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When I arrive at the house and see Smitty’s face, I understand what happened. Smitty doesn’t know it but his hair is slightly mussed and his face is flushed. There’s lipstick on his neck. So. Smitty and Ally are an item. That was quick.
Well, I can hardly be mad about it; I’m happy for them.
Ally and Smitty look at each other and then both look at me apologetically.
I point at Smitty. “You, go to the barn and stall the crowd. Tell dad jokes, I don't care what you do.” Then I point to Ally. “You, take me to my bride.”
“Yes sir.”
Inside the front room is my Wren. My angel wears a loose-fitting vintage dress with lacy bits here and there. The gauziness suits her personality perfectly.
“Where is she? Where’s your mom?” I ask.
Wren’s lips tremble when she speaks. “One of your guys took her to the barn to wait for the ceremony after I agreed to let her stay. She promised she wouldn’t cause any drama, and her boyfriend agreed to wait in the car.”
I sigh a heavy breath. “Babe. I’m so sorry. I did not invite her.”
Wren nods. “I know. But you need to listen to me. There are lots of things we never talked about before now. I know family is important to you, but if we’re going to be married, you need to understand that you need to check with me before you allow my sister and my mom to come around. They… They make me feel small.”
I take a step toward her. “You’re not small,” I rumble.
“I know, but I can’t help but feel that way when they’re around. Does that make sense to you?”
I put my hand out. “You are my angel. You are the brightest star in the sky and nobody can put out your fire unless you let them. But I understand. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
She nods. “OK.” But her eyes are downcast and she bites her lip.
I tip her chin up with my hand. “Wren. We don’t have to do this in front of people if you don’t want to.”
Wren shakes her head, her eyes full of emotion. “I want to. I want to make sure you’re not going to run off. Is that silly? I mean, you said you did it before. I just don’t want to get to the end of the aisle and have no groom waiting there for me.”
That’s when I stand by her side and offer her my arm. “Then I guess you’d better hang on to me and we’ll do the walk together.”
And we do.
It might not be the most traditional bridal march. But if that’s the way I’m going to get her down the aisle, then that’s fine with me.
It’s more than fine. It’s exactly as it should be.
As we approach the judge who waits for us under the flowered arbor, I examine the feelings in my gut. No cold feet. No hesitation. In fact, when I turn my head to sneak a glance at my bride while we listen to the judge address the gathered witnesses, I can’t believe it’s real. Her long mane of hair is gathered up in an elegant low bun, a crown of tiny yellow flowers complementing her silvery-lavender hair.
She still looks like an angel, and I can hardly believe this angel chose me. Wren catches me glancing at her. She doesn’t even bother to hide the brilliant smile that breaks across her face. Her arm still in mine, I reach my opposite hand over to squeeze her hand that rests in the crook of my arm.
When we turn to each other to say our vows, the light that shines from inside her tells me that any thoughts of her feeling small have fallen behind by a country mile.
Neither of us seem to be able to get through the vows and the giving of rings fast enough.The judge pronounces us husband and wife, and I don’t waste another second.
The cheering and clapping of our guests fades away when my eyes focus on my wife. Her arms reach for me and I’m so caught up in the moment, I know I have to honor this moment with a big ol’ dip kiss. I remove my black hat with one hand and grab Wren around the waist with the other, dipping her deeply while balancing her across my leg. She squeaks in surprise but melts into me.
It?
??s the happiest moment of my life. Her arms grip me tight, and it feels good to know my girl feels safe with me. The kiss is full of promise that whatever happens, she and I will handle it together.
I’m always going to be the soft place for my little bird to land.
