Hold Me Tight(79)
“And after we’re done there, I’d like to invite everyone down to the chapel,” I announce as Ivy gazes at me, her eyes wide. “I know it’s last-minute, but there’s a minister in attendance waiting to make Ivy my wife.”
Ivy utters a cry, covering her mouth.
“That is, if she’s ready to say, ‘I do,’” I tease her as I stare into those sparkling green eyes I love so much.
“I’d marry you any time, any place, any how,” she giggles, drawing me down for another kiss.
“You two are about ready to do me in,” Wanda jokes. “I don’t know how much more this old heart of mine can take.”
“Then we better get a move on,” I reply, pushing Ivy out the door past her. “Time’s a-wasting.”
“It only took having his baby for him to want to make an honest woman out of me,” Ivy razzes me, making them both laugh.
“Oh, honey, he already told me he thought about marrying you while you were unconscious. Too bad you weren’t awake to see it,” Wanda joshes her back.
“Now that is something I didn’t know,” Dr. P. chimes in.
“Oh yeah. This guy is all about the unexpected,” Wanda carries on, despite the fact that my cheeks are bright red. “At least this time she’ll be cognizant, and that’s always a good thing. I always advise couples not to tie the knot whenever they’re under the influence of prescription medication. It’s not a good foundation for a lasting partnership.”
“Well, I only operate when it comes to forever,” I reply, playing with a strand of Ivy’s hair.
“I know you do, sweetheart,” Wanda agrees, falling into step beside me. “Because nothing else matters.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Ivy replies, glancing up at us.
“You and Natalie are my forever, and you always will be,” I whisper ardently, for the first time in a long time not feeling afraid of the future that lies ahead of us.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ivy
I gaze around at all of the familiar faces and I feel like I’m going to burst with happiness.
I’m in a hospital gown with a blanket thrown over my shoulders and my hair in a ponytail without a stitch of makeup on my face. I’m in desperate need of a shower, and if I close my eyes, I think I could sleep through the next five days, no problem. It’s not how I pictured myself as a bride, but when it all comes down to it, it’s the only way I want to get married.
Our child is resting peacefully a few floors above us. Our loved ones are all here, and a light snow is starting to fall outside. It couldn’t be more perfect. There’s nothing I want more than to become Eric’s wife. Marrying the father of my child is the only thing my heart desires on this Christmas night.
The minister, Pastor Ted, is carefully lighting the candles on the altar. The hospital chapel looks so beautiful with its stained-glass windows and the giant poinsettias Eric’s dad brought over from the garden center. I blink back tears when I look over at my mom, standing between Dr. P. and Wanda. The rehab facility granted her a few hours leave in order to spend a portion of the holiday with her family. I didn’t think that I’d want her at my wedding, but now that she’s standing there, smiling at me, I can’t imagine her not being here.
This has to be hard for Ben, it being the first Christmas without his brother, but he came and I’m ever so grateful. Eric must not have given anyone much notice because he’s wearing his football jersey and a pair of baggy sweatpants like he just rolled out of bed. I know he’s been depressed over Tim’s passing, hardly leaving his parents’ house except to go to school. It’s so good to see him. If not for Ben, I might not be here, and neither would Natalie.
Eric’s mom lays down a white satin runner on the floor before hitting a button on her laptop, and the opening notes of the “Wedding March” issue forth. That’s my cue as I reach up and take Will’s hand, and he starts pushing my wheelchair down the aisle. Shep barks, thumping his tail as Eric’s dad gives him a good scratch behind the ears to keep him quiet. Animals aren’t allowed in the hospital, so I don’t know how he was able to sneak him in, but I’m glad he’s here. It wouldn’t be the same without him.
But I only have eyes for Eric as Will guides me closer. Even in a t-shirt and jeans, my heart still skips a beat at the way he’s looking at me. From the day we first met, the weight of his gaze has never wavered in its intensity. He knew what he wanted even before I did. I remember ducking my head against his chest on that dirt road, afraid of what it all meant. But now I know, and I’m as sure of it as he is.