Loud laughter rang in my ears. “You’re going to look gorgeous, baby girl.” My mom pinched my cheeks. “And I bet Jackson wouldn’t mind one bit if you looked a little sleazy.”
“Mom.”
More laughter.
“We don’t need to have any wedding night talks now do we?” my sister Jen asked.
I rolled my eyes. “Thanks. I think we’ve got it covered.”
“Wait, wait,” Capri shouted over the loudness that was my family. “I just read an article online about wedding night jitters.”
“Please, no more articles. Remember the last one?”
“Yes, and your welcome. Trying to get over him totally worked to your advantage. The fact you were trying, and succeeding I may add, and he was failing miserably, only made him come to his senses sooner.”
I wouldn’t agree I was exactly succeeding, but I did give it a go. “Well, regardless, I’m not at all nervous about tonight.”
Capri didn’t listen and pulled up the article on her phone anyway. “How to Get Over Wedding Night Jitters.”
Everyone stopped what they were doing and listened intently to Capri. “Number one, relax.”
“Really, I’m fine.”
She ignored me. “Number two, you don’t need to make a big production out of it.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
Still being ignored. “Number three, have a drink. Finally, a list that makes some sense. I’ll pack you a bottle of wine.”
Everyone but me laughed.
“And last but not least, don’t put pressure on yourself.”
“Okay, enough. I get it. Can we please finish my hair? I’d like to get married today.”
“You’ve always been so bossy,” my sister Michelle, who was the closest to me in age said. She gave me a little squeeze.
I wasn’t bossy, I was excited. Jackson was downstairs waiting in his nana’s parlor for me. We were having a small wedding at her house since it wasn’t good for his dad to be around large groups of people. And if he needed to, he could use a room here to rest. My parents were gracious enough to come here. My mom and I had always dreamed about my wedding in Colorado, but Jackson, and maybe even I, wanted his dad to be able to witness our marriage. Mr. Montgomery and I weren’t the best of friends—yet—but I was working on him. He even smiled at me once. So maybe it’s when I stubbed my toe on his bed and used some of those four letter words he’s so fond of, but it was a smile nonetheless.
But honestly, I didn’t care how he treated me as long as he treated his son with the respect and love he deserved. He didn’t flip out when Jackson told him he was putting off getting his doctorate for the time being so he could focus more on family, so that was a start. He even sort of gave us his blessing. Not that we needed it, but it made Jackson happy.
I hoped, though, that he didn’t blow his top when we told him we purchased that fixer upper around the corner from Miss Liliana. My dream home with the trellis and ivy. It didn’t look like much now, but we had a lifetime to make it ours. We probably wouldn’t move in until . . . well until . . . I hated thinking about it, especially on my wedding day, but Mr. Montgomery was fading fast. It was one of the reasons we were getting married now. That and the fact we were crazy in love.
Before I knew it, I was stripped down and stuffed into my ivory ball gown dress. It was very Princess Bride. Just call me Buttercup— but don’t really.
Miss Liliana touched my cheek. “I always knew this day would come. You’re lovely, darling.”
I held her hand against my cheek. “I love you.”
Her eyes misted up. “Don’t keep my grandson waiting.”
She didn’t have to tell me twice.
Capri and my sisters all hugged me and left me there with only my mom.
“I knew he was the one. Make sure to take good care of each other. And remember this day in those moments you hate him.”
I arched my eyebrow.
“I know you can’t imagine that, but those days will come. And on those days, you have to remember that love is a choice, so always choose love.”
I nodded with tears in my eyes. I hoped I grew up to be like the woman in front of me.
My dad knocked on the door. “Are you decent?”
My mom yelled out, “She’s ready.”
My dad walked in and stood there, stunned for a moment at the door. “You’re beautiful.” He reached out his hand to me and I took it, suddenly filled with overwhelming emotion. It was a good thing I had on waterproof mascara.
My mom kissed my cheeks. “I’ll meet you down there.”
I nodded. Words escaped me.
My dad looped my arm through his and off we went to the tune of “Sunrise Sunset.”
“Are you sure about this guy?”
I knew he was teasing. “Pretty sure, but I thought what the heck, since he’s pretty and all.”
My dad belly laughed. “Keep that sense of humor, kiddo. You’ll need it.”
My parents had warned me for years that marriage wasn’t a cake walk and it would be the hardest thing I’d ever love, so I wasn’t surprised by their advice. But no matter what the future held, at that moment I was blissfully happy and in love.
And by Jackson’s look of adoration as we neared him and his preacher, I would say he felt the same way. His warm brown eyes glistened with tears, making me wonder why I bothered with makeup at all. It wasn’t going to survive the onslaught of happy tears.
I took one moment to look at all our friends and family gathered there. My eyes landed on Mr. Crandall and his date, the lovely Connie. They both seemed to twinkle. Who said love was for the young?
Jackson held my hands tight as we faced each other. I kept waiting for the preacher to say, “Marriage is what brings us together today” just like in Princess Bride, but he never did. But he did say “man and wife” and “you may kiss your bride.” And my absolute favorite, “I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery.” I always knew that had a nice ring to it.
Now on to my honeymoon,where I was hoping to work on a nine-month plan. I’ll let you know how it goes.
About the Author
Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and Southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
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Books by Jennifer Peel:
Other Side of the Wall
The Girl in Seat 24B
Professional Boundaries
House Divided
Trouble in Loveland
The Women of Merryton Series:
Jessie Belle – Book One
Taylor Lynne – Book Two
Rachel Laine – Book Three
The Dating by Design Series:
His Personal Relationship Manager – Book One
The Piano and Promises Series:
Christopher and Jaime – Book One
Beck and Call – Book Two
Cole and Jillian – Book Three
To learn more about Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.jenniferpeel.com
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