A flowery smell wafted through the air as the doors were opened to the church. I remained out of sight beside the door. Before Millie took off down the aisle, she whispered, “I love you, London.”
“Love you, too.”
Emotion swelled within me. Dad led me in front of the doors as I kept my eyes closed. Upon the slight pressure from Dad, I opened my eyes and gasped. White twinkle lights hung from the beams of the ceiling in the old, grey stone church. White flowers of every kind covered the surface. It was like a dream come true.
Jaxson moved to the center of the aisle, awaiting me with Ty. The sight took my breath away as I gazed at the strong man who captured my heart. Millie stood slightly off to the left after walking the short distance. The melody changed to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” the song Mom walked to Dad on their wedding day.
The entire world faded away except the man I was about to pledge my undying love to.
I took a deep centering breath as Jaxson impatiently waited for Dad to deliver me to him. We arrived and I stood only a few inches away from Jaxson. The preacher said something but all I was able to focus on was Jaxson as he searched my ey
es with his green ones. This was right. I was meant to be his.
My heart thudded in my chest as I anxiously awaited to be in his arms.
As Dad handed me over to Jaxson, I turned back to him realizing he’d given me away. “Dad, I love you forever and ever. I’ll always be your little girl.”
“That’ll never change, punkin’. Never.”
A tear slipped free. Kissing his cheek, I whispered, “Never.”
Jaxson took my hand and the energy flowed between us. Our gazes locked. This was right. He was the man I was meant for all along. The ceremony progressed in a haze. Quicker than I imagined, but slow at the same time. Ty stood there enamored with the entire process with a huge grin on his face.
All my thoughts were consumed by the man in front of me and the child I was becoming the mother of. As we said our vows, Jaxson broadened his shoulders as he declared his love for me. My voice was steady and strong, unwavering as I pledged my thoughts.
“You may now kiss the bride.” Cheers erupted and a fire danced within Jaxson’s eyes.
Our lips met.
We were one.
I was his.
He was mine.
We were forever.
A hand touched my waist. I broke the kiss. “You’re really my mom forever.”
I knelt down and hugged my son. Son. It all felt real now. “Always and forever, Ty. I won’t leave you.”
He squeezed me tighter, then looked at his dad. “Does this mean I get a little sister or brother now?”
Frozen, I glanced at Jaxson while the few people laughed. “One step at a time, buddy.”
A huff escaped my son. “That’s what you said about London being my mom and that took forever.”
More laughter.
We stood as Jaxson picked up Ty and held me close. The moment was perfect. Incredible. Facing our families, they rushed to give us hugs. The voices melded together as congratulations were given. Jaxson never faltered with his hold of me.
The reception was in the small room off of the chapel. The same twinkle lights gave the fairytale feel. The five-tower cake was more than we could ever eat, but it was stunning as the crystal beads embedded in it sparkled mimicking the pattern of my dress. The sweet confection filled the room with a sweet, savory smell.
The Italian crème flavor exploded on my tongue while Jaxson fed me. As we shared our first drink of champagne, the bubbly concoction did not sit well with me as the adrenaline from the day receded, leaving a dull ache within my body.
I will not be sick on my wedding night. I will not.
“Are you ready to leave, sweetheart?”