Page 27 of Anchored Love
My stepfather stepped back and sunk in his seat next to my mother and Jess. The ceremony while small was intimate.If I got married, I’d want it to be exactly like this. White sands, gorgeous waters, my closest family and friends; meaning Samantha namely.
“Family and friends, we are gathered here on this beautiful morning to witness the joining of Drake Woolsworth and Kelsey Dandridge in matrimony. Love is a beautiful thing. Marriage is a sacred vow, not to be entered into lightly. I’m happy to be here to take part in your union. To share in this joyous occasion among your closest family and friends. Kelsey and Drake have opted to recite their own vows. At this time, I’ll ask Drake to begin.”
Kelsey handed her bouquet to me, and Drake turned to face her, grasping her hands in his. The love radiating her in his gaze nearly brought me to tears. For a man to look at a woman with such devotion was rare and deserved celebration. I wondered if I’d ever have the same.
“Kelsey, my love. You’re my best friend. My partner in all things in this adventure called life. From the moment I saw you, I simply knew you were the one. People often joke and dismiss love at first sight, claiming it doesn’t exist or it’s only lust. Heck, I was one of them.” He smiled and chuckled lightly. “Then you came into my life, and I looked into your green eyes. My heart skipped a beat. Several actually. I thought maybe I was having a heart attack. It took my brain a few minutes to catch up with what my heart already knew—you were my forever. I vow to you that as long as I live, I will cherish and protect you. You’ll never feel alone or unloved. I’m going to do everything within my power to give you a life others could only dream of. I love you, Kelsey.”
“Gee, how do I top that?” Kelsey sniffed and stuck her tongue out at Drake. “Wow. Whew.” She let out a breath. “I feel so unprepared right now. You know, like when you have a big test that everything is riding on, but you forget all the answers. I’m having one of those moments.” We all giggled. “So I had this speech prepared, but my mind has blanked, so here it goes straight from the heart. All my life I dreamed of finding someone to love and accept me for me. I never dreamed that when my car broke down with a flat tire in the pouring rain that my shining knight would ride up to save me, but there you were. I was merely going through the motions of life, coasting from one day to the next. That day was another crappy day in a succession of others, but there you were, Drake Woolsworth, ever the gentleman. You smiled at me, and I found genuine kindness in your eyes. I saw the man looking at me today. My best friend and my future. The man I wanted to belong to in every way imaginable. I give you my heart above all else, Drake, but there’s one more thing after you slip that ring on my finger that I want to share with you. I know we agreed to wait a few more years, but I guess nature has other plans for us. So not only are we committing to each other, we’re committing to a lifetime together and to raising our firstborn. I’ve struggled with the right time to tell you all.” She glanced around at each of us, not a dry eye on the beach. “But there it is. I’m pregnant, and I can’t wait to start our life together.”
“Babe, for real?” Drake gawked at her.
“Would I make that up just to top your speech?”
I shook my head at their silly banter. I was going to be an auntie. I felt the heat of Mason’s gaze, those stinking butterflies fluttering like they were going to lift me up into the clouds.
“Who has the rings?” the officiant asked, keeping the ceremony on track.
Mason pulled his gaze from me and dug around in his pockets, producing two silver simple yet elegant bands. Rings exchanged, Drake kissed his bride.
After the officiant announced them as husband and wife, Drake scooped Kelsey up in his arms and ran toward the water.
“Stop, you’ll ruin her hair!” our mother shouted, but Drake kept going. I smirked at Mason, kicking off my shoes. Casey snapped photos of the whole crew running into the water in our wedding attire.
