The Touch Series Box Set

by t. h. snyder

  Taking a seat on the bed, I set my shoe on the floor and rip through the wrapping paper to open the box.

  Inside is a little note from Char.

  I fell in love with you the moment I saw you.

  You stole my heart.

  Today, tomorrow, and forever I will be yours.

  Love Always, Char

  My heart skips a beat as I tuck the note into my pocket.

  As a tear falls from my eye, I pry open the little black box. Inside is a pair of cuff links. Not just any cuff links, but ones that have the Boston Red Sox logo on them.

  This is the perfect gift from my girl. I laugh to myself thinking that I, too, got her Red Sox stuff for her wedding gift. Great minds think alike.

  I finish getting ready, putting on my shoes and adding my new cuff links to my shirt. Just before heading downstairs, I pull on my tuxedo jacket and look in the mirror.

  “This is it, Riley, don’t fuck this up,” I say to myself. I’ve always found that psyching myself up before a big move helps.

  Walking out of Derrick and Chloe’s guest room, I head downstairs. I can hear the guys’ voices and the conversation taking place. A smile comes to my face hearing them talk about the wedding and how great today will be.

  I walk into the kitchen to see all of them dressed in their tuxedos and they turn toward me once they see me.

  “Hey, there he is,” Bryce says, walking over to give me a pat on the back.

  “You ready for today?” Bud asks with a smile.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be. I’ve been waiting for this day for far too long.”

  “Alright, then let’s bust a move. Chloe just sent me a text to let me know the girls just got there. I told her we’d be leaving soon, too,” Derrick says, grabbing for his jacket.

  I take in a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. In the next hour I will get to see my girl, my bride, my wife.

  The anticipation is driving me fucking nuts. Thank God you only get married once in a lifetime. At least for me and Char it will only be once.

  Manny and I follow the guys through the kitchen and out the front door. Walking down these steps, I remember so many amazing memories with Char that started right here.

  Starting today, we get to create a whole new list of memories as husband and wife. If it were up to me, I’d start on our little family right away, but I know Char wants to take some time and just let things happen. I’m not willing to fight her on it, but I will have my way sooner or later.

  The guys and I get into the limo and make our way over to Bryce and Teresa’s church. I watch out the window as the town passes us by and a sense of hope and contentment begins to consume me.

  I’ve dwelled on feelings of nervousness and anxiety all day, now all of that is gone. In its place are love, passion, and years of happiness to look forward to with Char.

  We pull up to the church and I see that some of the guests have started to arrive. I follow the guys out of the limo and into the back room set up for us.

  This is it…

  This is the moment I’ve been waiting for…

  This is the day I make Char mine forever…

  A Celebration of Marriage

  Charlotte Jayde Taylor

  &

  Riley Paul Kincaid

  February 14, 2014

  St. Elizabeth’s Church

  Boston, Massachusetts

  Celebrant

  Monsignor John

  Parents of the Bride

  Mr. & Mrs. Bryce Taylor

  Parents of the Groom

  In loving memory

  Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kincaid

  Matron of Honor

  Chloe Peters

  Bridesmaids

  Emma McIntyre

  Angie Richards

  Ruthie Parks

  Best Man

  Derrick Peters

  Manny

  Ushers

  Pete Marks

  Chris Marlin

  Tony Pizzo

  Music

  Prelude

  “Nice to Meet You” - Gavin DeGraw

  Processional

  “Bless the Broken Road” – Rascal Flatts

  Bride’s Processional

  “Bridal Chorus” - Wagner

  Liturgy of the Word

  Opening Prayer

  First Reading

  The two of them become one body. (Genesis 2:18-24)

  Responsorial Psalm

  The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 33:12, 18, 20-21, 22

  Second Reading

  Let marriage be held in honor by all. (Hebrews 13:1-4a, 5-6b)

  Gospel Acclamation

  They are no longer two, but one flesh. (Mark 10:6-9)

  Homily

  Sacrament of Marriage

  Exchange of Vows

  Blessing and Exchange of Rings

  Unity Candle

  Always – Atlantic Star

  Final Blessing

  Recessional

  “I do” – Colbie Caillat

  Thanks so much to all of our family and friends for your love and generosity. We are so grateful all of you were able to join us and share in our special day.

  Riley & Char Kincaid

  On the ride over to the church the ladies and I giggle, laugh, and some of us even let out a snort here and there. We’re all so giddy with excitement that I totally forget about my nerves being all over the place.

  I can do this.

  I know I can.

  I just need to pull myself together and remember what we’re all here to do.

  This is one of the most important days of my life, and I refuse to let my nerves get the best of me; after all, I’m marrying one of the greatest men in the whole wide world.

  I’ve planned for this moment my entire life and now it’s here.

  I look out the side window of the limo and see the tall, stone church come into view.

  The limo stops in front of the church’s archway and the driver comes around to open the door. Each of us carefully steps out onto the macadam.

  Mom leads us through the front of the church and downstairs into the nursery.

  “Only a few more minutes now,” Chloe says, walking next to me.

  She pulls me into an embrace and holds me tightly.

  “I honestly can’t believe that this is all happening to me. I’ve never been so happy in my life and it’s surreal that we’ll be husband and wife in about an hour.”

  I pull away from her and look her in the eyes.

  “You deserve to be happy, Char, and I’m so happy you’ve found Riley. As corny and crazy as the two of you are, I couldn’t imagine a better person for you to marry.”

  I smile back at her and feel butterflies starting to swarm in my stomach again. My smile instantly turns into a frown and I grab for my stomach.

  “Char, sweetie, are you okay?” Mom asks.

  I shake my head as I stand frozen in my spot for fear that if I move I might get sick.

  “Oh shit! Are you going to get sick again, Char?” Emma rushes over to me with a trash can.

  I rip it from her hands and spew my breakfast into the can.

  “Oh God, girls, grab her a chair,” Mom says in panic.

  My head starts to spin and I feel another rush of nausea hitting me.

  Why me?

  Why now?

  Why today?

  I sit down on the chair Angie brings over and hold on to the trash can for dear life.

  Mom walks alongside of me and begins to rub my back while Chloe comes over with a wash cloth.

  “Here, Char, dab your face with this,” Chloe says, handing me the warm rag.

  I wipe my mouth and dab the cloth along my forehead.

  “Feeling any better?” Ruthie asks.

  I nod my head and let out a long breath.

  “Let’s get you to the bathroom,” Chloe says.

  Getting up from the chair, I pause for a moment to steady my legs. I grab onto Chloe’s arm and follow Mo
m toward the bathroom.

  “I think I’m good. I just need a minute, ugh, and a toothbrush.”

  Chloe looks to me and smiles.

  “Good thing I always come prepared,” she says, pulling a tube of toothpaste, toothbrush, and makeup out of her tote bag.

  “You’re a life saver, Chloe, thank you.”

  I take the items from my sister and begin to get myself cleaned up while the girls make any last-minute alterations to our gowns.

  Walking out of the bathroom, I look around the room at my mom, Rose, and my bridal party.

  “Let’s do this,” I say with a smile.

  “Are you sure you’re okay, Char?” Mom asks.

  “Yeah, I’m sure. I don’t know why my stomach is so upset, but I think my nerves are calmed down now.”

  All the girls smile back at me and start to gather our bouquets.

  “Okay, pretty lady, let’s head upstairs and get you married,” Ruth chimes in.

  We all make our way back up the stairs to where my dad is waiting for me. I walk alongside of him and can see the tears begin to pool in his eyes.

  “You look beautiful, baby girl. I can’t believe I’ll be giving you away in a few minutes. As much as I hate to give away this little piece of you, I know that the man standing up at that altar will love and cherish you for the rest of your lives.”

  I nod my head and smile as a single tear falls from my eye.

  My dad takes his hand and wipes away the tear as he kisses me on the forehead.

  I turn and look ahead as the music changes and the girls begin to walk down the aisle.

  My dad pulls my arm through his and stands tall next to me.

  “I love you, Char, and always will. You are, and forever will be, my baby girl.”

  “I love you, too, Daddy.”

  We enter through a side door and move toward the altar at the front of the sanctuary.

  My heartbeat is picking up a faster rhythm, my palms are beginning to sweat, and my legs feel like Jell-O.

  I look down at Manny sitting by my feet, and then out at the hundreds of friends and family that are here to witness the greatest day of my life. Some are staring up at us and others are talking amongst themselves.

  Derrick places his hand on my shoulder and I turn to face him.

  “You got this, bro. Take a deep breath, cause once you see her, your mind and body are going to…well, just be ready.”

  I nod my head and give him a knowing smirk.

  “Thanks, man, just be ready to catch me if I pass out.”

  I know he means well and only wants to warn me of what is about to happen. I just don’t think anyone or anything can help me be prepared to see Char walk down that aisle.

  I begin to scan the church.

  It looks amazing in here and has been decorated just as Char wanted. All of the pews have a white ribbon and bow tied at the ends. There is a red carpet runner down the center from the vestibule up to the altar. Along the front of the altar steps are dozens and dozens of red and white roses scattered in various vases all of different sizes. As I look to my right, I see a bench set up for Char and me. Behind it is a small table with a candle on it. This is for a special part of the ceremony, a part that will take a lot of control for me to not break down. Just the thought of it has goose bumps covering my arms.

  Looking back up between the rows of pews, I see the ladies starting to line up in the vestibule.

  Ruthie is first in line, then Angie, followed by Emma, and picking up the tail end is Chloe. Each one of them is dressed in a beautiful strapless black gown that flows to the floor. In their hands, the girls are holding a bouquet of white roses. They all look so elegant.

  I strain my eyes to catch a glimpse of my girl, but she’s too far back for me to see. The anticipation is wearing on me. I just want to see her, damn it.

  I hear Derrick clear his throat from behind me as I look out onto the guests. The ushers are leading the last of our friends and family to their pews and everyone is beginning to take their seats.

  The organist finishes her current song choice and begins to play Bless the Broken Road. I watch as the girls begin to walk down the center aisle and the flash of the photographer goes off nonstop.

  As Ruthie and Angie pass by, I know the moment I’ve been waiting for is drawing near. Emma stares me down with a huge grin on her face, only breaking our trance for a moment to look toward Pete and give him a wink. She brings her eyes back to me and sidesteps toward me to give me a kiss on the cheek. I watch as she takes her place on the steps and look back to the aisle to see Chloe coming our way. She gives me a wink and a smile and then looks behind me to Derrick. Even with her belly, she looks amazing.

  The nine of us are now lined up on the steps of the altar and the guests begin to stand as the organist once again changes the melody. The Bridal Chorus begins to play as I try to see past the standing guests to catch a glimpse of Char.

  Nothing could prepare me for the sight I see before my eyes.

  She is absolutely breathtaking.

  She is stunning.

  She is gorgeous.

  My girl is dressed like a goddess in a strapless white gown that flows to the floor in a long train. Her long, dark hair is down in curls, and as she comes closer, I can see her brown eyes sparkling back at me.

  I watch in awe as Bryce escorts the love of my life slowly down the center aisle. As the distance between us gets shorter, I can feel our magnetic pull. I so badly want to run down to her, but I know I need to be patient. My heart starts to beat even faster than it was before, and I can feel my knees starting to get weak. If I don’t pull myself together soon, Derrick may have to catch me after all.

  Bryce leads Char to the bottom step of the altar where I stand. I reach for her hand and our eyes never lose sight of one another.

  Monsignor John begins to speak and Char turns to stand between her father and me.

  I take in a deep breath, and so it begins.

  With Daddy standing to my left, my arm wrapped around his, Riley and I interlace our fingers with my right hand as Monsignor John begins to speak.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together in the house of God and in the presence of friends and family to join together Charlotte Jayde Taylor and Riley Paul Kincaid in holy matrimony. The bond of marriage is not something to be entered into lightly, but respectfully and discreetly.”

  Monsignor folds his hands together in front of him and looks to the three of us. His eyes gaze from Daddy, to me, and then to Riley before looking back to my dad and asking, “Who gives this Woman to be married to this Man?”

  Daddy pulls me in closer to him with his arm and says, “Char’s mother and I do.”

  He shifts himself to face me and kisses my forehead before offering my left hand to Riley.

  As Daddy walks away, I pivot myself to face Riley. We hold onto one another’s hands and stare into each other’s eyes while Monsignor continues to speak.

  “Will you, all of you, do everything in your power to direct, nurture, inspire, support, and withstand this marriage? If you will, please respond, we will.”

  "We Will!" The voices of our family and friends erupt within the walls of the church.

  We all take our seats as the opening prayer and the first and second readings are read by our family members.

  We listen attentively as Monsignor reads the words of the Gospel and steps out toward the steps of the altar to share in the Homily he created just for us.

  Riley continues to hold on to my hand and I don’t think the smile has left his face since our eyes met as I walked down the aisle. Every last butterfly I felt in my stomach is now gone. He has calmed my nerves and I’m happier than I’ve ever been to be next to him right now.

  Monsignor signals for both Riley and I to stand and walk to the center of the altar.

  “I need you, together, as you stand in the presence of God, before whom the mysteries of all hearts are unveiled, that having reflected on the Holy Covenan
t you two are about to create, you do now proclaim before your family and friends your vow of faith to one other. Be well self-confident, that if these sincere promises are kept unchanged, as God's Word stresses, and if loyally you attempt to accept the plan of our heavenly Father, God will exalt your vows of holy matrimony, will gift you serenity in it, and will institute your family in harmony.”

  He pauses for a brief moment to look at the two of us and then continues with the blessing as Riley and I turn to face each other.

  “Riley, will you have Charlotte to be your wedded wife, to live as one in the holy domain of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and abandoning all others, keep yourself only unto Charlotte for as long as you both shall live?”

  Riley looks me in the eyes and says, “I will.”

  “Charlotte, will you have Riley to be your wedded husband, to live as one in the holy domain of matrimony? Will you love Riley, comfort Riley, honor and keep Riley, in sickness and in health; and abandoning all others, keep yourself only unto Riley for as long as you both shall live?”

  I return the smile on Riley’s face and respond, “I will.”

  “Before I continue with the traditional vows of holy matrimony, Charlotte and Riley have their own personal vows they would like to share first.”

  He nods his head, gesturing for us to proceed.

  Riley licks his lips and looks at me with his hazel eyes shining. He squeezes my hands and begins to speak his vows.

  “I came to Boston to start over. To escape the hurt of the loss of my family, find a career, and of course, see the Red Sox play,” he pauses and smiles while winking at me.

  “But what I found was my heart and soul. I didn't know how or why, but I knew you were my forever. When you left for LA, my world came crashing down again. I was rambling through each day. I couldn't fathom a life without you. When you walked up to your door that night, I vowed to never be without you again. I want nothing more than to spend each day of this life with you, raising our children, sharing each other, and growing old together. You and me, Char, sitting on the porch in our rocking chairs, watching our grandchildren play in the yard. With all I have, I promise to love you, adore you, and do whatever it takes to make you happy. Every time I see you, I fall in love all over again. The passion that rips through me for you is so immense, it is almost animalistic. You have TOUCHED ME in a way no one ever could or will. An eternity isn't long enough to be with you, Char.”