by K. Aybara
I saw the door open a crack and I motioned for Breck to stay out. The door shut as quickly as it opened. “Look, I’m happy for you, even ecstatic. I wouldn’t wish what happened to you on my worst enemy. I now know what true love feels like, but you should have loved us just as much. I don’t know what you want from me, but I’ve got one minute left. Make it quick.”
“Like I said earlier, I am not asking for your forgiveness. That is not something I can ask for the first time I talk to you after all of these years. I saw Zane walk away from me at first sight. Thank you for at least having the decency to allow me to speak with you. I am a changed man and whereas I can never make up for what I did to you, I would like to start over, if you are willing.
“It may be hard to believe, son, but I always did love you both. I loved you so much because I saw so much of her in you. Standing here looking at you, I still do. The only difference is that now I see it as a blessing instead of a curse.” Reaching out his hand for me to shake, I saw a tear forming in his eye. “I want to meet this beautiful young lady, if you would allow me to stay.”
“Maybe next time, Dick, I’ve got a wedding to attend. Now if you will excuse me, I will have Breck escort you to your car.”
As I walked to the door, it opened as I knew it would. Breck may have a lot on his mind today, but he was a great guy. He was also a great guy to have escort my father to his car. One look at his barrel chest and you would not want to mess with him. What was I ever thinking going after Jill? “Hey, would you mind escorting our ‘guest’ to his car and making sure that he leaves without a scene?”
“Absolutely, I’d do anything for my friend.” Sweeping his hand in front of him, he looked at my father with a grin a mile wide knowing how bad that comment hurt. “Right this way, Dick.”
They went toward the parking lot as I worked my way toward the garden. I ran into the guys and let Ryan know Breck would be there in a moment. I hoped he got back before they needed to start, but my concern was making sure I was in place on time.
Walking up the side, I couldn’t believe how few seats were empty. Cailyn told me it would be a packed house, but I just never could imagine that this many people would show up. Zane was just about my only family, and being that my friends were mostly overseas, at least the ones that were still in one piece, it was basically opened up to her family on her side, while her friends were on my side.
As I got to the front of the garden, I saw the two most wonderful sights that I could see today before Cailyn walked down that aisle. First, I saw that Megan had placed a vase of gladiolas sitting on a pedestal where my mother’s chair would be. It’s a beautiful day with very little cloud coverage, but right now the sun just happened to be behind one of the three clouds in the sky. That cloud had a break in it just big enough to let a stream of light shine down onto those flowers and I knew it was my mother looking down on me. I stood a little taller, a little prouder, and that was when I saw the second thing. Sitting next to the flowers was Cindy. She had told me for weeks that she wouldn’t be able to make it, but here she was. I saw a smile cross her face as I mouthed a thank you to her.
With all eyes glued on me, I was trying not to fidget or seem too nervous, but I was sure that everyone staring at me right now could tell. I guess they all expected me to be nervous even though that didn’t calm me any. Was I going to be able to remember my vows, or better yet would Cailyn like them?
There had been so much going on today thankfully that my mind had been preoccupied, but now that I was up in front of the entire family, no one to talk to while I stood here trying to look calm, I started to feel a little dizzy. No, I cannot faint, especially before I see her. If I can just make it until she comes out I will be good.
Looking down the aisle, I saw Celeste and Ryan lining up to come down the aisle while Breck was running around the edge of the church to get in place. I guess I would hear it later from him after Cailyn laid into him for being late even though it was my fault. Ryan looked ecstatic that he got to escort Celeste down the aisle. It would definitely be an interesting night watching the two of them.
As they walked down the aisle and took their places on each side, I broke out into a cold sweat, the tightness of my collar felt like it was choking off all air and circulation to my brain, and the whole garden started to spin.
WHILE MOM HAD ALREADY BEEN escorted to her seat, Daddy and I were standing just inside the church waiting for our cue to come out. I couldn’t wait to see what Aunt Megan had done with the decorations. I told her exactly what I wanted, but I knew she had done a little extra for me since I was like the daughter she never had.
Don’t get me wrong, I knew it would be absolutely stunning and I would love every bit of it. It would most likely be just like my bouquet. Everything I wanted and more, but done in a way to complement each other completely.
I could feel my hand starting to sweat in Daddy’s and he must have as well. He pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to me so that I didn’t have to wipe my hands on my dress while a smile crossed his face. “Look at my beautiful little baby, all grown up and leaving me.”
“Daddy, you know I will never leave you. I am always going to be your little baby girl, but just think, soon I will have little babies for you and mom to go crazy over.”
“Whoa now, don’t go getting too far ahead of yourself. Take your time and enjoy each other first. There will be plenty of time for that.”
I didn’t think I had ever seen Daddy blush like that. At least there was one person today that isn’t trying to lecture me on losing my virginity. I handed him back his handkerchief and gave him a peck on the cheek. “I love you Daddy.”
Just about that time, I saw the girls pairing up with the guys. Celeste was supposed to be paired up with Jeremy, not Ryan, but there seemed to be something going on between her and Ryan. I hadn’t seen her so interested in playing games with a guy like that in years. She must have really like him.
Daddy and I walked out of the church making sure to stay behind the flowers and out of sight. I am sure that Luke could probably see Daddy, but there was no way he could see me. They were probably even looking each other in the eye right now having one of those guy mind talks. I could hear Daddy, “Son, you better take care of this precious little girl I am giving you. I don’t ever want to hear of you hurting her.” I could see Luke looking right at Daddy, never averting his eyes, “Yes, sir, Mr. Donnelly, you have nothing to worry about, sir. I love her and will always protect her.”
The music started, the wooden chairs creaked and cracked as people stood up and my heart was pounding out of my chest. Daddy gave my hand a little squeeze before whispering, “It will be fine, Cailyn, just put one foot in front of the other.”
As we turn the corner and I could see the garden for the first time today, my breath was taken away from me. I could not have dreamed of a wedding day so beautiful. Looking around, I saw every single detail that I said I wanted, but there were little things everywhere that added to it. My heart was racing, my knees were weak, and my eyes go to the front of the garden. Luke was standing there waiting to see me, our eyes met at the same time, and I regained my balance, my breathing returned to normal, and I had to hold myself back from pulling Daddy down the aisle after me.
I wanted to forget the ceremony and just run into Luke’s arms. He’s standing there in that tuxedo, a smile came over his face as he saw me, so proud and calm. How was he so calm right now? I was a nervous wreck!
The next few minutes I turned on the autopilot, as I couldn’t take my eyes off Luke. Daddy walked me up to him, gave me over to him, and just as Mom and Daddy promised, we were alone as we started the ceremony. Before I knew it, Luke was hand in hand with me, staring into my eyes, and saying his vows.
“Cailyn, since we have been together, you have made me feel more complete, more alive, and you have shown me the true meaning of happiness. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you, and cry with you, care for you and protect you through tim
es of joy and times of sorrow. I eagerly await the chance to grow with you and fall in love with you every day for the new person that you become. On this day I swear this to you, a commitment made in love, kept in faith, and eternally made.”
That was the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I hoped he meant the crying with me part because it might start right now. How was I going to compete with that? Wait, did I even remember my vows? Breathe Cailyn.
“I, Cailyn, affirm my love to you, Luke, as I invite you to share my life. I will cherish our time, loving you more each day than I did the day before. I am a better person with you by my side. I will laugh with you when times are good, and I will lift you up when times are hard. I promise to wash away your tears with my kisses, and hold you with my passion. My affection will know no bounds. I give to you my body, my mind, my soul, my entire being.”
Wow, I remembered it all. I practiced that thing so many times and I didn’t think I ever got it completely right, but then this was the only time that counted. As things were wrapping up, I started to realize that this was it. We were getting ready to kiss. How was he going to kiss me, would he care that everyone was watching? I hoped he kissed me like he did in the dream.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Luke’s hands pulled me into him, a yelp escaped from my lips as his met mine. One arm wrapped around my waist, the other reached around to the back of my neck. My lips parted as his tongue slid between them. I could feel some of the tension that he had been holding in all day being released. If this was a kiss with everyone watching, what would tonight be like? I felt him moan more than heard it. Just knowing how badly he wanted me made me wet, and it was then that I remembered I am not wearing any panties.
As he started to pull away, I pulled him back in for one last peck. I couldn’t believe it, I was no longer Cailyn Donnelly…
“I’d like to be the first to congratulate and present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Roberts.”
MRS. LUKE ROBERTS… I liked the sound of that even more now that it was official. I squeezed her hand as we walked down the aisle. Everyone had a smile on their face and some were cheering for us, but no one’s smile was near as big or beautiful as Cailyn’s.
Despite everything that happened with her mom’s accident, I didn’t think Cailyn’s day could have gone better. She knew there was going to be some kind of drama or mishap today, and she still didn’t know about my father showing up. Overall it had been wonderful.
There were so many people trying to come up and congratulate us, however I was trying to make my way to just one, Cindy. I didn’t know if I should have yelled at her for telling me she couldn’t make it or hug her and thank her. Just as I started to walk up to her, I saw her finger pointing at me as she looked at Cailyn.
“You need to watch this one. He tried to pull one over on me this morning, but I’m going to have the last laugh. Congratulations, you two, I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“What do you mean I tried to pull one over on you this morning?” I gave her my best innocent face, but neither of these two were going to fall for it.
“I told you this morning that your breakfast was on me, but you still left me money to pay for it.”
“I did no such thing! All I left was a tip. You have done great things for me, helped me to open up when times were tough. You are a lot of the reason I have this beautiful young lady on my arm today and I wanted to show you how much I appreciated it.”
“Cailyn, Luke, I hate to interrupt but we need to get the photos taken before we lose the light.”
Cailyn turned toward Josh, “Alright Josh, we’ll be right there, thanks. Are you sticking around for the party, Cindy?”
“No, I can’t stay, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t miss this day. I felt like Ben would have wanted to be here if he could. Now remember, I want to see you all a couple times a month for breakfast. Don’t be strangers.”
“You have nothing to worry about, just remember that you are going on the babysitting list. Be careful driving home.”
As we turned to walk toward Josh for the pictures of us together, Cailyn looked up at me with those beautiful deep blue eyes, “I thought you told me that you had never met Ben. Why would he have wanted to be here if you didn’t know each other?”
“Well, it’s a little crazy and all, but we talked this morning about how we both feel like Ben was watching from above and knew that we both needed each other and brought us together. I’ll tell you about it later.” Just then, a cool gust of air blew past us and as I turned around, I swore I saw a soldier saluting me out of the corner of my eye.
As I missed a step, Cailyn caught me. “Are you okay? Did you trip on something?”
“No, I’m fine. I just thought I saw something and wasn’t paying attention where I was walking. Hey, Ryan, get those drinks flowing as soon as they get the bar open. I’m going to need a drink or three.”
“You better hurry up then. I’m not sure anything will be left if you take too long.”
I COULDN’T BELIEVE it was finally over. I had been so nervous over the past several weeks and I was no longer Cailyn Donnelly. I felt absolutely amazing! I couldn’t wait to show Luke how excited I was to be his wife and how much I meant my vows, especially the part about giving him my body.
As we were walking over to let Josh finish up with the pictures, Luke tripped and almost fell. Not that I could do much to catch him, but I tried to keep him from falling to the ground. His hand suddenly turned frigidly cold and started to sweat.
After making sure he was fine, I leaned up against him and he wrapped his arm around me. Josh looked up to see us coming and immediately raised his camera and started snapping pictures.
“Sorry, guys, but that was just so natural and adorable. I think it was the best picture I have taken of Luke all day.”
“I warned you that I don’t like having my picture taken.”
“I’m used to dealing with people that don’t like their picture taken Luke. I’m just not used to dealing with people that are such a baby about it, not even the babies.”
“Luke Roberts, have you been making Josh’s life difficult today? Those pictures of you had better turn out good. You know we can’t do this over.”
“Honey, I am sure the pictures will be great. After all, you have Josh taking them. He can make anyone, including me, look good.”
Josh positioned us to use the setting sun’s last glimmers of light. He hurried to get the last few pictures he could before dusk took hold, yet he promised that the pictures would be gorgeous.
As we walked back toward the garden in the chilled spring air, we could smell the aromatics of the food drifting out of the church on the wind. My stomach growled and suddenly I realized how hungry I really was. Walking up to the table and taking our seats, we were immediately brought our plates. I guess we took a little longer than expected with the pictures and they were just waiting for us to get back so everyone else could eat.
There was a little chatting as everyone eats, but overall it was fairly quiet as everyone gorged themselves on this excellent meal. No need to worry about anyone drinking on an empty stomach tonight. The noise began to escalate as our guests started to wrap up their meals. I saw Daddy stand up and raise his glass, tapping on the side of it like you saw in the movies. All but a few immediately stopped their conversations, and those few did once they realized they were the only ones still talking.
“I want to start off by thanking you all for coming and helping us to celebrate this day, joining Luke and Cailyn in holy matrimony. Cailyn, my dear, I have tried to prepare myself for this day since the first second I looked into your eyes. I knew then that letting you go would be the most difficult day of my life, but I could not ask for a better man to step up and take over the responsibilities of keeping you safe. I wish you both many years of happiness and health, a friendship that grows daily, and your mother wanted me to request a few grandchildren as well. We love you both. Congratulations!”
Luke s
tood up and looked at Daddy. “Mr. Donnelly, you don’t know how much it means to me for you to feel so comfortable in handing Cailyn over into my protection. She is a beautiful woman and means the world to me.” Turning to look at me, Luke reached down and grabbed my hand. “Cailyn, I’m not sure if today has met your standard of the perfect day, but I know that there is nothing I would have changed. I had the most beautiful woman in the world by my side, her smile lit up the sky, her hand in mine kept the nerves at bay, and the best part of it all is knowing that you will be there every day for the rest of my life.” As Luke looked to my mother, he smiled. “Mrs. Donnelly, you are going to need to take care of those injuries and make sure you are in tip top shape. I’m going to do everything I can to get you those grandchildren so be ready for them.”
My cheeks turned bright red at that, but it only seemed to make the laughter that ensued increase even more. I was just scared of what else was going to be said with the next two toasts. Maybe I should excuse myself to hide inside the church while they shared their jokes and jabs.
AS I SAT BACK DOWN from my toast, I could see that Cailyn was blushing nine different shades of red. I was glad she chose blue as the wedding colors. If they were red we may not had been able to find her right now. Zane started to stand up and I couldn’t help but fear what he was going to say. He could be a bit of a loose cannon at times. Thankfully for me, the bar wasn’t completely open just yet so this would probably be a little more tamed than it could be.
“Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me first say that the bridesmaids look absolutely exquisite tonight, and only rightly surpassed by our bride, Cailyn. I'm sure you'll agree with me gentlemen, today is a sad day for us single men as another beauty leaves the available list. And ladies, I'm sure you'll agree that today's passing by without much of a change.