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As I point at the items, he begins to put them on, struggling a little with the buttons of the shirt, and needing obvious help with the tie.
But in little time, he’s ready, and I say, proud, “Aren’t you the most handsome ring-bearer ever?”
“Dad!” he squirms away from me. “Can I go see if Daniel is ready too?”
I nod to give him permission to find his cousin. “Don’t get your suit dirty and don’t stray too far. Without you, there’s no wedding!”
His eyes go wide yet again, then he simply rolls them while heading for the door.
Alone, I finish getting ready. I put on my best — the cologne she likes, a close shave — all to make sure today is going to be perfect.
With one last look in the mirror, I head out, my nervousness only growing the closer I get to the beach.
Everything is arranged nicely there. The guests are already being seated, the minister is posted by the arch, our hired photographers are all around snapping pictures of everybody.
Lily’s band is to the right of the arch and the drummer will be singing.
We could have had any band on the planet, and she chose ‘her boys.’ One thing for sure about Lily is that she values her family and friends.
I greet my father, her parents, and baby Brody in the front row as the ceremonialist places me on the precise spot I need to be. Almost everything is ready. It’s getting dark and the only thing missing is the bride. Someone will have to light up the tiki torches any minute now.
And then, someone comes running to alert the band to start playing. They begin the performance with a soft ballad handpicked by Lily. It’s probably not their favorite type of music to be playing, but it moves the whole audience.
The procession begins. The first flower girl, then the groomsmen and bridesmaids, Eric, shining in his role, the second flower girl and finally…her.
Lily is wearing a white, ankle length dress with delicate and discreet embroidery. On her head is the tiara I gave her the day I proposed, and her long blonde hair is curled in glorious waves.
She comes to me smiling, radiant as an angel, and barefoot. She wanted to feel the sand in between her toes.
And I wait for her, knowing I must look like a drooling idiot, but I don’t care. I extend my hand towards her as she approaches, eager for hers to touch mine. When they do, I feel an electric current course through my body, and I am dying to know if she felt that too, but I can’t ask because words fail me.
The minister smiles at us, nodding to check if he can get started. The band finishes their song, and he turns his microphone on to begin.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in this beautiful beachfront to celebrate the love of Lily and Brody and unite their souls as one in holy matrimony.”
I look deep into her blue eyes, and she looks at me with the same intensity.
“Their love started not a long while ago, celebrated in a song composed by Lily, which we will hear now.” The band starts to play the song Lily composed for me, which turned into a big hit after becoming a single.
“But a love so strong and so deep doesn’t need a lot of time to come to fruition. All it needs is the right moment to become real.”
I am reminded of the first time I said I loved her and mouth the words to her. That was the moment I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.
“Friends and family, Lily and Brody have prepared special vows they want to share. Ladies first.” He points the microphone to Lily.
“Brody,” she starts, her smile a blessing to the world.
“I don’t know why I came to love you. I wasn’t even sure if I liked you the first time we met!”
The guests laugh quietly.
“But one thing I do know: you make me feel loved, you make me feel safe, and you make me feel special. I couldn’t ask for a better person in my life, and if everything else fails, I know that I’ll have my strongman, my protector and guardian angel by my side.”
She stops, and the guests all clap. The bridesmaids are all teary-eyed, especially Sandra, whom by her face is cursing mentally the fact that she’s ruining her makeup.
“Now it’s your turn, Brody,” the minister says, off mic.
I take my vows out of my pocket — I already memorized them, but I need them for moral support.
