Page 89 of Alexander's Heart

“At last” by Etta James starts drifting around us and I giggle.

“Alexander is such a romantic,” I tittle.

“Only with you sweetheart, and you deserve everything, now let’s get our asses moving because I have a feeling this time it’s ‘go time’ I feel.” Dad states.

As Alexa and Eve proceed us down the aisle, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air not only for the wedding ceremony but the impending situation that our bugs want to join in too. My heart swells with emotion as the girls walks hand in hand tossing scarlet petals on the path and when I look up, I find sparkling green eyes fixed firmly on my blue. Waiting at the end of the aisle, is my handsome. He takes my breath away with his commanding presence dressed in his navy dress suit, his medals gleaming in the lowering sun. With his black tousled hair and Duchenne smile, he looks... beautiful, there’s no better word for it, Alexander is a beautiful man both inside and out. I can see he’s concerned but I smile happily because this man is beyond my wildest dreams, he is... everything.

The team, resplendent in their navy blue dress uniforms, standing tall and proud, each member radiates a sense of honor and respect, their presence a testament to the bonds forged through shared brotherhood and loyalty. And Charlotte and Caroline look stunning in their scarlet below the knee A line dresses. As we draw closer, Alexa reaches out to take my hand, and Dad moves into position to the center back ready to officiate. Alexa grins up at me and walks me the last few steps toward her Daddy.

“Mommy, I love you with all my heart and give you to my daddy.” Then she steps to Alexanders side with a radiant smile.

“You look absolutely breathtaking, Angel.”

I beam up at him, “And you, my handsome are all to smexy and gave me a contraction standing there in all your glory,” I giggle and the whole family laugh along with me, as Alexander lets out a long held breath.

“Okay kids I’m honor–”

“Commander, if you don’t hurry this along there won’t be time for an, I do.” Doc bellows.

Again we all fall into laughter as another contraction has my breath stolen. Alexander scoops me up and starts running.

All I hear is laughter as I’m being jostled and trying to breathe.

“Alexander take me back, I need to say, I do, before these bugs exit my body, and you’re going to break my waters if you keep bouncing me like a ragdoll,” I giggle.

“Angel, as much as I love this setting and it would be quite a story to tell, I don’t want my wife giving birth in Central Park,” Alexander implores.

“Then best you take me back so I am your wife before I give birth to our impatient children, I just know they’re going to take after you, my love. I’ll tell you when it’s really time to go,” I soothe.

Alexander pivots on the spot and strides back to our laughing family but he doesn’t set me down, I remain cradled in his arms as Dad clears is throat.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Alexander James Harrington to Elizabeth Anne Saunders. Alexander say your vows, then Elizabeth.

ALEXANDER JAMES HARRINGTON:

“Elizabeth Anne Saunders, today I stand before you, overwhelmed with pride and love as I take your hand in mine. You are my angel, my love, my forever. With the deepest conviction, and deepest part of my soul, I pledge my life to you.

I vow to honor your strength and cherish your heart. I promise to stand beside you, unwavering, through every season of life, celebrating our triumphs and facing our challenges head on, together, like we have from our very beginning. In you, I have found my soulmate, my amazing mother to our children, and my forever love.

I will protect you with my life, respect you, and cherish you with a steadfast devotion that will not falter as the years pass by. Every day, I am inspired by your courage, moved by your kindness, and drawn deeper into the love that binds us.

Elizabeth, my commitment to you is absolute. I promise to nurture our bond with kindness, understanding, and passion. I vow not only to grow old with you but to grow with you, each day, learning, loving, and living life together for the rest of our days.

Today, my heart swells with pride and joy as I call you, my wife. This is my solemn vow to you, made in love, kept in honor, lived in hope, and eternally yours. I love you, Angel, mine.”

ELIZABETH ANNE SAUNDERS:

“Alexander James Harrington, enveloped in your arms and the tender gaze of your beautiful green eyes, my soul finds its home. With a heart full of love and ow, oh, ow, my belly’s tightening,” I stop and breathe, and just stare into Alexander’s loving but concerned eyes as I take long even breaths.

“With the magnitude of this moment, I vow to be your forever love in all of life’s adventures, your sanctuary in times of need, and your greatest admirer. I vow to cherish the remarkable man you are, just as I celebrate the extraordinary moments that have shown me the depth of your kindness and the warmth of your soul.

With eloquent simplicity, I promise to be by your side, through the whirlwinds of our mornings and the quiet nights alike, finding endless joy in our shared love and our life of endless love.

To you, Alexander, I give my unwavering loyalty and my infinite affection. I promise to laugh with you in times of joy, to comfort you in times of sorrow, and to always hold you close in my heart.

Together, we will build a life rich with adventure, family and steeped in love, where our hearts and minds forever entwine. Alexander, you are my once-in-a-lifetime, with every beat of my heart, I will love you more deeply than the day before, for you are my everything, my soulmate, and my greatest love. I love you. My, Handsome.”

“With the powe–”

---