The Commitment Test (The Marin Test Series Book 2)

by Aksel, Amanda

  On Saturday morning, the real movers came and took all of my belongings to Fell Street. When they had removed the last box, the afternoon sun filled what was left of my apartment. As I walked through the empty space, I reminisced about the last three and half years I had spent there in my sanctuary. I’d miss it, of course. My home had been a special place. But the grief of leaving was nothing compared to the excitement of starting my new life with my soon-to-be husband in our new house. I still couldn’t get my head around it, but everything that I wished for was happening.

  James found me daydreaming in the bedroom.

  “You ready?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” I smiled. He brought me in and held me for the last time in that space and kissed the top of my head. “Let’s go home,” he said. We walked hand in hand out of the apartment for the last time. Outside, I looked back at the building and waved goodbye to my old place and my old life.

  EPILOGUE

  Our Special Day

  It was Saturday, December second. Ginger had just finished coating my lips with color.

  “Gorgeous,” she said.

  I looked in the mirror at my full wedding makeup, the long dark lashes, soft eye shadow, rosy cheeks, and of course, my deep crimson lips. I kissed the mirror leaving a stain on the glass.

  The photographer took shots of my dress, and Holly, Rachel, and Ginger bustled around the hotel room, half dressed while Telly lay on the sofa. Her basketball shaped belly filled in her t-shirt and stretched her yoga pants as far as they could go. I scooted next to her.

  “You look so pretty,” she said and pouted her lip.

  “Thank you. So do you,” I said, looking at her perfect makeup and the beautiful waves in her long dark hair.

  “Oh, please.” She stretched out and ran her hands along her tummy. “I look like a balloon.”

  She didn’t look like a balloon. Maybe like she was hiding one under her top, but Telly had pretty much retained her stunning figure throughout the pregnancy.

  “Put your dress on. It’s almost time to go,” I told her.

  The photographer snapped a photo of us. She slowly rose from the couch, holding her lower back. “I hate that I’m going to be fat forever in your wedding photos,” Telly whined.

  “You’re not fat, Telly,” Rachel called out from the vanity in the bathroom. “You’re pregnant and you’re beautiful. So stop complaining. This is Marin’s day.”

  The girls had dressed in their bridesmaid attire. Each style of the wine-colored dresses was unique to each of my friends. Rachel and Ginger carried my vintage-styled mermaid dress to me. They slipped it over my head, careful not to snag my hair or smudge my makeup. Then Rachel fastened the row of buttons in the back. I stood in front of the full-length mirror and looked at the lace covering my shoulders and down to the heart shaped neckline, then all the way to the hem on the floor. An antique broach joined the narrow satin sash below my bust.

  Ginger tucked a red rose on the side of my low up-do.

  “Wait, don’t forget this.” Holly handed me the gold cuff, band-aid bracelet from James and I tightened it on my wrist.

  “Thanks.” We smiled at each other. The sight of her eyes shining with tears choked me up. “Don’t cry,” I said. “You’re gonna make me cry.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Marin,” she said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

  “Okay, that’s enough. No more crying. This is a happy day.” Telly handed over my bouquet of purple and red orchids, and Holly and I straightened up.

  Rachel led the way outside. It was almost six o’clock and the sun had set. A cold breeze rushed through and I opened my coat to let it cool my skin. I couldn’t help but sweat nervously. It was my wedding day. As we were getting in the limo, Telly crouched down and held her pregnant belly. She let out a groan.

  I rushed to her side. “Are you okay?”

  She stayed still for a moment and let out a deep breath. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked. “Do you need to go to the hospital?”

  “I’m fine. It happens sometimes. I’m not due for a couple weeks anyway.”

  I gave Rachel and Holly nervous glances as we all piled into the car.

  Ten minutes later we arrived at the Conservatory of Flowers, where James and I had one of our first dates. I’d never forget wandering around the flowers and wondering if he liked me. Turns out he did and that night he’d kissed me so perfectly that I knew it was true.

  My sister-in-law Jennifer walked out to the limo, wearing a coat over her violet dress. Holly rolled down the window and she peeked in.

  “All the guests have arrived and everyone’s being seated,” she told us.

  “Is James here?” I called from deep inside the limo. Jennifer craned to see me.

  She smiled. “Yeah, he’s here.”

  Good. This was definitely going to happen. Jennifer suggested the bridesmaids go inside and my father would be out to get me soon. While I waited alone in the car, I looked down at my band-aid cuff and slipped it off my wrist. I read the inscription.

  If you should ever fall, I’ll be there with a band-aid.

  A few moments later, my father opened the door and slid inside.

  “Hey, Dad.”

  “Wow, look at you,” he said, voice filled with awe.

  I blushed.

  “My little girl is all grown up.”

  “Yep,” I said, beaming.

  He cleared his throat and lowered his eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever told you, but I’m very proud of you. I’ve always been proud of you. You’ve always listened to your gut, even when it wasn’t easy. I know that I’m hard on you and your brother sometimes, but it’s because I want the best for you both.”

  His words were a fresh breath of air, I breathed them in with ease. “Thank you,” I said. “I’ve waited a long time to hear you say that.”

  He nodded and looked at his cell phone. “They’re ready for us,” he said and looked at me. “James is a good man, but are you sure this is what you want?”

  “Yes,” I said. “Without a shred of doubt.”

  “Okay, then let’s get you married.”

  My dad hopped out of the limo and held his hand out for me. We walked quickly into the building and one of the attendants led us to the ceremony room doors where my friends awaited us.

  The attendant opened the doors and we heard the strings of the cello followed by the rest of the quartet. Pachelbel’s “Canon” filled the room. Ginger started the procession, followed by Rachel then Telly, and finally Holly, who was my maid of honor.

  My dad held my bouquet as I removed my coat, then handed it back. “You ready?” my dad asked.

  “Ready,” I whispered.

  We stepped slowly inside the plant and flower filled room. A pergola lit by a thousand twinkling lights stood in the center. Inside stood James, dressed in a dark gray suit, his groomsmen, my girls, and the officiant. They all watched as my dad held me steady. If I had been on my own, I surely would have fallen on my face.

  All my family and friends surrounded the Pergola, but when I looked up, my eyes met James’, the same way they had the day he rescued me from that fall. The moment took my breath away. Our entire future flashed in my mind: setting up the new house; having a baby; watching our child graduate high school; celebrating the birth of our grandchildren, and finally sitting with him on a porch with whatever gray hair he had left on his head.

  My hands trembled as my father handed me off to my groom. James took them, but his hands were shaking almost as much. I sucked in a deep breath, trying to hold off the tears a little longer.

  The officiant began the ceremony. “We are gathered here to join Marin Li Johns and James Christopher Young in marriage. In presenting yourselves here today, you are performing an act of faith in each other—a faith, which should grow and mature and endure. In our presence, you are now ready to pledge your love and yourselves to each other. We all rejoice in that love and in the wonder that this mome
nt brings. You each have prepared your own vows?”

  “Yes,” we said in unison.

  James pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. He cleared his throat and gave a sort of shy smile. I couldn’t take my eyes from his face.

  “Marin, when we first met that day in front of your office, it was like you were an angel that fell from heaven. A clumsy angel, but an angel just for me. You are the most perplexing woman I’ve ever met. You are also the most beautiful, warm, loving, and intriguing. Every day with you is one more day that I’m grateful to be alive. I promise to be there for you always, picking you up when you fall, finding you when you’re lost, reminding you every day that you are an amazing person who deserves all the happiness in the world. I promise to contribute to that happiness throughout our long life together. You’re my heart. You’re my home. You’re my one and only.”

  He slipped a white gold band on my finger.

  I prayed that my mascara had not gone sliding messily down my cheeks, because there was no use fighting tears with words like his. James truly loved me and I never had anything to fear.

  “I love you,” I whispered through my sob.

  “I love you,” he said and squeezed my hands.

  Then, I removed my own small paper from my dress, trying to pull myself together so I could read my words clearly.

  “James,” I said, looking into his misty blue eyes. “You’re my hero. You’ve saved me time and time again, in more ways than you could ever know. When we met, I was lost and you helped me find my way back. I’m so glad because I’ve had the time of my life with you. I know that we can have it all as long as we have each other. Because of you, I believe in love again. You give me the greatest joy and I will spend my life trying to make you feel as incredible as you make me feel. I promise to love you with an open, honest heart because you belong with me, and I belong with you, and nothing will ever change that.”

  And with a simple white gold band, I made a vow.

  “By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  James took my face in his hands and pulled me in. I could feel his heart racing like my own. His warm lips touched mine and I drew deeper into him. He kissed my nose and smiled.

  “We did it,” I whispered in his ear.

  “I know, I wish we’d done it sooner.” He kissed me again.

  “May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Young!”

  Our friends and family cheered as we sauntered down the aisle. I felt amazing. I was the new Mrs. Young. About halfway down the aisle, I felt something slippery under my shoe and I lost my balance. The crowd gasped. I shut my eyes tight and waited for my butt to hit the ground, but it didn’t. James’ arms were around me, pulling me up.

  “You all right?” he asked.

  I chuckled. Nothing was going to keep me down today. “Yeah, thanks to you.”

  “You know what I got you for a wedding gift?” he asked.

  “What?” I looked at him and he smirked.

  “Walking lessons.” He laughed and I nudged him with my shoulder.

  Afterward, our guests headed to the reception room, while James and I and the bridal party snuck off for photos. James and I were posing under the pergola when he said, “You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.” I smiled and kissed him for what seemed like the hundredth time since we’d said I do.

  At the reception, Gloria couldn’t wait to congratulate us. We had barely finished our first dance when she ran up and wrapped her arms around me.

  “We’re so glad to have you in the family, Mrs. Young,” she said.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Young.” I winked. Then a beautiful blonde woman snuck up behind her.

  “Andrea!” James called with wide eyes. With a big smile, she wrapped her arms around her younger brother. “We didn’t think you could make it.”

  “I wanted it to be a surprise. Are you surprised?” Andrea asked, almost giggling.

  “Yes, I can’t believe it.” He rested his hand on the small of my back. “This is Marin, my new wife.”

  “Nice to meet you finally. Congratulations!” She opened her arms and embraced me with a warm hug, but I was still reeling over James calling me his wife.

  “Thank you. I’m so glad you made it,” I said, smiling as she walked with us to our table.

  Later, James and I walked around the room separately, thanking all the guests for coming. Everyone seemed to be too shy to dance, except for Holly and Noom.

  “How come you’re not dancing?” I asked Telly who sat at her table with her feet up on Will’s lap. He massaged her swollen ankles.

  “Are you kidding? I can’t dance. Those damn heels blew up my feet.” Telly groaned and Will rolled his eyes.

  The poor guy had had to put up with all of her gripes over the past eight months.

  “I told you to wear flats,” I said.

  “I’m Telly Torres. I don’t wear flats.” She shot me a tight-lipped smile.

  I sat next to her. “Are you having any fun?” I pouted my lip slightly and her attitude transformed.

  “Of course I am.” She smiled. “You and James are perfect together.” Then she looked at Will and her smile frowned. “But I might have had more fun if somebody hadn’t gotten me pregnant.” She was ready for that baby to come out, and so was I. She’d been miserable the last couple of months.

  Will stood with caution, careful to place her feet on the chair. “I’m going to get you some more Sprite,” he said, and I gave him an apologetic look. We watched him walk to the bar and I saw Andy meet Telly’s stare. They quickly turned away.

  “Is it awkward having Andy here?” I asked.

  “It’s not awkward. Why would it be awkward? Nothing happened between us. It’s totally fine.” She let out a seemingly nervous chuckle.

  “Mmhmm,” I said.

  Holly took a break from dancing and joined Telly and me. “Can you believe it,” I said. “James and I are married, Telly’s having a baby, and you’re getting married in the spring?”

  The girls nodded. “We had to grow up sometime I guess,” Holly said.

  “True, we’re no spring chickens.” I chuckled.

  “Speak for yourselves. I’m still young and when this baby finally comes out, I’m going to be young and sexy.” Telly snapped her fingers.

  “We know, Tell,” I said and pulled them both in for a hug. I must’ve held on too long because Telly shooed me away, complaining she was too hot.

  I found James and my mom talking near the buffet table. “Oh, Marin, come here,” my mom said, beckoning me into her arms. I lowered my body to match her height. “I’m so proud of you. You married this wonderful man.” She patted James chest.

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said.

  She looked me over, turning me from side to side. “You look beautiful, but you should’ve worn long sleeves or a jacket. It’s so cold, you’re going to get sick.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Mom, I’m fine. I wore a coat here. I’m not cold at all.”

  “No, no, no. James, give her your jacket.”

  James complied with my mother’s orders and put his jacket over my shoulders. I could smell his cologne and I tucked my nose down to breathe it in. The jacket stayed on long enough for my mother to preoccupy herself with something else, like my niece and nephew.

  Near the end, the cake was half eaten, Andy had the garter, and he had his eye on my single girlfriend who caught the bouquet. It was time for the last dance, and we got everyone to come to the floor, even Telly. She swayed with Will, while I danced with my brother and James danced with my mom.

  “Can I cut in?” David asked and Michael handed me over. A couple of months after James and I moved into the house, David had come over and apologized for his earlier behavior. Since then, the four of us had hung out on a regular basis. Not all was right with David and Rachel, but they were working on it.

  “I’m really happy for you guys. James is crazy about you,
” he said.

  “Thanks. I’m glad things are starting to get back to normal.”

  “Normal?” He laughed. “No such thing.” He spun me around and Andy grabbed my hand.

  “Well, well, well. Bet you never thought we’d be dancing at a wedding,” he said and raised his eyebrows.

  “You’re right.” I smiled.

  “But seriously, congratulations.” He dipped me, making me giggle, then brought me back in. “So what’s the story with your friend over there?” He nodded toward Lana, the girl who was clutching my tossed bouquet.

  I shook my head. “Not a chance.”

  “I’ll take that as a challenge.”

  My new husband appeared next to us and Andy handed me to him. “She’s all yours,” Andy said. James picked me up off the ground and spun me around until I was dizzy.

  “That’s right. You’re all mine,” he said between kisses on my neck. I looked around at all the smiling faces of my dancing friends and family. The wedding had been perfect.

  A few moments later, the guests began to gasp and clear the floor. The music stopped.

  “What happened?” I shouted.

  “My water just broke,” Telly said.

  “Oh, shit,” Will said.

  Before we knew it, the staff had rolled in a wheelchair and we took Telly out of the room. She seemed extremely calm as the rest of us panicked.

  “I’ll take her to the hospital,” Will said.

  “Wait, I need my bag. Can you go to my apartment and get my things?” she asked him.

  “I’m not leaving you,” he said.

  “It’s okay,” I said. “I’ll go with her to the hospital. You have time. Go get her things and meet us there.”

  “Marin, no! It’s your wedding night,” Telly demanded.

  I leaned over her in the chair. “Tell, you’re having a baby. I’m not missing this for the world.”

  I took James’ hand. “I’m sorry, but I have to go with her.”