thirty, right?”
“Everything okay?”
“Yep. Just thinking about my mom. She would have loved this day.” I try to put on a smile but fail. I feel my eyes watering again.
“She would have for sure. But she’s watching you, girl.”
“I know, thanks, Ken.” I reach over and give her a hug.
“We’re going to the chapel and we’re gonna to get married, going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married. Gee, I really love you and we’re gonna get married. Going to the chapel of love,” Maddie comes out of her room singing.
“Thanks, Mads.” I smile at her. She has no idea what we were talking about, but her singing reminds me to be happy. My mom would want me to be.
“Admit it, you love my singing.”
“Of course.” I kiss her cheek as she walks by.
“How much did Loverboy try and convince you to go home with him last night?” Josie asks, as she walks into the kitchen and heads straight for the pot of coffee.
“A little when we were leaving the restaurant, but he knew it was a losing battle.”
“Have you heard from him already this morning?” Kenna wonders.
“I have. I can’t wait to see him in his tux.”
“Let’s face it, all the guys are going to look smokin’ hot today, all dressed up.” Maddie smirks at us all as she lifts her mug to take a sip.
“Oh yes, they will. Damn, I bet Jesse will look amazing, along with the other guys,” Josie says, looking in the fridge for the creamer.
I look over at Kenna to see if she sees what I do? I raise my eyebrows at Maddie’s facial expression. She’s funny, she’s still seeing the idiot from Cooper’s team, but everyone knows she has feelings for Jesse, including Josie. That’s why she said it, to push her buttons. We all want her to admit it, but she hasn’t yet. She says they are just good friends. But she’s so protective of him and gets pissed every time he talks about another girl, or if a girl says something about him. It’s gotten to be funny, seeing her stomp off if he’s talking to someone. The thing is, he likes her too, but he says, “She’s off limits while she’s seeing that asshole.”
Kenna giggles a little as she looks at Maddie and then me. Josie knows what we’re laughing at, so she just looks as innocent as possible when Mads looks around the room at us all.
“What?” Kenna asks when she’s eyeballed first.
“I don’t know. You tell me?”
“What are you staring at me like that for?”
“You and Ansley are giggling and Miss Innocent over here, looks guilty as hell.”
“Oh come on, Mads, why don’t you admit you like Jesse?” I ask her.
“You know we are friends, so of course I like him.”
“Really? Is that why you get pissed every time Josie says anything about him? You do know she does it to see your reaction?” Kenna throws out to her.
“Yes, maybe if it wasn’t for Justin, I’d entertain the thought, but until then, I don’t care.”
“Okay, you keep telling yourself that.” I kiss her cheek again, “Ladies, I’m off to shower cuz ya know, I’m getting married today!” I shout as I walk out of the room.
“Fuck yeah, you are!” Maddie yells back.
Before the hair and makeup team show up, we all shower and make sure everything we are taking to the church with us is next to the front door. All of us are dressed somewhat the same. All of our shirts are button down ones, mine is white with ‘Bride’ stitched on the back and the girls have deep purple shirts that match the color of their dresses. The word ‘Bridesmaid’ is on the back, other than Kenna’s; hers has ‘Maid of Honor.’ We all have black yoga pants on and the flip-flops I bought them as gifts. I had also bought myself the ‘Bride’ pair when I picked up theirs.
After everyone is dolled up, we load up everything into the white limo that has arrived for us. Once arriving at the church, we are whisked away to a room downstairs. It has full-length mirrors, a bathroom, couches and chairs. It truly has everything we need.
I’m sitting in a chair in front of the table and mirror, getting my hair and makeup touched up by the team that came with us, when there’s a knock at the door. Mrs. Brewis answers it; then the room goes silent as she comes over in my direction. She has a Tiffany’s blue box in her hand, along with a tiny tag. I stare at it as she gives it to me.
“What is this?”
“I was told to give it to you.”
“Who’s it from?”
“My son.”
I look up at her and then back to the box. Looking around, I notice that all eyes are on me.
“Well, open it, girl.” Clearly Maddie’s patience is wearing thin.
I look up at her, then to everyone and smile. I slowly pull at the white bow that is around it. The tag attached slips off and I start to read it. Tears immediately spring to my eyes. Mrs. Brewis hands me a tissue and I dab the corners. My makeup is so going to be ruined at this point
“Can you read it out loud or is it too personal?” Kenna asks.
“I can.” I take a deep breath then I begin, “To my best friend, you’re the love of my life, and I can’t wait to make you my wife. I love you, Beautiful. Coop. P.S. I’ll save my dirty vows ‘til later.”
I hear several sighs and then little giggles over the last part of his note. I’m blown away and I haven’t even opened the box yet. I didn’t know he was going to do this, so it’s taking me a minute to gather my thoughts. I reread the note twice before I start to lift the lid.
; “Oh my God.”
“You’re killing me here, girl,” Maddie states.
“Oops, sorry.”
I take the silver and gold heart-shaped locket out of the box to show it off and inspect it closer. That is when I notice it’s outlined in diamonds. I open it to find a picture of us, when I think we were like ten, and then one from the night he proposed to me. The toggle closure that will hold it around my neck only makes the necklace more beautiful. It’s stunning to look at and I’m in awe of it. I’m trying as hard as I can to hold back my tears, or I’m going to walk out of here looking like a raccoon.
“Honey, I was supposed to tell you from Cooper that this is your something new,” Mrs. Brewis whispers to me, once everyone is back getting ready.
“With all that’s been going on, I forgot about that, as well as the other things. The only thing I did bring was something old because it was my mom’s. This is her bracelet; she once told me it was her grandmother’s. I feel she’s with me today.” I look down and put my other hand over my wrist, holding the bracelet closely to me.
“Well, I can help you with the something blue and borrowed, if you’d like?”
Looking at her, I nod my head. I’m too emotional to speak and I’m really trying not to cry.
She hands me a black velvet box. I slowly pull back the hinged top to find a gorgeous pair of blue teardrop earrings. “These were the ones I wore on my wedding day as my something new. I’d be honored if you’d wear them today. Christopher gave them to me on our wedding day as his gift to me.”
I’m not sure what to say, so I just stand and hug her. Our moment is special to me; I never thought she believed I was good enough for her son, and now we inch closer and closer every day. Dana is a special lady, and it’s going to be an honor to be her daughter-in-law. As we separate, I’m told by the girls it’s time to get me in my dress. I walk in the changing area to find the long, white zippered bag, holding my dress.
My dress is a David Tutea original called Mon Cheri. It’s a satin, floor-length, strapless ball gown with an empire drop waistline and chapel train. It has embroidered lace covering the bodice with a sweetheart neckline. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it and tried it on.
While I am stepping into my dress, the other girls are also slipping theirs on. We walk out together into the room the photographer wants us in, once we are finished. She is waiting for us there, as well as other family and friends.
Another knock comes to the door and my head turns in that direction. “It’s time,” I hear, and my stomach flips with nervousness. I can’t believe the day has finally come. Now is the moment I’ve been waiting for. It’s time to become Ansley Brewis.
Cooper
Shortly after we arrive at the church, I hand each one of the guys the gifts I bought them for being a groomsman in the wedding. They all open them at the same time. Each box I hand out holds a bottle of whisky, a sliver flask with their initials engraved on the front, and two shot glasses. They inform me these will be used at the reception, because they know it’s a big no-no before I say I do.; I promised Ansley no alcohol.
My dad walks back in, and I hand him his box as well. His has a gold money clip that says ‘Dad.’ He looks down at it and then back to me, having the word ‘Dad’ on there takes on a whole new meaning now. We’ve gotten a lot closer since my accident. It’s something I want to grow on, not lose. If fact, he’s gotten closer to everyone that is like family to him too. Embracing me in a hug, we pat each other on the back as he says, “I love you, Son.”
I’m not going to lie; I’m a bit choked up as I say, “I love you, too, Dad,” back to him.
Mr. Evans comes in shortly after my dad. I head over to him to give him his gift too. Of course, he informs me I didn’t have to do anything for him, but I did, more than he knows. I want him to know what he’s meant to me for all these years. After he opens his money clip, and sees the word ‘Family’ on his, he clears his throat for a minute. “Cooper, I think of you as family too.” I nod and shake his hand before telling him I feel the same exact way.
Shortly after that, I’m told it’s time to head down the hallway toward the entrance. Turning around, I tell all the guys thank you, and of course, give a little speech about how I couldn’t think of better men to have standing next to me. As we walk in the doors, Ryan stays back to meet up with Ansley.
I stand in the front with just moments to go, the minister lets Trey and Cole know it’s time for them to roll out the runner for the bride; who is about to enter the doors. They both grab the white rope attached to it and start to pull it back down the aisle. That’s when I see the words on it, and I know it’s something that Ansley did for me: “Today I marry my best friend.” Okay I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get emotional seeing it. Taking a deep breath, the guys pat me on the shoulder as they pass back by me to take their places.
The doors open back up and the first of the girls starts walking down. I smile at each of them, though I have a feeling they aren’t really noticing me as much as they are the guys next to me. I kind of chuckle to myself; I see the eye scanning going on. Then I notice the vision of beauty in front of me. The music starts to play, Amazed by Lonestar, and my heart stops as she enters. It starts to beat again as she takes her first step toward me. She’s on the arm of our best friend. Nothing looks more perfect to me than her right now.
As they stop in front of me, Ryan shakes my hand and takes his place on my other side. I reach forward and place Ansley’s hand in mine. Looking down, I stare at how they fit together so perfectly, and I’m lost for a second in her touch. She tugs a little on my hand to get my attention. She smiles and mouths, “I love you.” As I lean in to kiss her, the minister clears his throat to get my attention before our lips touch. I stop in midair and look over at him; he’s shaking his head and says, “Not yet.” Everyone in the church laughs and I shrug my shoulders.
I need him to get this over with as quickly as possible. I want to touch her and he’s delaying it. He goes through the normal wedding traditions, and then it is our turn to say the vows we wrote. We turn to face each other, our fingers locked together, just like our hearts.
“Ansley, the day you came into my life was the day I met my best friend. You changed me and taught me how to be a better person. You’ve been by my side through all my highs and lows. I promise that we’ll laugh together, cry together, and dream together. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather walk through the rest of my life with than you. I love you, Beautiful. You will forever have my heart.”
“Cooper, my best friend and love of my life. I know the real you, the one I know I can always count on, rely on, and trust. Falling in love with you was easy and loving you is even easier. When I need you, you’re there. My mom said I’d marry you one day, so I know today she’s smiling down, watching this day happen. I will always inspire you, encourage you, and love you through every adventure we take together. I choose you to dance with until we can’t dance any more. I love you, Coop.”
I swipe away a tear from her eye, while I try to fight mine from falling. She continues to blow my mind every time we’re together. I can’t help but love the woman standing in front of me. As the minister continues on, I hear nothing as I stare in her eyes. She winks and smirks at me as she slips the ring on my finger, as if she’s saying, “Haha, I got you now.” Little does she know she’s had me from the day I met her. As the band slides on, I realize nothing has ever felt so right. I lay a tiny kiss to her ring after I set hers in place. We light two candles together, one for her mom and one for us, joining together.
As I hear the words, “Everyone if you will, please help me welcome the new Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Brewis. You may now kiss your bride,” I go in for the kill. I wrap my arms around her and hold on tight as our lips collide. I don’t let go until Ryan slaps my shoulder, informing me that the rest of the church is waiting. It’s not my fault. It’s everyone else’s and that stupid tradition of not being together the night before. I’ve
missed her, so of course I got caught up in the moment. Who can blame a guy when your wife looks like Ansley?
We walk into the reception, and I can’t wait to give Ansley the last little gift I’ve got planned. We are announced as the new Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Brewis and I feel at peace. We take the floor as the band plays, but it’s not just any band. I hired Dan and Shay to come sing the song we’ll dance to for the first time as husband and wife. From The Ground Up starts to play and she looks up at me and smiles. When she realizes that Dan and Shay are actually singing the song to us, she freaks a little bit in my arms and squeezes my neck tightly.
“Coop, I can’t believe you hired them to come here.” She lays a kiss to my lips, and I know I did the right thing.
“Anything for you.”
The dancing goes on for the next hour or so and I seriously can’t wait any longer to have a long night alone with my wife. Every time I ask if we can leave now, there is one more thing we need to do. Well, now it’s time for the garter and the throwing of her flowers. We go to the center of the floor, where the chair is waiting for Ansley to sit her sweet ass in.
“Behave, mister.”
“Me? Always.”
“I mean it, Coop, we are in front of our family and friends.”
I just grin, I have my own thoughts so there’s no guarantees.
She sits and I take to one knee in front of her. Looking at her smiling, I reach for the end of her dress. I lift it enough to duck my head under it. Now I’m in my element, close to where I want to dive in. I hear the whistles and cheers from everyone watching, so I decide to take advantage of the situation. I know it’s wrong, but I think, why not? No one can see.
I swipe my tongue straight up her panties, causing her to squirm in her seat. Then as my fingers make their way up her calves to her thighs, and I feel the goosebumps start against her skin as my thumbs hook the garter that I’m supposed to be getting. I first slide it up higher, then I gently drag my fingers down the entire length of her core, making her pull her legs closer together. Then I hear my name, so I take that as my time here is over. I slide the garter back down her leg before I get in any more trouble. It’s tough being that close to something I want so badly, and being told no, not now. You know what I mean, it’s like the cookie jar’s right there, waiting for you to open it, but you can’t touch it or you’ll get your hand slapped.