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She glances at me with innocent eyes. Paul laughs.
“Oh nothing. I’m just going to the wedding of one of my very best friends.”
“Oh, my GOD! Are we getting married in a frigging hotel room?”
I pulled out my phone and called Jamie from the elevator.
“Did you plan a surprise wedding in a frigging hotel room, Jamie?”
“Would you still marry me if I said yes?”
“Yes, but.”
“Okay, see you soon, baby. I have to go. I love you.”
Click.
Putting my phone back in my purse, I glare at Scarlet. She laughs like she’s in on some big secret that I’m not.
“You two are infuriating.”
The doors open and I step out. We’re in the hallway that leads to the rooftop. The doors are closed to the rooftop, but the hallway looks beautiful. There’s a red carpet that looks like it goes all the way to the rooftop area. The hallway is lined with hurricane candles on either side of the carpet. There’s clear twinkling lights overhead and a large picture of Jamie and me. I looked really happy. It wasn’t posed. I had my hand on his chest and am laughing, really laughing. The photo was from one of our many date nights. I’d never seen it before. Jamie looked so handsome and was looking at me in the portrait. The way he looked at me was as if I was everything to him.
Scarlet went to join Alexander on the rooftop. My heart was beating so fast I was sure it sounded like a drum. The doors opened and my God; it was so beautiful. The candles went all the way to the altar. There were white chairs on both sides of the aisle. There was a gazebo placed at the end, decorated with so many flowers. I tried to take in the beauty of it all, but there was only one place my eyes wanted to focus. Our eyes locked, and I mouthed “I love you” to him. He looked shocked and relieved that I was there. Had he really thought I’d run? I guess I hadn’t really given him much reason to believe I’d show up.
Scarlet walked down the aisle to a harpist playing a classical piece. I’m honestly not sure what it was, but it was beautiful.
I’m next. Another classical piece that I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. It takes all of my strength to not run down the aisle to Jamie.
Paul takes my arm in his. As we are walking down the aisle he whispers to me, “Jamie is a lucky man. You’re so beautiful Stella. Inside and out.”
I squeezed his arm.
Walking down the aisle, I feel nervous in front of these people. I’m not nervous about becoming his wife, only about the crowd. Walking slowly, I finally reach Jamie.
He whispered in my ear, “Thank you for showing up.”
I smiled, “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
The minister gestures for me to stand back a little from Jamie, so I do, even though I really just wanted to jump into his arms. He looks at Jamie, “You’ve prepared your own vows, Jamie?”
I looked at Jamie.
He moved closer and took my hand in his.
“Stella, the day I met you was a strange day. I knew that I somehow needed you. I didn’t know why. But now I know. You make the darkness bright. You turn pain into joy. You healed parts of me I didn’t know were broken until I met you. I promise to give you everything you want in this life, even when it terrifies me. I promise to love and cherish you every day in good times and in bad. I promise to always be there for you and to be what you need. It’s you and me. Forever and Always.”
Tears streamed down my face.
“Jamie, I came from a tragic past that most people don’t know about. Meeting you was thrilling and terrifying. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life. You made me feel exposed down to my very soul. Our love is a healing love. You taught me that being guarded was no way to live. You showed me true love. Something I had not experienced ever in my life. I love you. I promise to love you and cherish you in good times and in bad. I promise to always be there for you. I will always show up. Forever and Always.”
A few minutes after exchanging rings, the minister says the words we’ve been waiting for.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Jamie pulled me into his arms as if there was no one else there. His lips crashed into mine. My lips were slightly parted, but he forced his tongue into my mouth and devoured me in front of our family and friends. He showed very little restraint. There were loud cheers. He pulled away from our passionate kiss and whispered in my ear, “You’re mine, baby. You’re all mine.”
“Forever and always,” I said.
