by S. M. Smith
“How’s she doing?” I ask her, pulling two bags out of the back seat.
“She’s just fine, Stephen.”
“She’s not stressing out, is she? Not getting dizzy or anything is she?”
Mom stops and gives me that look. The one she would always give me when I would ask twenty questions about something she was already taking care of.
“Jessie is a grown woman, Son. And she has her father, and that sweet girl Daphne to take care of her for one more night. Stop fretting about her and make sure that you’re keeping up your end of the bargain. How many drinks have you had?” She opens the trunk revealing a case of bottled water. I pick it up and grin at her.
“Oh, give the boy a break. He’s been on his best behavior,” my father defends me, and by the look on his face, I gather Mom’s not used to him talking to her like that. “I, on the other hand, have been a very bad boy.”
And now I’m completely grossed out. I immediately turn away from my now giggling mother and handsy father and head over to put the water in the cooler.
“You all right, man?” Lucas asks as I take out a water and gulp down a third of the bottle.
“I will never be able to forget that. Ever.” I take another swig. “Hey, do you still have my phone by chance?”
Lucas gives me a suspicious look, before checking to make sure that Grady doesn’t see him hand it back to me.
“I’m only doing this because Shaina will not leave me alone either. Anything for our girls, huh?” He shakes his head and heads back toward where he is going to set up his tent.
I quickly check my missed messages and find five texts from Jessie.
“Do you boys need anything else before we head back to the house?” Mom calls out from her car. I walk back toward my mother and give her a big hug.
“Thanks for letting us do this, Mom.” I kiss the top of her head before picking up my tent and sleeping bag.
“You’re welcome, honey. I’ll have breakfast and towels ready at seven o’clock sharp. If you all plan on getting showers done and dressed in time for the photographer, then you better be there promptly.”
“We’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss breakfast for anything.” I hug her again and head back to the fire to set up my tent.
It takes me a little while, but I finally get it set up and have some privacy to text Jess back.
So sorry! Lucas had my phone, but I have it and some privacy now. I miss you. What are you doing right now?
Her response buzzes in not a minute later.
Trying to fall asleep, but finding it rather difficult. Ready to be somewhere private with you though ;)
Grady scares the crap out of me when he slaps the side of my tent.
“Hey, Rico Suave, party’s not done. Get your butt out here.”
“Okay, almost done. Be right out.” I type one last message to Jess before hiding my phone in my sleeping bag.
Me too. Gotta go find out what Grady has planned now Come find me tomorrow. I’ll be the one in a bow tie
Chapter Twenty-Three
~Stephen~
I brush my teeth the second time this morning. I don’t want there to be any chance there could be something in my teeth during pictures. The last thing I need is for my photographer bride finding pictures that I’ve screwed up. Everything must be perfect.
“Jason.” I catch him coming down the hall as I rinse my mouth.
“What’s up.”
“Do me a favor. Check everyone’s teeth when taking pictures. And don’t be afraid to speak up if something needs adjusted. And—“
“Stephen, relax. This isn’t my first wedding. I’ve got this. I’ll make sure the pictures are perfect, you just worry about keeping it together when you see her, buddy.”
“You’ve seen her already this morning?”
“Just for a second. She’s already glowing and she hasn’t even had her hair and makeup done yet.” He smiles and leaves me looking like a goofy idiot with my toothbrush hanging out of my mouth. My dad sees me on his way down the hall and stops to pull me back down to Earth.
“Stephen, Son. You need to finish up and get downstairs. The girls just left for the salon and we have to get the chairs set up and tables ready for the caterer.”
Right. Everything must be perfect.
***
“Stephen Cahill, I told you that you can’t see her until the ceremony and I meant it. Now go on and start greeting your guests.”
People started arriving ten minutes ago and I’ve walked through the reception tent, around the altar and anywhere else a guest might be about twenty times making sure everything looks just as my bride would want it. Knowing I’ll see her in less than thirty minutes still doesn’t do anything for my nerves.
“Daphne, I just need to know she’s okay.”
“She’s just fine. Nervous but fine. You’re not helping. Go away.”
“Daphne, please.”
She doesn’t answer and I nearly break down the door right then. But a second later, the door cracks open and Daphne squeezes out with an old handkerchief in her hand.
“You will tie this around your head. You will keep your eyes closed the entire time. And you will not kiss her while you’re in there. You get five minutes.”
I don’t argue. She helps me tie the handkerchief around my eyes and guides me into Jessie’s old bedroom. Daphne stands me in the middle of the room and I hear her close the door, leaving me alone. I don’t hear anything for a second, but I feel tiny fingers lace with mine and some of my worries melt away.
“Hi,” her sweet voice rings in my ears and it feels like forever since I last heard it.
“Hey.”
I fight the urge to open my eyes and see if I can see anything through the antique fabric, but would rather not play the odds that Daphne would somehow know.
“You’re very persistent, Mr. Cahill.”
“That I am, Miss St. James.”
“Is there something I can help you with?” One hand brushes my cheek, setting every nerve in my body on fire.
“Um. Well I wanted to make sure that you’ve eaten today.”
She giggles. Ugh!
“I have.”
“And you’re feeling okay?”
“Never better.” Both hands move to my chest and my eyes slip open. A pounding at the door startles me and I close them right back.
“One more minute,” Daphne barks from outside the door.
“I, um, I thought we could take a minute to pray. Does that sound dorky?” I ask.
I think I hear her gasp, but it could have been me waiting for her to say something.
“That doesn’t sound dorky at all,” she says warmly.
“Okay, well. I’ll start.” Her hands find mine again and I bow my head.
“Father God, I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for whatever it was that you told my parents that made them move next to this brilliantly talented, amazingly beautiful creature some twenty years ago. God, she’s been the love of my life for so long that I feel like I’m walking in a dream right now, minutes away from being able to call her my wife. God, I pray that you would bless this marriage, the home that it will grow and cultivate in, and the family that will be built from it. I pray that you remind me each and every day how blessed I am to call this woman my wife. I pray that you will heal her body and relieve her of the burden she carries. But God, most importantly, I pray that through our union, you will pour your love into someone that needs it. That you will shine your light through us so that our marriage will bring nothing but honor and glory to your name. God, I pray all these things in your glorious name…”
I hear Jessie sniffle before she starts her prayer.
“Oh gracious God. I too want to thank you for whatever it was that brought this man in my life. Like you, he has always stood beside me and has never let me fall. Like you, he has always been kind and gracious, patient and forgiving. It’s because he mirrors you that I know that you have put him in my life. I p
ray that you will provide me the strength it takes to be the wife you intend me to be, the courage to hold him accountable as only a wife should and the grace to submit when I don’t feel like it. I pray that you will always have his front and that I will never forget to have his back. Because God, when I feel his love, I feel yours too. And there is no greater love. I thank you for the grace and struggle you’ve had planned for me, because without both, I wouldn’t know to appreciate this love like I can today. In all these things we pray in your gracious name. Amen.”
I hear the door creak open as I lift my head. A quick kiss to my cheek follows with a soft whisper, “I’ll see you at the altar.”
***
There are very few people who make me nervous. My mother, for one, a couple of judges in Clay county, my high school debate teacher. That’s about it. But my hands are clammy and this bow tie feels like it’s choking the life out of me. And the unseasonably cool sixty eight degrees out here is feeling a little closer to a hundred.
“What is taking so long?” But just as I ask this, the music is cued and I see the procession start.
I feel my heart rate go up a little and I absentmindedly tug at my bow tie. I look up in time to see Daphne’s cheeks blush as she averts her eyes from my best man. I look back to see Grady practically drooling over Jessie’s best friend. I have to give the guy credit; she looks fantastic. Her navy dress, with its high neck lines and knee length skirt, matches her carefully pinned fiery red hair, and gives her ivory skin a natural beauty. I’m in awe that her modest, albeit pretty, look has him so captured. Maybe there is hope for my philandering friend.
“Please rise,” I hear my dad say from beside me before he leans in and whispers to me, “She’s almost here. Breathe, Son.”
I can’t see anything with the crowd standing, so to ground myself, I just look down and take a couple deep breaths. And I’m glad I do. Because words can’t describe what I see when I look up.
Making her way to me is the most breath-taking creature to ever walk the earth. Jason was right; she doesn’t need any makeup or her hair done up, although I’m sure precious time was spent on her perfectly styled hair and face. She’s the picture of class and perfection in her elegant lace gown. Her hair is gently pulled back pinned in a smooth bun and thin lace cascades down her back. She is absolutely radiant, and she’s making her way to me.
When my eyes finally find hers, they tear up. Traitors. But I can’t blame them. Words can’t describe this heavenly being now standing in front of me.
Her father holds her hand tightly while my father says something I’m sure has to do with the ceremony. But all I hear is Charlie Brown’s teacher. Jack places his daughter’s hand in mine and for the first time ever, I wonder if I’m worthy of holding something so magnificent.
Time goes into warp speed and after what feels like seconds of standing there gawking at my dazzling bride, I’m prodded from behind to take her mother’s ring from Grady. Oh right! Vows…
“I, Stephen, choose you, Jessie, to be the keeper of my heart. I promise to always honor your commitment to me by remaining faithful to you. I promise to stand by you in the good times and the bad, when you’re healthy and beautiful and when you’re sick and feeling anything but the gorgeous being you truly are. I promise to remind you each and every day how loved you are by myself and our Creator. I promise to put you second only to God from this day forward until the end of my days here on Earth.”
I slip the ring on her finger, trying to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Tears line her eyes and one slips down her cheek. Before it can smudge her makeup, I reach up and carefully wipe it away.
She turns away from me for just a moment and returns with my ring. She takes my hand and looks into my eyes.
“I, Jessie, choose you, Stephen, to be the keeper of my heart. I promise to always have your back, and to be in constant prayer for your leadership. I promise to follow you wherever God chooses to lead you, for richer or poorer. I promise to always strive to be the woman that God created for you, respecting myself and others so as to only bring honor and glory to you, God, and our union. I promise to put you second to only God from this day forward until the end of my days here on Earth.”
She slips the ring on my left hand and cups my face with one hand. Not caring what anyone thinks, I turn and kiss her palm.
Dad says something about the symbolism of the ring, but I’m lost again in the statue of elegance and beauty standing before me. Another tear threatens to escape her eye, but this time she reaches up and catches it before it can fall on her delicate cheek.
“By the powers vested in me by the state of Missouri and Almighty God, I now am proud to announce you husband and wife. Son, you may kiss your bride.”
And only because I’ve waited all day to do so, I sweep Jessie into my arms and dip her low before planting my claiming kiss on her lips. She giggles when I pull her back up and I swear I could just sweep her up and run off with her now. Who needs a dinner reception anyway?
My arm finds her waist and I pull her next to me as I look out at the friends and family that have joined us today. My mother is crying next to my grandmother, Jack too, next to Mari’s mother. I glance behind me and see Grady trying to act all macho, nonchalantly trying to wipe his eyes. I can’t help the chuckle that escapes me but in turn earn a glare from his direction. I glance behind Jessie and see Daphne daintily wiping her eyes. I mouth a thank you to her and she nods before bursting into tears again. I turn back to my bride who is beaming up at me. Good Lord, I’m the luckiest man alive.
“Ladies and Gentleman, may I proudly introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Cahill.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
~Jessie~
“May I?” Stephen taps his great uncle Harry’s shoulder and effectively saves me from Uncle Harry’s wandering hands.
“Thank you.” I nearly collapse into his arms as he pulls me close and starts to sway with the music.
“My pleasure. How has your party been, Mrs. Cahill?” he murmurs into my ear. His breath is warm on my neck and I could honestly curl up in his arms and sleep for a week.
“It’s been wonderful. You know what the best part of it has been so far?”
“The chicken was pretty amazing.” I smack his rumbling chest and turn my face up to look at him.
“You just think you’re that funny. No, not the chicken. I was going to say the fact that I get to do this and nobody gets to judge me for it.” I reach up and kiss his tender lips. I feel, rather than hear, his moan just before his grip on my waist tightens.
“Mmm. You’re right. That is way better than the chicken,” he breathes. “Are you about ready to get out of here? We have a long drive ahead of us.” I feel his twitchy hands start to play with the back of my dress causing my heart to skip a couple of beats.
“Just about. Daphne said she had a few things for me before we leave. Let me go take care of whatever she has for me and then we can leave.”
I slip out of his grip, but he doesn’t let my hand go as I start to walk away. I turn back to him and I see something flare in his eyes.
“Don’t be long, Mrs. Cahill.” His voice is guttural and unlike most times I’ve heard that voice, I feel my stomach bottom out. I fake a knowing smile, but when I turn around, I struggle to fill my lungs.
I spot Daphne across the tent and nod toward the house. She excuses herself from the group she’s talking to and rushes to my side.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, totally alert.
“We’re about to leave.”
“Oh, okay. Well I have a few things—“
“No. Daphne. We’re going to leave. Married. And alone.” She looks at me like I’m stating the obvious for about two seconds before understanding hits her.
“OH! Oh, Jessie. Breathe, darlin’. Here.” She helps me gather my dress and walk across the grass into my dad’s house. Once we’re in the quiet of the house, she helps me sit then stands in front of me fanning air toward my face.
>
“Listen. This is the moment you’ve been waitin’ a very long time for. Stephen is a good man who has been waitin’ a very long time for you. You have nothing to be nervous about.”
If only I could catch my breath, I would tell her I’m not really nervous.
“It’s just…everyone will know…what we’ll be doing. And…what if….what if I’m horrible. We’re tied together for the rest of our lives now, what if—“
“Stop. It’s perfectly normal to be anxious about this, especially with it being your first time. But that man will do everything in his power to make sure that you are not uncomfortable. That boy loves you like a bee loves honey. And trust me darlin’, he’s going to take very good care of you. You just need to relax.”
She’s right, but even acknowledging that doesn’t really help my pulse right now.
“Besides, you need to get over this so that you two can make me a pudgy li’l niece or nephew.” I nearly choke on her words, but again…she’s right.
I take another deep breath and hold my posture up, forcing myself to repeat “I can do this” over and over in my head. It works, kinda, after a few minutes. Well enough to slow my racing heart.
“Okay. What do you have for me?” I ask her finally. She holds up a finger and retreats to the foyer. A moment later she brings in a camera bag, a gift bag and a cute overnight bag.
“So he’s taking you to Hawaii. I forget which island, but it’s the one that you guys will get to do all sorts of fun ecological, nature stuff, includin’ taking pictures. So I had Isaiah and Jason pack you a camera bag.” She hands me the camera bag and holds up the other two bags. A sly grin grows on her face and my pulse picks up again.
“I’m really glad I thought to have this made up for you in advance. I don’t think you would have handled a focus group, and clearly I was right. This.” She holds up the gift bag. “Is a gift from us girls. Inside you’ll find a few notes, just tips and tricks to make your first time a little…less awkward. This.” She switches focus to the overnight bag. “Is for tonight. I triple checked everything with Shelby and Shaina to make sure it wasn’t over the top, so don’t fret.”
