The blue in the dress and the orchid in her hair brought out the sparkling sapphire of her eyes. Her lips were dark, as usual, and a slight blush tinged her cheeks.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I hardly noticed as Melanie walked down next, solo, and then Jade, escorted by her father.
“Dearly beloved,” the officiant began in his Jamaican accent. “We are gathered here on this joyous occasion to join Jonah Bradford Steel and Melanie Lynn Carmichael in marriage, and to join Talon John Steel and Jade Bailey Roberts in marriage. The couples have written their own vows for the occasion. We’ll begin with Jonah and Melanie.” He nodded to Joe.
Jonah took Melanie’s hand and looked into her eyes. “Melanie, I’ve never known anyone like you. Your propensity for caring for others is beyond description, and your strength humbles me. You chased the darkness from my life and replaced it with love and acceptance. I can never begin to repay you for what you’ve done for me—the joy, peace, and love you’ve brought to my life—but I will spend every day of my life trying. I give you my life. I will love you always.” He smiled. “And I cannot wait to meet our child.” He touched her still-flat belly.
Melanie sniffled, and Joe wiped a tear from her eye.
“Jonah,” she began, “you came to me for counseling and guidance, but it was you who ended up guiding me. You helped me see the beauty in my life, to see that I could be special to someone. You showed me love when I felt unlovable. And when my life was in peril, all I wanted was to get back to you to tell you how much I loved you. I vow to you today that a day will never go by that you don’t feel that love, that appreciation and respect I have for you. You say I led you out of the darkness. The truth is, you led me out as well. Together we are stronger, and I know we’ll make a wonderful home for our child.” She blinked, and a tear fell down her cheek. “I give you my life, today and always.”
“May we have the rings?” the officiant said.
Ruby stepped toward Melanie, and I stepped toward Joe, and we handed them the rings.
Jonah took Melanie’s hand and placed the ring on her finger. “Melanie, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and our children, today and forever.”
Melanie took Joe’s hand and repeated the same vow.
“Jonah,” the officiant said, “you may kiss your bride.”
Joe grabbed Melanie and crushed his mouth to hers, in what was visibly a deep and openmouthed kiss. It went on and on, and I was afraid I’d have to pry them apart, until they finally let go of each other, their smiles palpable.
“And now, Talon and Jade.”
Jonah and Melanie stepped aside, and Talon and Jade took their places in front of the officiant. The officiant nodded to Talon.
He took Jade’s hand. “Jade, my love.” He shook his head. “What can I ever say to tell you what you mean to me? Language is insufficient. Words aren’t enough.” He blinked, gulping. “You made me want to live, to grasp life and pull myself out of the hole I’d been buried in for too long. You never gave up on me, even when I pushed you away. For that I’m eternally grateful. You gave me your love, and you gave me your trust, even when I didn’t deserve it. No matter how hard I fought, you fought harder. You fought for us, and you broke down my walls. You’re everything to me, blue eyes, and I’ll spend every last day I have on earth trying to be everything to you. I love you.”
Jade wiped at her eyes and smiled, looking at my brother—my brother who was now whole, thanks to her. “Talon, you’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. Looking back, I think I fell in love with you that first night you kissed me in the kitchen. I’d been humiliated, left at the altar, and I wasn’t sure I wanted another relationship, but you called to me. Maybe not in words, but our souls cried out for each other. I know in my heart we are meant to be. You are my life, my love, my everything. I thank the universe for bringing us together, and I promise to love you with all my heart and soul, today and always.”
Joe and Marj stepped up with the rings, and Talon and Jade were pronounced husband and wife. They, too, shared a clenching openmouthed kiss.
The string quartet began to play, and they finally unclenched and headed up the aisle. Joe and Melanie followed, and then Bryce with Marj on his arm. I looked at Ruby and held out my arm to her. She took it this time, and we followed Bryce and Marj.
Hugs and kisses all around for everyone. I finally took a look at the two brides, and they were, of course, radiant. My brothers both wore wide grins, and my heart soared. They both deserved this happiness. This joy and light.
I turned to Ruby. She looked serene and contemplative.
“Penny for your thoughts,” I said.
She smiled. “Nothing. Just very happy for everyone.”
“Everyone?”
“Well, everyone here.”
“Hey, baby,” I said. “I know you’re worried about Shayna and the others. But let’s not let that spoil the party. We’re going to have a great reception, and then tomorrow we go home. We can face life then, okay?”
She nodded. “Sounds good.”
I touched her cheek. “Have I told you how beautiful you look today?”
“Thanks to the salon,” she said.
“Ha! Thanks to whoever created you.” Then I cursed myself inwardly. She didn’t want to be reminded of who created her. Half of her had been created by her father. Before she could think about it, I leaned down and brushed my lips across hers. “Come on. Let’s go get a drink to toast the newlyweds.”
Servers were pouring Dom Pérignon—sparkling cider for Melanie—and I grabbed two flutes for Ruby and me.