I also couldn’t help myself and peaked into the reception hall on my way over. It’s similar to here with white and light purple decoration all over. Drapes hang from the ceiling, leading to a stage where Aubrey and I will be seated with our parents. An enormous number of circular tables go around the room with huge and tall centerpieces on each one, leaving a large empty space in the center dedicated to the dance floor.
It was only a quick glance, so I’m sure I missed a whole bunch of details, but from what I saw, Eden did a wonderful job. It’s beautiful and magical, without overdoing it, just like Aubrey would have wanted it.
I wave hello to all our guests as I make my way to the platform. The guest list was the only part of our wedding that I took care of, deciding who would be attending and sending out the invitations. In the end, we added up to around one hundred and fifty guests, which is really not that much compared to Eden’s own wedding. We must have been at least five hundred people for hers.
I shake the officiant’s hand and take a stand to the right, with Julian, Jason, Jessie, and Hailey standing behind me. They’re all dressed in light gray suits with lavender ties, except for Hailey who is wearing a dress identical to the bridesmaids. But instead of it being a pale purple like theirs, hers is a light gray to match the suits.
People might find it strange for me to have my ex-wife participate in my wedding, but I couldn’t care less. Hailey is my friend before being my ex-wife. I’ll admit that I was nervous at first when I brought it up with Aubrey, even if they are friends. She could have very well said she was uncomfortable with it, but as I should have known, she loved the idea.
The officiant announces that the ceremony will begin, right before a sweet tune begins to play by the live quartet. Morgan is the first to walk down the aisle, followed by Cecilia, then Emma, and finishing off with Ronnie.
They all take their places to the left as the officiant asks everyone to rise for the bride. The music changes into a soft melody and a second later, my bride comes into view, holding on to her father.
My Angel.
Her eyes instantly connect with mine as the rest of the world fades around us. She looks magnificent. There is nothing in this world more beautiful than her at this moment. My throat clogs with emotions as my eyes begin to sting. I didn’t cry at my first wedding, but now, with Aubrey, I can’t help it. Even if I tried to keep the tears in, it would be impossible.
She’s my every dream come true.
Her cheeks flush with a soft giggle gracing her lips when she notices me wiping my eyes, and a second later, her own tears appear. When she finally reaches the end of the aisle, her father shakes my hand before kissing her cheek and passing her over to me.
“Hi,” she whispers.
“You’re beautiful, Angel,” I murmur back as another tear falls from her eye that I quickly wipe away for her.
“Please be seated, thank you,” the officiant says, getting ready to start delivering his speech.
Aubrey and I face each other as we join hands, knowing the drill. But the instant her hand lands in mine, she gasps, and her eyes widen. I frown, confused by her reactions. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”
It isn’t until she looks down at the ground between us that comprehension hits me. There at her feet is a small puddle of water, with little droplets that have splattered onto my shoes.
My eyes turn to saucers as I realize what I’m staring at. I look back up at Aubrey, blinking a few times. “Is that…?”
“Mhm.” She nods and blushes fiercely.
“Oh God… Okay. Are you okay?” I ask as she nods again. “All right. This is okay, we’ll get you to the hospital.”
“Is there an issue?” the officiant whispers to us.
“Her water just broke,” I tell him.
“Oh my.” His eyes widen as he looks down at the wet spot.
“I’m sorry, we’ll need to cancel the wedding and get her to the hospital.”
“No, wait. We can still finish the ceremony. I’m not having any contractions yet.” She tightens her hold on my hands as I go to walk us down the platform.
“What? No. Absolutely not. Aubrey, you’re about to have our baby. I’m not risking it,” I murmur, not wanting to cause a scene. Although everyone is starting to whisper to each other, most likely questioning what’s happening.
“What’s going on?” Ronnie whispers over from her spot as all our wedding party leans in to hear my answer.
“Aubrey’s water broke, and she wants to go through with the wedding,” I inform them.
Ronnie snorts. “I’m sorry, it’s not funny, but I had a feeling this would happen.”
“And you all say I’m the crazy one. She’s literally in labor but wants to continue on with her wedding like nothing’s happening.” Emma shakes her head and narrows her eyes at her friends.
“Please, Shane. I really want us to be married before our daughter comes. We’re all here, just a few minutes away from getting married. Labor can take hours before it actually happens,” Aubrey pleads, causing me to feel torn.
