40
Ivy
Relieved to be seeing Jarrod again, even though we’d only parted company last night. Over our brief time together, I got used to us being together so last night had been difficult, which was probably why I’d been up so early this morning.
My wedding dress is a thin layer of ivory silk. The back dips to my waist, but the front is more modest. A braided lavender sash of silk fastens around my waist, and then the rest of the dress falls to my feet with a slit all the way up the front to mid-thigh. It’s plain and elegant, and I love it.
With the heat of St. Thomas, anything else would have been stupid and I’d have probably passed out from over heating.
I have a pair of matching colored flip flops on my feet, that are coated in small multi-colored crystals that sparkle and change color in the sun. We’re getting married in the beach gazebo so us girls had decided to go for comfort and elegance.
Gia and Parker, my two bridesmaids, are in the same flip flops, which matches their pale purple dresses. Their dresses are very similar to mine and when standing together we all look perfectly coordinated.
I smile now as I watch them walk toward Jarrod who looks so handsome in his slate grey pants and lavender colored shirt. Colin, who’d arrived late last night, is best man, standing tall beside Jarrod, while Hunter now makes his way back to me because he’s the one giving me away today.
My parents refuse to acknowledge my relationship with Jarrod, so I haven’t spoken to them since I’d first mentioned our engagement. All I can think of is that it’s their loss.
I’ve never been as happy as I walk toward Jarrod. He’s my family now…him, and the others who are present today. I don’t miss my parents as much as I should, and from this day forward anything that happens between us will be if they approach me.
Right now though, I’m about to become Mrs. Jarrod Carrington and I’m filled with excitement, knowing that the man before me will always love and cherish me, just like I will him.
The moment our eyes meet, his fill with tears that he rapidly blinks away before I see the love that he has for me in the hidden depths.
With hands that tremble, Jarrod reaches out and caresses the side of my face. “You look so beautiful.”
The Officiant clears her throat, bringing our attention forward, and twenty minutes later we’re married and Jarrod has my face cupped in his hands while he kisses me for the first time as his wife.
His face is one of pure delight as he holds me close and breathes me in. “I love you.” His soft lips caress against mine.
“I love you, too. So much, Jarrod.” I reach up and wrapping my arms around his neck, I sigh into the strength holding me.
“Hey, you can have her to yourself later,” Gia interrupts. “Let me hug my best friend and fathers wife.”
I smile and turn to her when Jarrod releases his hold.
Gia whispers against my ear, “I’m so happy that he’s no longer on his own.”
I hug her tightly. “Don’t worry about him. I’m going to look after him, always.”
“Your wedding was so beautiful,” Parker says, pulling me into her for another hug.
“You’ve given her ideas.” Julian grins from behind her.
“Wait! Ideas?” I ask, looking between the two of them. Julian is beaming and Parker looks uncomfortable.
“Oh, look,” Parker points behind me, “they’re waiting to escort us to dinner.”
“Hey,” I grab hold of Parker’s arm as she makes to move past me, “what was that about?” I grin and start laughing. “You’ve talked about getting married?”
Julian is making me laugh because he isn’t helping Parker one bit as she lightly blushes. “Yes, we’ve talked about it,” she finally admits.
Frowning, I ask, “So what’s the problem?”
“She didn’t want to mention anything while we’re here celebrating your wedding,” Julian admits, looking between Jarrod, and I.
I shake my head and jump against
Parker, nearly knocking her over, which ends in a group hug when Gia joins in. “You and Gia are my best girl friends, don’t ever hold stuff back. In fact, why don’t you see if they can fit you in here later in the week.” I beam at Jarrod.