THE WEDDING…
Jessica stared out the window of the limousine at the beautiful fall colors on the trees. The late-day sun enhanced the gold and crimson leaves on the large oak and maple trees, making them look like they had burst into flames. Fall was her favorite time of the year in Atlanta, the air crisp in the morning but still warm during the day. All of the colors were a feast for her eyes as they made their way to the country club, where the wedding ceremony was to be held outside.
The inside of the limo smelled divine. Jessica clutched a bouquet of yellow, orange, and red roses, interspersed with asclepiad flowers. Mrs. McDonald had made her bouquet with loving care, adding a whimsical touch of deep red bittersweet berries, rose hips, and crab apples. The whole thing was tied off with a broad, pale yellow satin ribbon. It was a beautiful fall bouquet, and she was touched it had been hand made by one of her closest neighbors whom she and Tim adored.
"You look gorgeous, sweetie," her father offered, leaned back against the leather upholstery. He looked handsome in his suit and tie.
Jessica ran her hands across the lap of her lace wedding gown and smiled back at him. "I can't believe today has finally arrived," she whispered in awe. The wedding was put on hold when she found out she was pregnant with Tim's son. Baby Jonas was a welcome addition last April to her energetic brood, her daughters totally ga-ga over her little chunky-monkey. Tim took on the role of doting father to all five children with ease, always patient, yet firm and loving. With her pregnancy behind her and the completion of their rebuilt home they'd moved back into, it was finally time to plan their happily-ever-after and make their relationship official.
The limo rounded a sharp curve and parked along the sidewalk, butting up to a retaining wall. The large, grassy area of the outdoor event space was roped off for the ceremony. White, wooden folding chairs were set up in two sections with a middle aisle created for Jessica to walk down. A simple, white archway was positioned at the end where she and Tim would say their vows to one another. The backdrop of the giant trees in full fall splendor, and all four of her daughters lined up to greet her nearly took her breath away.
It's perfect….
As the limo came to a stop, she watched as their babysitter, Luanna, knelt to the girls' level and pointed at the car. Jessica carefully exited the vehicle with her father's help, and a soft breeze caressed her face. The rich, woodsy air of the perfect day outdoors made her immensely happy.
"Oh, my beautiful girlies!" Jessica approached each daughter and touched their cheeks, oohing and ahhing about how pretty they looked in their matching pale yellow dresses and ribbons in their blonde curls. The girls were chatty and excited, their animated faces cherubic as they gushed about how beautiful their mama looked in her wedding gown.
"You look like an angel, mama," Jennifer announced.
"So do you, sweet girl. Are y'all ready to walk down the aisle and throw your flower petals like we practiced?"
Julia shrieked, "Yes!"
Jo-Jo, who was now two years old, held her hands up into the air, an indication she wanted to be held. Jessica held her little hand instead.
"Remember to go nice and slow, okay? And when you get to the end, you sit on the front row where Elizabeth and Grandma will be waiting for you with baby Jonas. They might even have some special treats waiting for you," she bribed. It was her mama's idea to distract the children once they walked down the aisle so she and Tim could have their special moment in front of the preacher with no distractions.
"I want a treat!" Jilly hollered, looking up at Jessica with wide blue eyes.
Jessica cupped her little chin and smiled. "Soon, baby girl. It's almost time."
Luanna rallied the children to get them ready for their walk as Jessica’s daddy stood next to her and offered his bent elbow. "Are you ready?"
She blushed and looked down at her flowers, thinking to herself she was more than ready, the long wait finally over. "Yes, Daddy. Thanks for walking me down the aisle." She could hear the clicking of the photographer's camera capturing the moment before the wedding started.
Mr. Southers looked away, still smiling, and briefly touched the corner of his eye.
"Oh, Daddy. Don't start, or you'll get me going too."
"I'm just… really happy for you, darlin'. Tim and Jonas are an amazing addition to our family. We all love them very much." His voice was hoarse with emotion.
"I love them, too."
"And it's nice to have a few fellas on my side for a change," he chuckled.
"Oh, Daddy," she giggled.
The sound of a string trio interrupted their little moment, and Jessica quickly dabbed at her face, breathless with anticipation. "It's time."
Gripping her father’s arm, they started to walk up the sidewalk path to the beginning of the created aisle to watch her daughters lead the way in a shower of flower petals. The little girls strolled, like they'd been taught, tossing the petals onto the white runner laid out against the dark green grass of the country club garden. Jennifer threw in an unexpected twirl, and Jilly and Julia followed suit as Jo-Jo struggled to keep up, meticulously dropping one petal at a time. Jessica laughed out loud, watching her girls, the audience of their friends and family doing the same.
Mr. Souther's patted a stray hair away from Jessica's face. "Are you ready, sweetheart?"
She nodded and squeezed his arm. She'd been anxiously awaiting this day for a long time. Surrounded by love, she was about to marry the man of her dreams. Her heart swelled as they positioned themselves at the beginning of the aisle.
Once they were in place, the string trio began to play the chords to Beauty and the Beast, and everyone in attendance stood and looked her way. She immediately recognized most of the guests. Several of her neighbors, including Mrs. McDonald, were sitting among the big, burly football players who had flown in from California for the celebration. Stuart and his wife nodded as they passed, as did her ex-husband, Stephen, who came alone. Rumors swirled he’d broken things off with his fiancée, Traci, a few weeks earlier. Even though Jessica hadn’t had time to find out what exactly happened, she was happy to see him in attendance. She was also glad they’d put their past behind them, and he was more intentional about spending time with his daughters.
Tabitha sat with her husband and girls dabbing a white tissue on her face as she cried openly. She offered a little wave, and Jessica nodded, grinning from ear to ear. Elizabeth and Jacque Rich sat next to her, her bestie looking very pretty with her hair down and wearing a powder blue dress that matched the afternoon sky. When Jessica looked straight ahead, her eyes locked in on Tim. He was gorgeous and about to be betrothed to her forever – her kindhearted, sexy beast.
Tim stood stoic and proud next to the preacher. His hands were clasped in front of him, and he looked amazing in his single-breasted black suit and skinny tie. His green eyes blazed with love the closer she got to him.
At the end of the aisle, Mr. Souther's unhooked his arm from Jessica and kissed her cheeks before taking a seat on the front row next to her mother, who was holding a sleeping Jonas. All four of her daughters sat primly in their seats, baskets of leftover flower petals tossed to the side. Jo-Jo suddenly clambered to get to Jessica with a whimper, but Luanna rushed to grab her before she could steal the show. Tim held his hand out, and Jessica reached for him, never taking her eyes off his. His hand was warm and firm, and she could feel her heart expand in her chest.
"You're gorgeous, baby," he whispered breathlessly, his eyes moist with emotion.
"So are you," she whispered back.
The preacher stood before them and raised his arms to the crowd. "Welcome, family, friends and loved ones," he announced in a booming baritone voice. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Jessica and Tim. You have come here to share in this commitment they make to one another, to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow Jessica and Tim to start their married life together surrounded by the people most important to them."
"Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that – through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you make to stand together as lifemates and partners."
He leaned forward and whispered to Tim and Jessica, helping them through the ceremony. "Face each other and hold hands for this next part." They turned and smiled lovingly at one another.
"Will you, Tim, take this woman to be your wedded wife?"
His broad chest heaved as he raised his chin in the air, and confidently replied, "I will."
"Will you, Jessica, take this man to be your wedded husband?"
She blushed and replied softly, "I will."
The preacher continued, "In the spirit of the importance of strong family and friendships to a marriage, Jessica and Tim have asked two young ladies to read selections about love that especially resonate with them."
Elizabeth Rich stood up from her seat and made her way to the front of the crowd. When she took a white piece of paper out of her cleavage, the crowd chuckled. She smiled confidently at Jessica and winked at Tim. Clearing her throat, she held her chin high. "This is 'Sonnet 18' by William Shakespeare." She read in a clear, even tone, her dark hair blowing in the soft breeze, the words “eternal” and “life” and “death” resonating with the couple. When Elizabeth was finished, she walked over to Jessica, and tenderly touched her shoulder, and nodded toward Tim.
"Thank you," he whispered.
As Elizabeth made her way back to her seat, Tabitha approached the front of the crowd and dabbed her eyes again before smiling and unwrapping the folds of a piece of paper.
She started to recite the Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13. Before the last few lines, Tabitha stopped for a moment and made eye contact with her only brother. Jessica could feel her eyes welling with tears, happy she finally had a sister to call her own.
"Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Tabitha folded the paper and made her way in-between Jessica and Tim, placing her hands on each of their shoulders. "I love you guys," she whispered. Jessica nodded, biting her lower lip so she wouldn't get emotional.
"We love you too, Tabitha." His tone was heartfelt and sincere.
Suddenly, several pairs of arms wrapped around their legs among a smattering of giggles. When Jessica looked down, her daughters surrounded them in a haze of yellow dresses and blonde hair.
"Girls!" her mama reprimanded tersely. She and Tabitha started to coax them back to their seats while Mrs. Southers held Jonas, who was waking up from his nap. His chubby face held a scowl before he started to wiggle and wail. When her daddy tried to peel Jo-Jo off Tim's leg, she began to squeal in defiance.
"It's okay," Tim relented with a chuckle, bending over, and scooping up the little girl. Jo-Jo laid her head on Tim's shoulder.
"Tabitha, can you bring Jonas to me, please?"
Tabitha offered a knowing smile and quickly plucked the six-month-old out of Mrs. Souther's arms and handed him off to her. Jonas immediately settled down, snuggling into the crevice of Jessica's neck.
"Jennifer, sweetie, can you please hold my bouquet for me?"
"Yes, mama," she replied.
Jessica stroked her fair hair with her free hand and allowed Julia and Jilly to burrow into the folds of her white lace wedding gown. When her gaze landed on Tim's enchanting eyes again, they both smiled at the same time, Tim shrugging his shoulders.
The preacher continued the ceremony with the bride and groom, surrounded by their children. An autumn breeze caused the colorful leaves to rustle with a whooshing sound.
"Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other but also the world and children around them." He smiled, looking down at the little girls. "And in turn, their friends and family have a responsibility to this couple. We can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today by our steadfast care, respect, and love. Will everyone please rise."
The entire crowd stood up on their feet.
"Will you who are present today, surround Jessica and Tim in love, offering them the joys of your friendship, and supporting them in their marriage?"
The entire crowd sounded like a chorus as they replied in unison, "We will."
The preacher nodded. "You may be seated." He turned to Tim and Jessica and whispered to them, "It's time for your vows."
Tim nodded and turned to face his bride. He reached out with his free hand and stroked her cheek with his fingertips.
"Jessica Lynn, I take you to be my wife, my friend, and my love. I promise to take care of you and our children, to love you unconditionally in good times and in bad. You are my beautiful Southern Belle that I will protect for all of my days. I love you today and always with every fiber of my being." He brought her free hand up to his lips and kissed it, closing his eyes. Jessica choked back her emotions as a tear ran down her cheek. He gently swiped it away with his thumb as she took a deep breath.
"Tim, I take you to be my husband, my partner, and my rock. I promise to love you and our children for all of my days and to communicate honestly with you at all times. I promise to love you in good times and hard times; to share my innermost feelings and concerns with you. I will love you till my last breath with all of my strength. You saved my life. You saved Julia's life. You are my everything." Her voice caught in her throat as a gust of wind blew at her long blonde hair, causing a strand to stick to her glossed lips. Tim gently stroked her cheek, putting the strand back in place.
"May I have the rings, please?" the preacher asked, holding out his palms. Mr. Southers immediately stood and placed two wedding bands in his hand. Tim retrieved the smaller one and waited for instructions.
"Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you."
He slowly slid the ring on to Jessica's finger as her daughters looked on. "I give you this ring as a daily reminder of my love for you." She stared at the ring and wiggled her fingers before looking up and grinning at him.
"Now Jessica," he started, handing her the larger band. "Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you."
Jessica slid the simple, platinum band onto Tim's finger.
"I give you this ring as a daily reminder of my love for you." He gripped her hand, his green eyes full of love and passion taking in her beauty.
The preacher raised his hands and rested them on their shoulders. "By the power of your love and commitment, and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife…"
"And kids!" Jennifer interjected proudly, making the entire crowd bellow with laughter.
"And kids," the preacher confirmed. "Tim, you may kiss your bride!"
Tim said something into Jo-Jo's ear before setting her down on the grass. When he stood upright, and their eyes met, he cupped her face and pulled her forward into a long, passionate kiss. The crowd immediately stood and applauded, causing Jonas to jerk with a start and whimper.
Jessica finally succumbed to her emotions, laughing and crying freely, clutching her husband's cheek and her infant son's chubby body.
"It's gonna be loud and crowded for the rest of your life," she teased, taking in his handsome, chiseled features and shaggy hair blowing in the breeze.
"I'm counting on it," he grinned, taking Jonas from her arms and clutching him like a football against his chest.
When they turned and presented themselves to the crowd as Mr. and Mrs. Tim Ryan, Jessica held Tim's hand on one side, and Jilly's hand on the other. Jo-Jo clutched Tim's thigh, and Julia slung her arm around Jennifer, who proudly held the bridal bouquet into the air. It was the perfect family photograph with colorful fall leaves raining down on everyone in the breeze like confetti. The family began their walk back down the aisle as the string trio played Van Morrison's Moondance.
In the open, grassy area beyond the seating, the girls frolicked happily, dancing and giggling around their parents. The Ryan wedding wasn't your typical textbook ceremony, but neither were their lives. Jessica cupped her baby boy's cheek and looked up at her new husband, shaking her head. When she started to laugh, he did the same.
Wrapping his arm around her waist, he rested his chin against her hair, their focus fixated on the utter joy surrounding them. Jessica thought back to Tim's words the awful night of the tornado. I love you, Jessica. Everything will be okay.
It was more than okay. It was pure bliss.
Copyright © 2020 Kelly Genelle Fletcher
All rights reserved.
Edited by Vicky Burkholder
This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
The novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and plot are all either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons – living or dead – is purely coincidental.
Jessica stared out the window of the limousine at the beautiful fall colors on the trees. The late-day sun enhanced the gold and crimson leaves on the large oak and maple trees, making them look like they had burst into flames. Fall was her favorite time of the year in Atlanta, the air crisp in the morning but still warm during the day. All of the colors were a feast for her eyes as they made their way to the country club, where the wedding ceremony was to be held outside.
The inside of the limo smelled divine. Jessica clutched a bouquet of yellow, orange, and red roses, interspersed with asclepiad flowers. Mrs. McDonald had made her bouquet with loving care, adding a whimsical touch of deep red bittersweet berries, rose hips, and crab apples. The whole thing was tied off with a broad, pale yellow satin ribbon. It was a beautiful fall bouquet, and she was touched it had been hand made by one of her closest neighbors whom she and Tim adored.
"You look gorgeous, sweetie," her father offered, leaned back against the leather upholstery. He looked handsome in his suit and tie.
Jessica ran her hands across the lap of her lace wedding gown and smiled back at him. "I can't believe today has finally arrived," she whispered in awe. The wedding was put on hold when she found out she was pregnant with Tim's son. Baby Jonas was a welcome addition last April to her energetic brood, her daughters totally ga-ga over her little chunky-monkey. Tim took on the role of doting father to all five children with ease, always patient, yet firm and loving. With her pregnancy behind her and the completion of their rebuilt home they'd moved back into, it was finally time to plan their happily-ever-after and make their relationship official.
The limo rounded a sharp curve and parked along the sidewalk, butting up to a retaining wall. The large, grassy area of the outdoor event space was roped off for the ceremony. White, wooden folding chairs were set up in two sections with a middle aisle created for Jessica to walk down. A simple, white archway was positioned at the end where she and Tim would say their vows to one another. The backdrop of the giant trees in full fall splendor, and all four of her daughters lined up to greet her nearly took her breath away.
It's perfect….
As the limo came to a stop, she watched as their babysitter, Luanna, knelt to the girls' level and pointed at the car. Jessica carefully exited the vehicle with her father's help, and a soft breeze caressed her face. The rich, woodsy air of the perfect day outdoors made her immensely happy.
"Oh, my beautiful girlies!" Jessica approached each daughter and touched their cheeks, oohing and ahhing about how pretty they looked in their matching pale yellow dresses and ribbons in their blonde curls. The girls were chatty and excited, their animated faces cherubic as they gushed about how beautiful their mama looked in her wedding gown.
"You look like an angel, mama," Jennifer announced.
"So do you, sweet girl. Are y'all ready to walk down the aisle and throw your flower petals like we practiced?"
Julia shrieked, "Yes!"
Jo-Jo, who was now two years old, held her hands up into the air, an indication she wanted to be held. Jessica held her little hand instead.
"Remember to go nice and slow, okay? And when you get to the end, you sit on the front row where Elizabeth and Grandma will be waiting for you with baby Jonas. They might even have some special treats waiting for you," she bribed. It was her mama's idea to distract the children once they walked down the aisle so she and Tim could have their special moment in front of the preacher with no distractions.
"I want a treat!" Jilly hollered, looking up at Jessica with wide blue eyes.
Jessica cupped her little chin and smiled. "Soon, baby girl. It's almost time."
Luanna rallied the children to get them ready for their walk as Jessica’s daddy stood next to her and offered his bent elbow. "Are you ready?"
She blushed and looked down at her flowers, thinking to herself she was more than ready, the long wait finally over. "Yes, Daddy. Thanks for walking me down the aisle." She could hear the clicking of the photographer's camera capturing the moment before the wedding started.
Mr. Southers looked away, still smiling, and briefly touched the corner of his eye.
"Oh, Daddy. Don't start, or you'll get me going too."
"I'm just… really happy for you, darlin'. Tim and Jonas are an amazing addition to our family. We all love them very much." His voice was hoarse with emotion.
"I love them, too."
"And it's nice to have a few fellas on my side for a change," he chuckled.
"Oh, Daddy," she giggled.
The sound of a string trio interrupted their little moment, and Jessica quickly dabbed at her face, breathless with anticipation. "It's time."
Gripping her father’s arm, they started to walk up the sidewalk path to the beginning of the created aisle to watch her daughters lead the way in a shower of flower petals. The little girls strolled, like they'd been taught, tossing the petals onto the white runner laid out against the dark green grass of the country club garden. Jennifer threw in an unexpected twirl, and Jilly and Julia followed suit as Jo-Jo struggled to keep up, meticulously dropping one petal at a time. Jessica laughed out loud, watching her girls, the audience of their friends and family doing the same.
Mr. Souther's patted a stray hair away from Jessica's face. "Are you ready, sweetheart?"
She nodded and squeezed his arm. She'd been anxiously awaiting this day for a long time. Surrounded by love, she was about to marry the man of her dreams. Her heart swelled as they positioned themselves at the beginning of the aisle.
Once they were in place, the string trio began to play the chords to Beauty and the Beast, and everyone in attendance stood and looked her way. She immediately recognized most of the guests. Several of her neighbors, including Mrs. McDonald, were sitting among the big, burly football players who had flown in from California for the celebration. Stuart and his wife nodded as they passed, as did her ex-husband, Stephen, who came alone. Rumors swirled he’d broken things off with his fiancée, Traci, a few weeks earlier. Even though Jessica hadn’t had time to find out what exactly happened, she was happy to see him in attendance. She was also glad they’d put their past behind them, and he was more intentional about spending time with his daughters.
Tabitha sat with her husband and girls dabbing a white tissue on her face as she cried openly. She offered a little wave, and Jessica nodded, grinning from ear to ear. Elizabeth and Jacque Rich sat next to her, her bestie looking very pretty with her hair down and wearing a powder blue dress that matched the afternoon sky. When Jessica looked straight ahead, her eyes locked in on Tim. He was gorgeous and about to be betrothed to her forever – her kindhearted, sexy beast.
Tim stood stoic and proud next to the preacher. His hands were clasped in front of him, and he looked amazing in his single-breasted black suit and skinny tie. His green eyes blazed with love the closer she got to him.
At the end of the aisle, Mr. Souther's unhooked his arm from Jessica and kissed her cheeks before taking a seat on the front row next to her mother, who was holding a sleeping Jonas. All four of her daughters sat primly in their seats, baskets of leftover flower petals tossed to the side. Jo-Jo suddenly clambered to get to Jessica with a whimper, but Luanna rushed to grab her before she could steal the show. Tim held his hand out, and Jessica reached for him, never taking her eyes off his. His hand was warm and firm, and she could feel her heart expand in her chest.
"You're gorgeous, baby," he whispered breathlessly, his eyes moist with emotion.
"So are you," she whispered back.
The preacher stood before them and raised his arms to the crowd. "Welcome, family, friends and loved ones," he announced in a booming baritone voice. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Jessica and Tim. You have come here to share in this commitment they make to one another, to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow Jessica and Tim to start their married life together surrounded by the people most important to them."
"Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that – through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you make to stand together as lifemates and partners."
He leaned forward and whispered to Tim and Jessica, helping them through the ceremony. "Face each other and hold hands for this next part." They turned and smiled lovingly at one another.
"Will you, Tim, take this woman to be your wedded wife?"
His broad chest heaved as he raised his chin in the air, and confidently replied, "I will."
"Will you, Jessica, take this man to be your wedded husband?"
She blushed and replied softly, "I will."
The preacher continued, "In the spirit of the importance of strong family and friendships to a marriage, Jessica and Tim have asked two young ladies to read selections about love that especially resonate with them."
Elizabeth Rich stood up from her seat and made her way to the front of the crowd. When she took a white piece of paper out of her cleavage, the crowd chuckled. She smiled confidently at Jessica and winked at Tim. Clearing her throat, she held her chin high. "This is 'Sonnet 18' by William Shakespeare." She read in a clear, even tone, her dark hair blowing in the soft breeze, the words “eternal” and “life” and “death” resonating with the couple. When Elizabeth was finished, she walked over to Jessica, and tenderly touched her shoulder, and nodded toward Tim.
"Thank you," he whispered.
As Elizabeth made her way back to her seat, Tabitha approached the front of the crowd and dabbed her eyes again before smiling and unwrapping the folds of a piece of paper.
She started to recite the Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13. Before the last few lines, Tabitha stopped for a moment and made eye contact with her only brother. Jessica could feel her eyes welling with tears, happy she finally had a sister to call her own.
"Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Tabitha folded the paper and made her way in-between Jessica and Tim, placing her hands on each of their shoulders. "I love you guys," she whispered. Jessica nodded, biting her lower lip so she wouldn't get emotional.
"We love you too, Tabitha." His tone was heartfelt and sincere.
Suddenly, several pairs of arms wrapped around their legs among a smattering of giggles. When Jessica looked down, her daughters surrounded them in a haze of yellow dresses and blonde hair.
"Girls!" her mama reprimanded tersely. She and Tabitha started to coax them back to their seats while Mrs. Southers held Jonas, who was waking up from his nap. His chubby face held a scowl before he started to wiggle and wail. When her daddy tried to peel Jo-Jo off Tim's leg, she began to squeal in defiance.
"It's okay," Tim relented with a chuckle, bending over, and scooping up the little girl. Jo-Jo laid her head on Tim's shoulder.
"Tabitha, can you bring Jonas to me, please?"
Tabitha offered a knowing smile and quickly plucked the six-month-old out of Mrs. Souther's arms and handed him off to her. Jonas immediately settled down, snuggling into the crevice of Jessica's neck.
"Jennifer, sweetie, can you please hold my bouquet for me?"
"Yes, mama," she replied.
Jessica stroked her fair hair with her free hand and allowed Julia and Jilly to burrow into the folds of her white lace wedding gown. When her gaze landed on Tim's enchanting eyes again, they both smiled at the same time, Tim shrugging his shoulders.
The preacher continued the ceremony with the bride and groom, surrounded by their children. An autumn breeze caused the colorful leaves to rustle with a whooshing sound.
"Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other but also the world and children around them." He smiled, looking down at the little girls. "And in turn, their friends and family have a responsibility to this couple. We can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today by our steadfast care, respect, and love. Will everyone please rise."
The entire crowd stood up on their feet.
"Will you who are present today, surround Jessica and Tim in love, offering them the joys of your friendship, and supporting them in their marriage?"
The entire crowd sounded like a chorus as they replied in unison, "We will."
The preacher nodded. "You may be seated." He turned to Tim and Jessica and whispered to them, "It's time for your vows."
Tim nodded and turned to face his bride. He reached out with his free hand and stroked her cheek with his fingertips.
"Jessica Lynn, I take you to be my wife, my friend, and my love. I promise to take care of you and our children, to love you unconditionally in good times and in bad. You are my beautiful Southern Belle that I will protect for all of my days. I love you today and always with every fiber of my being." He brought her free hand up to his lips and kissed it, closing his eyes. Jessica choked back her emotions as a tear ran down her cheek. He gently swiped it away with his thumb as she took a deep breath.
"Tim, I take you to be my husband, my partner, and my rock. I promise to love you and our children for all of my days and to communicate honestly with you at all times. I promise to love you in good times and hard times; to share my innermost feelings and concerns with you. I will love you till my last breath with all of my strength. You saved my life. You saved Julia's life. You are my everything." Her voice caught in her throat as a gust of wind blew at her long blonde hair, causing a strand to stick to her glossed lips. Tim gently stroked her cheek, putting the strand back in place.
"May I have the rings, please?" the preacher asked, holding out his palms. Mr. Southers immediately stood and placed two wedding bands in his hand. Tim retrieved the smaller one and waited for instructions.
"Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you."
He slowly slid the ring on to Jessica's finger as her daughters looked on. "I give you this ring as a daily reminder of my love for you." She stared at the ring and wiggled her fingers before looking up and grinning at him.
"Now Jessica," he started, handing her the larger band. "Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you."
Jessica slid the simple, platinum band onto Tim's finger.
"I give you this ring as a daily reminder of my love for you." He gripped her hand, his green eyes full of love and passion taking in her beauty.
The preacher raised his hands and rested them on their shoulders. "By the power of your love and commitment, and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife…"
"And kids!" Jennifer interjected proudly, making the entire crowd bellow with laughter.
"And kids," the preacher confirmed. "Tim, you may kiss your bride!"
Tim said something into Jo-Jo's ear before setting her down on the grass. When he stood upright, and their eyes met, he cupped her face and pulled her forward into a long, passionate kiss. The crowd immediately stood and applauded, causing Jonas to jerk with a start and whimper.
Jessica finally succumbed to her emotions, laughing and crying freely, clutching her husband's cheek and her infant son's chubby body.
"It's gonna be loud and crowded for the rest of your life," she teased, taking in his handsome, chiseled features and shaggy hair blowing in the breeze.
"I'm counting on it," he grinned, taking Jonas from her arms and clutching him like a football against his chest.
When they turned and presented themselves to the crowd as Mr. and Mrs. Tim Ryan, Jessica held Tim's hand on one side, and Jilly's hand on the other. Jo-Jo clutched Tim's thigh, and Julia slung her arm around Jennifer, who proudly held the bridal bouquet into the air. It was the perfect family photograph with colorful fall leaves raining down on everyone in the breeze like confetti. The family began their walk back down the aisle as the string trio played Van Morrison's Moondance.
In the open, grassy area beyond the seating, the girls frolicked happily, dancing and giggling around their parents. The Ryan wedding wasn't your typical textbook ceremony, but neither were their lives. Jessica cupped her baby boy's cheek and looked up at her new husband, shaking her head. When she started to laugh, he did the same.
Wrapping his arm around her waist, he rested his chin against her hair, their focus fixated on the utter joy surrounding them. Jessica thought back to Tim's words the awful night of the tornado. I love you, Jessica. Everything will be okay.
It was more than okay. It was pure bliss.
Copyright © 2020 Kelly Genelle Fletcher
All rights reserved.
Edited by Vicky Burkholder
This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
The novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and plot are all either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons – living or dead – is purely coincidental.