The ceremony proceeded with Derrick reading William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 116” and Meredith reciting the love poem “i carry your heart with me” by e. e. cummings, impressively from memory. During the exchange of vows, Hope’s voice warbled when she said, “I do.”
Not real. Not real. Not real.
The minister requested the rings, and Derrick took them from his pocket, handing the matching gold bands to Brent. He passed the larger one to Jackie and winked. “I love you,” he mouthed in a whisper, and Hope’s lips trembled.
“I love you, too,” she whispered back, her head and her heart very nearly exploding from the painful truth. Because she did love him with her whole being, and at the moment her heart was breaking in two. Then, Brent slid the ring on her finger, promising to love her forever, and her heart shattered to bits.
When it was her turn, she was crying so hard, she struggled to get out the words.
Meredith stepped forward and handed her a delicate linen hanky, which she’d apparently had at the ready. Hope dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose so loudly it honked.
There was muted laughter from the crowd, but it was good-natured.
Everyone here was pulling for them. Rather, for Brent and Jackie.
This last thought only made Hope cry harder, and Sally scrambled toward Grandmother Margaret, who held out a tissue from the first row. Sally quietly scuttled back to Hope, passing it over, and Hope gave her a grateful nod, swiping at her streaming tears.
Finally, it was Hope’s turn to slide Brent’s ring on his finger, repeating her pledge, as the minister urged her along.
“I give this ring.” She inhaled sharply. Not real. Not real. Not real. “…in token and pledge…” Ouch, this is hard. “…of my constant faith…” Make believe. Totally made up. “…and abiding…”
She choked back a sob, and Brent encouragingly patted her hand. “Abiding…love,” she finished on a gasp.
She shoved the ring on his finger with a determined push and looked up to find his dark eyes shimmering.
“By the authority vested in me,” the minister began.
Not real. Not real.
“Before God and these witnesses…”
My soul is doomed. Toast.
“…I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
The kindly older man with silver hair smiled at them both and said to Brent, “You may kiss your bride.” Then he winked at Hope. “And you may kiss your groom.”
There is no way out of this nowwww.
Brent pulled Hope into his arms, and the crowd hollered with their approval. Not real. Not… His mouth homed in on hers, and Hope’s legs went weak. …real.
Then he kissed her really, really well, and the entire ceremony seemed about as real as it could get. Hope whimpered into his kiss as he held her closer, and the guests clapped and cheered, standing from their chairs.
He pulled back and grinned. “We did it.”
Hope stared back at him wide-eyed and forced a shaky smile.
“Yeah,” she said on a dazed sigh. “We did.”
Chapter Nineteen
Hope and Brent had barely completed their recessional when a waiter glided over holding out a tray loaded with bubbling champagne flutes.
Brent plucked one off the tray and handed it to Hope. “Sweetheart.”
She took a huge sip as Brent did the same. The momentary reprieve ended when they became mobbed by wedding guests surrounding them—each wishing to offer up their heartiest congratulations.
“Jackie.” Sally scurried toward her with open arms and pulled her into a hug. “Congrats. I’m so thrilled to have another sister-in-law.” Then she smiled and said sweetly, “Gorgeous ceremony. I hope you don’t mind, but I snapped a few candid pics and tagged your account on Instagram.”
“What? Already?”
“Only of the best parts,” Sally replied, grinning. Next, Parker squeezed his way forward, tugging along a blond man who looked about his age, but with a tanned complexion and a chiseled face. The Albrights had said Gavin was ex-military, and his buff frame suggested that he kept in shape. “Jackie,” he said cordially. “I don’t believe you’ve met Gavin Tate.”
Hope extended her free hand to shake his. “Gavin. Great to meet you.”
“Welcome to the family.” His warm smile indicated he believed himself to be a part of it, and Hope understood why. “Congratulations on your wise choice.”
“We believe Brent’s chosen wisely as well,” Parker said, and Hope gave him a hug.
“Thank you,” she said as he hugged her back. Elsa snaked through the crowd to embrace her next, and Ava was right on her heels. Brent’s attention had been drawn off by the friendly group of aunts and uncles on Elsa’s side, so Hope introduced her mom.
“This is my mother, Ava Webb,” she said to Gavin, who sported a handsome grin.
“You hardly look old enough to be the mother of the bride,” he said smoothly.
She preened like a big old peacock. “Flattery will get you everywhere,” she teased.
Gavin shook her hand. “Delighted.”
Brent turned behind her, glancing over his shoulder. “Ah, there you are,” he said with a twinkle. “Come on over and meet my aunts and uncles.”
Hope cast a wary look at her mom, hoping she wouldn’t get carried away. Ava soaked up attention from complimentary men like a dry sponge dunked in water. “I, er…sure,” she replied as her mom gave her a little wave. Then Brent hooked his arm through hers and began introducing her to the rest of the guests, starting with Elsa’s two sisters and their husbands.
…
Brent couldn’t believe how well the reception was going. Then again, his expert wife—the wedding planner—had been in charge of it. Brent’s mind drifted over the word wife again, and he couldn’t help but grin. What a wonderful word that was, and he’d be using it from here on out with Jackie. She was radiant in her bridal gown. It fit her just right, outlining her perfect figure, but it was her joyful spirit that shone the brightest. He’d honestly never seen her looking prettier. What a totally amazing week this had been, culminating with this life-altering occasion today. Married. Woo. It was still hard to believe the term applied to him.
William walked over and patted his shoulder. Brent was taking a breather from socializing and had stepped back to observe the festivities on his grandparents’ back lawn. Wedding guests milled about, holding champagne or other refreshments, and everyone was chatting happily under the midday sun. Fortunately, the weather was mild. Not too warm and not too cool. With a full sun in the sky and a light breeze blowing, it felt just right.