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“Daddy, we know exactly what to do,” Rachelle announced proudly. “When David and Mommy arrive, I’ll line up the children, Ethan, and Nat, then Becky, then Debbie and Brianna, then me. You see, David showed us the video you took at Granny’s wedding. We all watched, even Ethan and Nat. We’ll do the same again.”
Impressed, Tim nodded. They had been through it. But he hadn’t. It was his first church wedding. Granted he’d attended his brother Tyler’s wedding and acted as best man, joking and teasing Tyler about his nervousness. Now, he was the nervous groom. Even though he would never admit it he was shaking inwardly, hoping he’d made the right decision, hoping he would be able to be a good father for his adopted children, hoping he could make Erin forget her past misery, hoping nothing would interfere with their happiness, hoping…
“What’s wrong lover-boy?” Jessica clapped him on the shoulder. “Any second thoughts? You can still change your mind and take refuge in my condo.” Her strident laughter grazed his sensitive nerves and kicked him back to his happy present.
“No second thoughts at all. Erin is the love of my life.”
Just at that moment, the music started. The bride had arrived. He spun and looked at the gorgeous bride exiting the car driven by Russell. He relaxed, a new peace invading his heart. This beautiful woman washiswoman.
“Yes, she’s definitely the love of my life.”
With a confident smile, he strode to the altar to watch her come to him on David’s arm. His eyes filled with tears as the twins started walking, and then ran to him, the ring pillow attached to their arm as a bracelet, and raised their arms for a hug. He grabbed them both and lifted them in a bear hug.
“Love you, buddies.”
“Love you, Daddy,” they said in echo, as he set them down and collected the wedding bands.
“Me too, Daddy. Love you, Daddy.” Becky poured the rest of her petals on him and yanked off her basket to stretch her arms up.
He carried her in a hug. “Love you too, my little princess.”
“We love you, Daddy,” Brianna and Debbie said from behind.
“I love you too, my lovely girls.”
“You’re the best, Daddy. I love you.” Rachelle offered him a sweet smile so similar to her mother’s.
“I love you, too, my big girl.”
How could he have ever doubted his decision?
He had made the right choice, marrying the woman he loved and adopting the children he adored.
David approached with the bride. In a white short satin dress incrusted with rhinestones on the bodice and cuffs, Erin smiled at him and took the hand he offered her.
“Who gives this woman in marriage?” the priest started.
“We do.” Seven high-pitched, piercing squeals echoed in the church and the adults burst out laughing.
Teresa chuckled. “I made them rehearse this part in the morning.”
“You have written your vows. Timothy Kent, will you start?”
Tim took her hand in his. “Erin my love, from the day I met you I was attracted to you and impressed by your inner strength, your love for your family, your integrity, in addition to your beauty and sweetness. You are the love of my life. I promise I will love you, support you, and help you every day, and protect our children. This is my promise to you. So help me God.” He slid the gold band onto her finger.
“Erin, your turn,” the priest said.
“Tim, from the day I saw you I noticed your kindness and generosity, and I appreciated the help and support you gave us. And I wished you would notice me.” His eyebrows shot up in surprise. She chuckled and continued. “I was in scrubs most of the time and felt unworthy, and loved you in the secret of my heart. When I discovered you loved me, I became the happiest woman on earth and swore that I would never let you go away. I’ll love you forever. I’m ready to initial it,” she added in a whisper.
He laughed and raised his hand for her to slip the wedding band on his finger.
“By the power vested …” The priest declared them husband and wife. “You may kiss the bride.”
Tim pulled her into his arms, but barely reached her mouth when their kids surrounded them to be part of thebride kiss. They both opened their arms to their children and then he whispered in her ear. “I’ll collect tonight, the longest, most blazing kiss on earth.”
She blushed, knowing that she would enjoy her passionate husband every day of her life.
The End
