Page 45 of Trig

“I didn’t think life was worth living until I met you. I hadn’t felt that fire in my soul in quite a while. You gave me purpose and light during a time when there was none and I never want to feel alone in that darkness again. And because of that, I, Mike Krackle, promise to love and protect you, always and forever, through sickness and health, for better or for worse, until death do us part. And even then…in death I will find you, because what we have is eternal.”

Tears trail down her cheek as her hands tremble in mine. Her voice begins to crack as she starts to speak.

“I had this hole in my heart when our worlds collided. I didn’t feel like anyone could fix it, and you not only healed it but you healed me. You made me believe in myself again. You gave me hope and love and I am so grateful for you crashing into my life at the very minute you did. And because of that. I, Angelina Krackle, promise to love and protect you, always and forever, through sickness and health, for better or for worse, until death do us part.” She pauses. “And even then…in death I will find you, because what we have is eternal.”

I’m overcome with emotion and start to tear up. My chest begins to heave but I push it back down and steady my breathing. Nine is two seconds away from basically melting. I take her hand and put it on my heart and she takes my hand and puts it on hers. We are the only ones in this room who know how literal those words are that we just said. We exchange rings, say our final I dos, and wait for the best part of the ceremony.

“Angelina and Mike, you have heard the words about love and marriage, have exchanged your vows and made your promises, and celebrated your union with the giving and receiving of rings. It is at this time that I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!”

I pull her waist into me as gently as I can and then I lean in and kiss her. I have to remind myself that my kids, as well as other people, are watching, and to keep it fairly innocent. Applause follows as we both pull away, grinning. We then head off to a corner of the venue as the place gets ready for the reception. The kids were instructed to go with my sister briefly so we could have this alone time.

“I have never seen anything more gorgeous in my life than what I’m looking at now.”

She blushes and grins as she fiddles with her dress.

“I’m not going to lie. My heart skipped a beat when I saw you in that tux up at the altar. Looking like a damn model.”

I flash a quick smile.

“You like the tux, huh? It’s a rental, but I can buy it if it’s doing something for you.”

“It’s hot. That’s all I’m saying.”

I pull her in for a hug.

“This dress is hot. I might want you to leave it on tonight.”

“Not when you see what’s under it,” she shoots back.

“In my fantasy, my wife would be wearing nothing underneath.”

“That’s manageable,” she jokes.

I love to see her happy. The fact that both of us are still capable of smiling is beautiful to me.

“I fucking love you, Mrs. Matthews,” I say into her ear.

“It’s Mrs. Krackle. Thank you!” She grins.

I nod. “I’d give you my real last name if I could.”

“One day in a different lifetime, but for now I’m happy with Kra—,”

“Don’t you dare say you’re happy with Krackle,” I cut in, teasing.

“You’re right. I hate that fucking name…but I love you. I’d still marry you under a thousand fake fucked up names if it meant I could be yours and you could be mine. However, it would be an honor, Mr. Matthews, to carry your name.

“One day.”

“One day,” she repeats.

She goes to kiss me but we get interrupted by the coordinator.

“It’s time to make a grand entrance and then we have pictures to do. Following that, we are serving appetizers, and then we’ll get dinner served. Cake and the toast are last on the line-up, and then dancing and…”

I’m not even looking at the coordinator while she rambles. I’m staring at my beautiful wife. Nine smiles through all the information, and then she goes to follow behind the lady. I grab her arm and pull her back. I attempt to kiss her, but the coordinator pops her head around the corner and coughs. Instead, I take her by her hand and lead her out to the reception area. The rest of the night is filled with laughter, food, and fun. Nine is smiling more than I have ever seen her smile and I feel satisfied at this point. Hours go by and I find myself at the bar getting a drink.

“Congrats, little brother,” Torrie says from behind me. “She’s a beauty.”

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