The Other P-Word(61)

"You look like you stepped out of a Degas painting," Dad said, patting  my shaking hand. I adjusted the small white rose of his boutonniere.

"I feel more like Munch's Scream today."

"Nervous?"

"Excited."

"I wish I had some great piece of advice to give you."

"Oh, Dad, trust me, I've heard it all."

"Well it's show time," he replied, as we took the first steps toward the  man who'd taught me that you can't have passion without purpose.

Orange Beach at sunset was a breathtaking site. A white runner led to  the most intricately designed altar I'd ever seen. It was made from  branches twined together by Evan's hands. Hanging from it were twinkling  lights that were shaped as leaves. I had no idea how Dillon had managed  to make that happen, but he had, based on Evan's instructions. Leaves  full of light, that never turn, he'd said.

I was glad I'd seen it all beforehand because I couldn't take it in  right now. I only had eyes for him. He looked so handsome in his linen  suit. He dropped his jaw, staring at me, before his beautiful mouth  curved into a smile.

Whitewashed wooden chairs all sat empty as the guests stood for me. I  did register Grandma Fern's joyful crying. Grandpa Joe grinned at me,  holding up his hands. I held up one of mine too. We both had marks of  the thorn.

There were so many people there-the ones whose bonds were claimed by  blood and the ones we picked up along the way. Chris came with his  partner and son. Mike stood beside Evan as his best man. Dillon, Adam,  Rick and Damien next to him. I don't think I'd ever seen an ensemble of  such handsome men.

When I reached him, I was crying. He lifted my chin and wiped away the tear. Then he kissed me.

"Um … we're not at that part yet, young man," the pastor said.

"Sorry, sir," Evan replied, not taking his eyes off me.

And when it came time for our vows, Evan clasped my hands even tighter.  His voice was deep with emotion as he said the words to me that would  bond us forever.

"Billie Marie Price, when you came into my life, I was at the darkest  place I'd ever been-and I've been to some very dark places. But you were  a light in that darkness. You were my light. I'd forgotten what it  meant to sacrifice for something … for someone. But that's what you did  for me. Every strong, steady beat of my heart is a reminder of my love  for you-the girl who danced her way into my life, the one who keeps a  childhood toy because she's sentimental, the one who loves with a  fierceness that I didn't know existed and I certainly didn't think I  deserved. The one who showed me how to laugh again, how to love, how to  live. The one who made me real. I vow to you on this day that I will  never take that for granted. That I will protect you, that I will  worship all our moments, that I will always try to get the big laugh  from you and never settle for the halfway smile. That I will never go  gentle into that good night, but rage against it and fight for us every  step of the way."                       
       
           



       

I swallowed back my sob and embraced him, until the pastor reminded us I had yet to say my vows.

"Evan David Wright, what can I say that I haven't already said? How can I  say it when you look at me like I'm the only person in the world?" He  mouthed the words you are to me. It's a miracle I had the strength to  finish.

"On this day, I give you my hand and promise to always be at your side.  But you've owned my heart far longer than that. I thought I knew what I  wanted, but the truth was I had no idea. You came into my life and  changed every perception. You taught me what real passion is and that  there is no recipe for happiness. And even though my heart is full and  happy, I realize that happily ever after does not mean happy every day.  There may be darker times to come. And in those times, I vow to stand  with you, to dance with you in that darkness, to lend you my hand.  Whatever lies in our horizon, good or bad, we will face together. Life  may challenge us, but I will always look to you first because I will  find a friend, a companion, a protector, a mate and my other half  looking back at me. I give all of myself to you, as I am now and as I  will be. And I do so for the rest of my life."

The pastor's voice was the last stanza of our ceremony.

"Marriage is not just a commitment between lovers. It is also a pledge  linking friends. As Evan and Billie enter into this union    , may they  always know that love can be shown with more than words-with a touch, a  laugh, a hug and even a thought. With these rings, they pledge their  everlasting love and bond to each other.

We walked down the aisle, our arms intertwined as sprigs of dried  lavender and the rich fragrant petals of white roses showered us.

I had to say it was the most beautiful wedding I'd ever been to. And trust me, I've been to many beautiful weddings.

When the sun slipped past the horizon, the lights became more of a  necessity than a decoration. A band set up. Evan played a song he'd  written for me. My heart felt like it might burst right out of my chest,  and not just because the words came from him, but it was also the  little boy who sat next to him with a guitar, plucking the four strings  in rhythmic succession just like Evan had taught him. That part was a  surprise to everyone else but me. I'd taught Evan to sign and in turn  he'd given George guitar lessons. If that wasn't the circle of love and  growth, I don't know what is.

I think Mom cried more than I did. I'm pretty sure Damien's choked  response was his diligent effort to hide his own emotion at watching his  son play music.

Then my husband took me in his arms. We danced and laughed and kissed under the countless stars.

"You look so beautiful, Mrs. Wright."

"So do you, Mr. Wright."

I laughed again.

"What?"

"As it turns out, you are Mr. Wright. Who knew?"

"All I know is that we're right for each other."

I glanced up at him, tracing his lips. "We're not going to be able to dance this close in a few months."

"Why would you say that? I'll always hold you as close as possible."

"That's the thing … we're going to have a bump between us soon."

His eyes widened, matching his mouth. "Are you serious? I'm going to be  a … a dad?" He placed a shaky hand on my belly. "Are you sure?"

"I took three tests. All positive. I just found out today, so I couldn't  tell you until now. I almost lost it and slipped you a note, but Stevie  was watching me like a hawk."

"Price … I can't believe it."

"You can't call me Price anymore. I'm Mrs. Wright now and guess what? That name suits me, because I'm always right."

"I will and you are. You're going to be the best momma."

"You're going to such a great dad, Evan."

He picked me up and spun me around until I squealed. He promptly put me down. "Did I hurt you?"

"I'm fine. Better than fine."

"Yes you are. Angel, I didn't think I could be any happier today, but  you proved me wrong once again. You just gave me the best present in the  world. In fact, I can't wait to tell the world."                       
       
           



       

I pressed my finger to his lips. "Not tonight. Let's keep it our secret for a little while longer."

"I agree."

"Everyone's going to think you got me pregnant on our honeymoon."

"I don't doubt that. After all, I have plans to do things to you that  are going to make you scream so loud that you're liable to wake up  heaven."

"You keep talking that way and we may not make it back to the bedroom."

"You're speaking my language." He cocked his eyebrow and grabbed my  hand, jerking his head toward an empty area of the beach. "You want to  narrate-or should I?"

"Naughty boy, get back here. Your grandma's here and I don't want her to worry about my lost virtue."

"Why do you think I married you? And now that I've gone and knocked you up, it's even more of a necessity."

"Keep dancing with me, cowboy."

"With pleasure, Mrs. Wright."

"Oh, Evan, one more thing."

"Yes, angel."

"If we have a boy, his middle name has to be Gadhadhar."

"Ah … what the fuck are you saying?"

"I'll explain later. Just a promise I made."

"A promise to what? Ruin our kid's life? You should understand playground politics better than anyone, Billie."

"You'll understand when I explain it. But right now, let's dance."

He spun me around. In fact, we danced so long that Stevie had to  practically pry us apart when it came time to throw the bouquet. Evan  and I walked hand in hand toward the beach.

"Billie, can we talk to you for second?" Mom said.