Page 68 of Mia Amata

Nora then said, “Next is something borrowed.” She reached for the bag, pulling out a box. “This is my first anniversary present from Donald.” She handed it to me. I opened it to find a beautiful diamond necklace and earring set. It was simple, yet very elegant.

I had tears in my eyes, “Oh, Nora, it is lovely,” I said, giving her a hug. “Thank you so much.”

Nora hugged me back, “My pleasure,” she said.

Randy cleared her throat, and with a sly look on her face, she said, “Now for something new.” She reached under the bed, pulling out a box that she handed to me. I opened the box to find a beautiful, lacy bra and panty set.

“Randy!” I said, laughing.

She laughed, “Well, you bought everything you needed, as far as I could tell. I figured this might be the one thing that you hadn’t thought of.” We all laughed, I commented on how lovely they were, very pretty.

We heard people talking, taking a look at the clock, Nora said, “Well, it’s time you ladies get dressed. The ceremony will be starting soon.” She left the room to go out with Donald.

Randy looked at me, “Where’s the dress? I can’t wait to see it!”

“In the nursery closet,” I told her. She went to get it, hanging it up, taking the bag off. “Oh, Mattie,” She cried, “it is lovely. I can’t wait to see you in it.”

Smiling, I said, “One second, Randy, I have a gift for you.” I gave her a package, “Thank you for standing up with me today.”

She had tears in her eyes as she opened the gift. I had given her a bracelet engraved with the saying, “Not sisters by blood but sisters by heart.”

“Oh, Mattie!” she cried, “I love it!” She put it on, giving me a hug.

“You better stop crying, you will ruin your makeup.”

She wiped her tears, checked her makeup, then turning to me said, “Let’s get you in your dress.” She helped me get dressed, I turned around for her to see the full effect. “Mattie,” She said, “you are so beautiful. Jacob will agree, I am sure.” Randy put her dress on, we made some last-minute touches to our hair and makeup. We peeked out the window, everyone was ready. The music then started.

I turned to look at Randy. “Here we go.” She smiled at me, picked up her flowers, and headed to the bedroom door.

Randy led the way, meeting Josh at the French doors leading out to the deck. I watched him take her arm in his, escorting her out on the deck. I then started down the hall myself to the doors. I watched as they met Jacob and parted, going to separate sides. The music changed to the song for me to walk out to.

I took a couple deep breaths, then headed out the door. There was no turning back now. I crossed the deck and down the steps to the yard. I followed the path down. I looked at Jacob, he was not only smiling a huge smile, but he had tears in his eyes.

I walked up, joining him in front of the pastor. He took my hands in his, staring into my eyes, smiling at me. I smiled back, not being able to take my eyes off of him either. He looked so handsome.

As the pastor went through the ceremony, it all seemed like a dream. Soon the pastor was asking me if I take Jacob to be my husband if Jacob would take me to be his wife. We both said ‘I do’ pretty much before he finished asking us, much to the amusement of the onlookers. We were oblivious, still looking at each other. We exchanged rings, soon the pastor pronounced us man and wife. Jacob was kissing me before the pastor had the chance to say, ‘You may kiss the bride’. Everyone laughed.

Soon, Josh tapped Jacob on the shoulder, “Hey, we are all still here you know.”

Jacob pulled back, grinning sheepishly at everyone. “Um… Sorry everyone,” he said.

We turned to his family; they all came up to congratulate us. We made our way up to the house, Jacob holding my hand tightly in his. He leaned over, whispering, “How long will everyone be here?”

I whispered back, “At least an hour or two.”

“I don’t know if I can wait to be alone with you that long,” he groaned. “You are so beautiful in that dress.”

“Wait until you see what I have on under it.” I smiled wickedly at him.

He groaned again, “You are torturing me.” I laughed as we entered the house.

The catered meal was fantastic. We sat around the table talking and laughing. Many toasts were made.

Jacob’s hand rarely left my hand or leg under the table the whole time. Soon we heard the caterers come back to clean up, so we all moved out onto the deck.

Jacob whispered in my ear again, “How can we get rid of everyone?”

“Behave,” I said. “They will leave soon.”

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