I work my jaw, debating what to do, then turn to the officiant before addressing him. “Is there any way that you can makethis the quickest ceremony ever? Take out all the passages and speeches. We’ll hold back on our personal vows too. We can do that another time. Just the simple ‘I do’ and get it over with?”
He looks astonished that we’re choosing to continue with the ceremony but nods. “Yes, I believe we can do that.”
“Great. Then let’s get back to the wedding.” I face Aubrey once more, taking her hands in mine again and rubbing my thumb over her skin.
The officiant clears his throat. “If I may all have your attention.” He waits a second for everyone to quiet down and look our way. “There have been some slight changes to the ceremony, due to…”—he looks down at Aubrey’s belly—“unforeseen circumstances.” He smiles as a few people gasp with realization. “Therefore, this will be moving forward in a quick yet beautiful manner.”
He straightens and smiles at everyone before commencing. “Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love and commitment between Shane Asher Jefferson and Aubrey Lily Ford.”
Aubrey groans as she squeezes her eyes shut and scrunches up her face, bending slightly at the waist, and I immediately know it’s starting.
The officiant eyes grow wide again, and he hurries on with the rest of his script. “Shane Asher Jefferson, do you take Aubrey Lily Ford to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” I say, squeezing Aubrey’s hand as she cries out in pain. Ronnie quickly comes up behind her and begins to massage the lower section of her back and help me hold her up.
Jesus Christ, we shouldn’t be doing this right now.
Everyone begins to get agitated in their seats at the scene happening before them. Aubrey’s parents and mine are alreadyon the edge of their seats, while Greyson is standing at the side of his row, ready to get to his sister’s side the minute this is over.
He pulls out his phone and mouths over the word, “Ambulance”. I nod, telling him to call for one. I won’t risk not getting to the hospital on time and having to deliver this baby on my own. Better safe than sorry.
“Aubrey,” the officiant starts, but Aubrey cuts in.
“Can I just say something before we continue?” He nods, giving her permission. She looks into my eyes with so much devotion shining in hers. “I know we aren’t doing our vows like we planned to, but I need you to know this.”
I furrow my brows, confused at where she’s going with this.
“You were wrong. When you gave me my recipe journal, you wrote inside that you— Ahhhh…” she cries out again, squeezing my hands in a death grip and closing her eyes.
She takes a few deep breaths then looks at me once more. “That you wished all my biggest dreams came true, starting with my own bakery. But you were wrong. That wasn’t my biggest dream, Shane.” She smiles softly. “You were.”
Her eyes fill with tears as mine mimic hers. “I love you,” I whisper before the officiant continues his speech.
“Aubrey Lily Ford, do you take Shane Asher Jefferson to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” she says with a shaky breath as she smiles despite the pain that she must be in.
“May I have the rings, please?” He turns to my best man as Julian hands them over. “These rings are a symbol of the love and commitment that Shane and Aubrey share,” he says as he hands them over to us. “Please repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.”
I hold up the ring to Aubrey’s finger, waiting for her contraction to pass, before repeating the words and slipping itonto her finger. She then places my ring at the tip of my finger and does the same. “I give you this ring as a—OWWW! Ow, ow, ow... Oh God…”
Julian passes by us and goes to Aubrey’s side along with Veronica. He holds on to her by the waist as she doubles over, crying. “Symbol of my love and commitment to you.” She pulls through with tears rolling down her cheeks.
I hate this. All I want to do is grab her and run out of here. I look at the officiant, telling him with my eyes that it’s time to hurry up.
“Shane and Aubrey, you have exchanged vows and rings and have pledged your love and commitment to one another in front of your friends and family. It is my great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride,” he rushes out and I grab Aubrey as she screams once more, falling into my arms as I hold her up.
When the pain subsides temporarily, she reaches up, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me passionately, her wet lips pressing to mine. Everyone cheers as I quickly pull away and turn us to step down from the platform just as Greyson takes Julian’s place and helps me walk Aubrey down the aisle.
“The ambulance should be here soon, let’s get her to the front if we can,” he says quickly as a few people follow behind us.
Aubrey’s head lolls on my shoulder as she tries to catch her breath. She looks out at all our worried guests and offers a faint smile.
“Please, stay and enjoy the party. Eat, dance, drink and take as many pictures as you can for us. Thank you all for coming,” I shout out to them. There’s no point in wasting a whole night because we can’t attend.
“AHHHHHH!” Aubrey stops again. “Wait, Shane. Oh my God… I can’t…” she pants through her tears.
“I know, sweetheart. We’re leaving.” I rub her back, trying to straighten her and get her walking again.
