Page 54 of Worthy Now
Grinning widely, we turn to the official, and I give Father O’Brien a single nod, letting him know we’re ready to begin.
“We are gathered here today to join Jake Eric Nelson and Teresa Elizabeth Davidson in holy matrimony,” he booms in his deep, commanding voice, and that’s about the time I stop listening. I’m mesmerized by a pair of honey-colored eyes.
My memories take me back to the first time I saw her, looking both incredibly lost and so damn pretty. Then on to the first time we made love. I was the lost one then, as I came to terms with my mother’s tragic passing. The first time I told her I loved her with a full heart and dreams of a shared future. And when it finally comes time to exchange our vows, I gaze at the love of my life, and blow out a shuddering breath.
“Teresa Elizabeth Davidson,” I croak, clearing my throat once to rid myself of the lump of emotion sitting at the base. “It’s been a fucking ride, hasn’t it?” I start and immediately cringe at my poor choice of words in the house of God. “Shit, sorry,” I hurry to say, shooting the minister an apologetic look.
The tips of my ears warm when Tessa and half the audience laugh at my continued use of profanities. I briefly squeeze my eyes shut and pull myself together before I try again.
“From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one. I’d written this whole drawn-out speech about how you saved me. How you were always there for me growing up, and how my only regret is that I didn’t fight for you harder when it counted. But when you walked toward me just now, I realized that this day marks the beginning of our new life, and from now on there’s no more room for guilt and regret. The only thing that matters now is that you and I are exactly where we were always meant to be. I love you more than life itself. The day you agreed to become my wife was the happiest day of my life, and I promise to keep loving you with everything that I am until the day I die.”
Tessa sniffs back tears, taking a minute to compose herself before her soft voice floats through the silent room.
“Jake Eric Nelson. When I look at you, I truly see you. I see what lies beneath the surface, and I love you with a fierceness I never thought possible. You are the strongest, kindest, most caring man I’ve ever known, and when I’m with you, I don’t just feel loved but valued and safe. From the moment I was old enough to understand my feelings for you, all I ever wanted was to be yours. Nine weeks ago, I almost lost you for the second time in my life, and today I’llmake sure that will never happen again. I can’t wait to call you my husband. I gave you my heart when I was just a girl, and today I’m asking you to cherish it for the rest of our lives. Just as I promise to cherish yours. I love you, Jake. Now and forever.”
We stare into each other’s eyes, both of us breaking into smiles that threaten to split our lips before it’s finally time to exchange rings.
“Jake Eric Nelson,” Father O’Brien prompts. “Do you take Teresa Elizabeth Davidson to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” I state with utter conviction as I gently slip her wedding band past her knuckle and into its intended spot. Tessa holds up her hand to admire the sparkling diamond adorning her finger before she looks to Father O’Brien to continue.
“And Teresa Elizabeth Davidson. Do you take Jake Eric Nelson to be your wedded husband, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him, so long as you both shall live?
“I do,” Teresa all but shouts, beaming up at me as she slides my wedding band into place and gives my hand a firm squeeze.
“Then by the power vested in me, and as witnessed by friends and family, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. I pounce on my wife with such fervor our teeth clack together. Bending her backward, I proceed to kiss the ever-loving shit out of my bride, only letting her come up for air when Father O’Brien awkwardly clears his throat. I reluctantly pull back and help steady my dazed wife as she sways on her feet. And as the world comes back into focus and the loud cheers and whistles of our family and friends erupt around us, I can hardly believe we’ve finally made it.
We may have taken a few detours to get here, but, in hindsight, I believe it was all meant to happen exactly the way it played out. We were so young and impressionable back in the day. Selfish, insecure, and driven by jealousy. Maybe the time apart was exactly what we both needed to find ourselves and grow into the people we are today as individuals. All I know is that we’re absolutely perfect for each other now. My time without Tessa has shown me that I never want to be without her again. And I’m certain that the man I am today appreciates her a hell of a lot more now than the jaded kid I used to be. I have to trust that everything happens for a reason andsimply be grateful for every day I get to spend with this incredible woman. Tangling my fingers with hers, we turn toward the exit as one.
We leave the church to the sound of congratulatory whispers paired with a good amount of backslapping. Stepping into the bright afternoon sun, we must look like a couple of love-drunk fools. But I don’t care. I want the world to know just how smitten I am with my beautiful bride, and when we take that first step toward our forever, we do so knowing that our trials are finally over.
Thirty-Seven
Tessa
After an amazing buffet-style dinner at Jackie’s, followed by the most delicious wedding cake and an array of speeches that reduced me to a blubbering mess, it’s finally time to head to the saloon to ring out the evening in style.
My parents opted out of joining in favor of letting us ‘youngins’ celebrate among ourselves, and Carter’s parents have graciously offered to take the kids overnight. Jude and Anna are among the hardened few, as are Megan, Carter, and Chase. Bobby, one of Jake’s employees and his wife Jane, also chose to accompany us. Jane and I have gotten pretty friendly over the past few months, ever since we hit it off at Carter and Megan’s BBQ, and I’m glad to have included them on our special day.
The only one missing is Caleb, who was unfortunately struck down by an awful stomach virus that left him unable to board his flight. He promised to visit as soon as he’s recovered and sent his love and regret. It’s disappointing not having the person who’s helped me through the darkest chapter of my life by my side to watch me get my happy ending, but I’m too overjoyed to let myself dwell on it for long. We’d reserved a booth closest to the dance floor and once everyone was seated, Jake ordered several pitchers of beer and sangria.
With the hectic part of the day behind us, everyone is slowly but surely beginning to unwind as we reminisce and listen to Carter spin wild tales of our youth. At one point Anna laughs so hard her nose explodes in a spray of ginger ale, making everyone recoil to get out of the line of fire.
When Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ blasts from the speakers, Jane gives an ear-splitting shriek and herds us girls onto the dance floor like a flock of sheep. By that point, we’ve all had our fair share of booze—with the exception of the two minors who’ve been grumbling all night about the woes of being underage. Belting out the lyrics at the top of our lungs, we gyrate our hips and cackle like a pack of hyenas. I turn to our table, intending to catch my husband’s eye in hopes he might join me for a song or two, but I’m disappointed to realize he seems to havedisappeared. We keep dancing for several more songs and just as I’m about to go in search of Jake, the music abruptly cuts off, and the amplified sound of a throat clearing sounds through the building. All eyes turn toward the stage, where a lone figure stands illuminated by a single spotlight, clutching his favorite acoustic guitar.
“Good evening, everyone,” he croons, flashing that set of dimples I love so much. I can’t stop the dopey look taking over my face as I marvel at my handsome groom. “As many of you know, I got to marry my childhood sweetheart today, which makes me the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.”
The entire room erupts in cheers and whistles as Jake throws me a wink and puffs up his chest like a proud peacock.
“The last time I stood up here and dedicated a song to my lady, I was a bit of a dick about it. I can be quite petty when I think someone’s done me wrong, and I’m beyond glad my wife—goddamn, but I love the sound of that,” he says, flashing his pearly-whites as the entire bar chuckles. “I’m beyond glad she’s the forgiving type and agreed to marry my stubborn ass, anyway. Tessa,” he continues, finding my eyes in the crowd once more. “I’d like to take this opportunity to formally apologize for the way I acted. I’m sorry if I hurt and embarrassed you that night, and I’m hoping to replace that awful memory with one you may remember fondly formany years to come. You once told me this is your favorite song, and I’m not ashamed to say I must’ve listened to it a million times during our time apart because it made me feel closer to you. So, Teresa Nelson. My love. My soulmate. My world. This is ‘Your Song’.”
My eyes well up the second the first note of my favorite Elton John song spills from his instrument. By the time he adds his beautiful, raspy voice to the music, big fat tears roll down my cheeks and drip off my quivering chin. I link my arm with Megan’s as I listen to the lyrics I know by heart. By the second chorus, every last person in the bar is singing along, covering my arms in a thick layer of goosebumps. I watch, mesmerized by the effortless way his fingers work the frets.
Every time that man picks up a guitar, I want to rip his clothes off with my teeth and climb him like a damn tree. When he brings his hand down one final time, I’m already flying toward him, and before the last note has time to fade, I’m in his arms, kissing him like the rest of the world doesn’t exist.
“I’m guessing this means you liked this performance better,” he chuckles against my bruised lips once we come up for air. “I don’t remember you being this appreciative last time.”
