Something Forever(74)

“Thanks.”

“Adrenaline is pumping through me so fast right now. I should be exhausted, but I’m not. I feel like I drank five cups of coffee. I feel like I forgot something.”

“I’m sure everything is in order. You shouldn’t have to worry about a thing. The list of things to do has been completed.”

Becky helped me put the veil on. I had something old, the veil from my mother-in-law. Something new was the bracelet my mom gave me during my bridal shower. Something blue was the garter I wore underneath the dress. And Becky’s pearl earrings were something borrowed.

“There. Now you’re all set.”

I jumped and my heart rate kicked up a notch when there was a soft knock. My mom walked in when Becky opened the door.

After she gave Becky a hug and a kiss, she just stood there and stared at me. “Oh, Jenna.” Her lips trembled and tears wet her cheeks. “You look beautiful. Max won’t be able to keep his eyes off you. Not that he does anyway. I have to admit, at first, I thought he would be overbearing, but he turned out to be better than I had expected. Max loves you so much. You know how I can tell?”

“How?”

“It’s the way he looks at you. It’s full of genuine love, honor, and respect.”

“Yes, I know. I’m very lucky.”

“That you are.” Mom paused with an intake of breath. “Dad told me to hurry. He’s waiting where he was instructed to wait. Well, I’d better get going.” After a kiss on my cheek, Mom left.

The sound of music made my heart thump faster. That song was Max’s cue to stand in front with Matthew. It was almost time. Suddenly, my muscles became tight and nervous, and my body was going haywire. Blood was pumping through me so fast that I could hardly breathe. All of those people out there were going to stare at me. What if I fell? What if I started crying? I was an emotional wreck.

“Deep breaths, Jenna,” Becky reminded. “Inhale...exhale. There you go.”

When the wedding coordinator appeared at the door with my dad and the photographer, I knew it was time. “Max and Matthew are at their position,” she said. “When you hear the harp that will be Becky’s cue. Then it will be your turn. But don’t worry. I’m here to guide you.”

“Okay.” I nodded. “Thanks.”

“You girls look beautiful,” Dad said proudly, giving Becky and I awkward hugs. The veil was in the way. “I can’t believe my little girl is getting married today. Just look at you.”

I blushed and smiled. “And look at you, Dad. You’re so handsome in that tuxedo.”

My dad’s cheeks turned red. “You think so? Mom liked it, too.” He gave me a nervous laugh. He was too cute acting all shy around me.

The first harp rang.

“Becky,” I squealed as my stomach dropped to the floor.

Becky gave me a one last hug. After picking up both of our bouquets from the table, she handed me mine. Hers were a mixture of white orchids with purple roses, and mine were just plain white orchids.

“You’ve got this,” Becky reminded me. “I need to walk down first. Keep your head up and smile. Don’t look at the audience. Keep your eyes on Max. I already know what you’re thinking. Hold onto your dad tightly. Take baby steps so you won’t fall flat on your face.” Then she turned and was out of my sight. Becky made me laugh. She knew exactly what I was thinking. She knew me too well.

I snuck a peek to see Becky walk down the white runway. Rows and rows of white chairs filled with our family and friends were an overwhelming sight. My heart started hammering faster again...so fast that I was almost certain I was having an anxiety attack. Since the view was limited from where I was standing, I couldn’t see Max, but I could see how clear and beautiful the sky was with scattered white puffy clouds. Since it was late in the afternoon, the position of the sun gave a nice shade over us. The weather was perfect, not too cold and not too hot.

“Time to go, Jenna,” my dad said, linking his arm around mine. “I’ve got you kiddo.”



Max

When the harpist played the “Wedding March”, my heart was filled with powerful bliss, pounding against my chest. It wasn’t that I was nervous about getting married, it was the anticipation of seeing Jenna in her wedding dress and finally making her Mrs. Knight. At any minute, I would see my Jenna walking to me. And...there she was with her dad. Just like a thief, she stole my heart and my breath. At that moment, I inhaled the most delicious air, so refreshing and refined. She looked like the perfect angel sent from above in all white. I knew she would look beautiful, but she’d exceeded my expectations. Taking tiny steps, ensuring she wouldn’t trip—because that was my Jenna—she looked like a vision of splendor.