Mistaken Identity (Identity 1)

“We’ll be starting in the next five minutes.” She took her seat in the front row, beside Reginald who looked sharp in a tailor fitted navy suit, and matching tie. Jett straightened, clutched his hands, and took a deep breath.

“You okay, man?” Aiden asked.

“Oh yeah, feels like I’ve been waiting for this moment forever.”

Anxiety spiked with every new face that didn’t belong to Kansas. First Sky, then Mya. Music began to play. Everyone at the ceremony stood. His palms grew sweaty, and blood rushed to his head. Inhaling he focused his entire being on the empty doorframe. Her appearance took his breath away. The beading along the spaghetti straps and her empire waist sparkled in the sun. She was a muse come to life in the flowing pink number. Her hair was loose and curly, tumbling down her back like black silk. She clutched a bouquet of pink flowers, wrapped in a dark pink ribbon. His mind registered all the details, but his gaze never left hers. The love that shone in her eyes humbled him. She was open in a way he’d never dared hope for. Water welled up in his eyes, and he blinked it away. Her father met her at the end of the aisle, and walked her up.

“Who gives this woman away?” his father asked.

“Her mother and I.” Reginald placed her hand in his. “Take good care of her, son.”

“I will.”

Her hand trembled, and he squeezed offering up support.

“Wow,” he whispered.

“Double that.” She scanned him.

“This old thing?” He winked. In his black tuxedo and black bow tie he was nothing more than adornment. They turned to face his father.

“I’m new at this, so we’ll keep things short, sweet, and traditional. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to today in the presence of God to join Jett Beauregard Walker and Kansas Karri Collins in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

“Do you have the rings?”

“We do,” Aiden and Mya said in unison as they stepped up. He took the cool, gold ring from his best friend and took Kansas’s hand in his.

“Repeat after me. I, Jett, take you, Kansas, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children and my wife. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity.”

He slipped the ring onto her finger. Tears rolled down her face, and she hiccupped. Her voice shook as she repeated the words.

“With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Jett pulled her into his arms, dipped her, and stole a passionate kiss before he righted her. Cheers filled the air.

“Ladies and gentleman, Mr. And Mrs. Jett Beauregard Walker!”

We did it. Oh my God, I’m someone’s husband. Finality slammed into him like a brick wall. They walked down the aisle to a spray of bubbles. From the moment they reached the end the aisle the night was nonstop, pictures, dinner, dances, and toasts. Sprawled across the bed in their wedding finery, their fingers entwined he’d never been so grateful to be home in his life. There were no words accurate enough to describe the awe and unconditional love he felt for the woman who lay beside him.

She turned to look at him with sleep heavy eyes. “I love you, husband. Thank you for today. I never thought much about my wedding day, but it would’ve looked incredibly similar to this.”

“Anything for you, wife.”

Epilogue

A thin blonde in a two piece black suit and an electric blue tank top spoke into the camera. “Breaking News, you’ll only hear on Scoop. Jett Walker, star of the hit show, Paranormal Investigation, is off the market! The stunning actor married his lady love, Kansas, in a private ceremony over the weekend. They’ve released a photo spread to us, which we’ll be printing this Tuesday. For now, here’s a sneak peek.” The screen switched to an image of the dirty-blond haired man in a tailor made tuxedo with a black bowtie dancing with his curvaceous, brown-skinned wife in a gorgeous, scoop necked,

strappy, pink, wedding dress. After a few moments the blonde anchor returned on screen.

“Lovely aren’t they? They weren’t the only celebrities with big news this week!”

Jett turned off the television and glanced around the room where his wife and Aiden sat.

Aiden clapped. “Well done.”

“What do you think, Sas?”

“I think my phone is about to blow up, but you’re a genius!” He hugged her and chuckled.