Page 83 of The Accidental Nanny
“Yes, Dad,” I say. My stomach is playing havoc with me.
"You look exquisite.” He’s almost crying.
He takes my arm, leading me to the grand hall, where I see my future husband and son. Nobody else in the room matters apart from them. My beautiful daughter, son, and husband. They are mine. My love for them is something I never thought would be possible.
Alex
Everyone stands as the door opens, and I turn to look down the aisle. Gemma is breathtaking, but I need to pay attention first to Eden, who is walking, just like we practised, and scattering roses down the aisle. But it wasn’t gentle, she’s halfway down and they were all gone. Eden puts her head in the basket looking for more. I shake my head and Ace groans, embarrassed by his little sister.
“Eden.” I call.
She pops her head out the basket noticing she has an audience, she smiles and takes a bow, making everyone laugh.She’s not budging, so I have to run down and take her hand, bringing her to the front.
Fern, who looks a vision in her dress, comes next, but it’s my soon-to-be wife that has my full attention. My bride. My perfection. A part of me can't get over how emotional I feel, and the other part of me wants to rip the dress off her as soon as we're alone.
Ace stands beside me and whispers, "She looks good, right? That's what I should say."
"Beautiful, mate. You tell her she looks beautiful."
Gemma reaches me, and her father gives me her hand. "I expect you to take care of her, Alex," he grumbles. "She's my only daughter."
"I promise I will make her the happiest woman in the world for the rest of our lives."
He nods and goes to sit beside her mother.
I take Gemma's hand, and we stand in front of the officiant, who gives his speech about love, acceptance, and being faithful to each other. When it's time to say our vows, we turn to face each other. Gemma’s smile is so big, it fills my heart.
"Alex, I know we met under strange and confusing circumstances, especially on my part. You weren't what I was looking for, but you are what I need. You taught me the value of things, of people, and you taught me what it feels like to love people outside of myself. You make me a better person. I'm sorry I'm a terrible cook, and I promise I'll figure out how to do the laundry one day. Thank you for having the patience to let me work things out, and for loving me just as I am."
Everyone chuckles as she continues, "Eden and Ace, you are part of this as well. I'm going to be the best mummy to you guys. I will always love you and put you first. I promise never to leave you. I promise to hold your hands through everything and always be there." She tears up and sniffs. "I promise to love your dad with everything I have, saving extrafor both of you. We have been a family for a while already, and today, we make it official. I love you all."
I smile, and I'm tempted to kiss her. I clear my throat, but before I can say anything, Gemma quickly adds, "Oh, and Alex... Woof."
I snort and burst out laughing. No one seems to get the joke, which is probably for the best. I look at her with loving eyes.
"Gemma, when you first came to me, I thought you were the worst person for a nannying job ever. And I was right. You messed up the laundry, sucked at doing dishes, and always left a mess. You let the kids eat chocolate before school, and let's not discuss your cooking capabilities.
“But what you lack in a homemaker, you make up for in so many other ways. You are generous and kind. You stand up for the little guy and are always ready to square off for your kids. You keep me in my place, and you always fight for what you believe in, even if it means you don't get what you want. I am proud to call you the mother of my children, and I know they will love having you in their lives because they already do.”
Gemma wipes a tear from the corner of her eye and squeezes my hand.
I turn to my son. “Ace?"
Ace steps forward and holds a piece of paper. "First, I want you to know you look beautiful." He grins up at me. "Second, Eden and I want you to know that we promise not to tell Dad when you give us ice cream after school, and we will always tidy up the paint before he gets home. We promise to bath when you tell us to and..."
"And to play dolls with you when you are feeling sad," Eden chimes in.
Ace shoots her a look. "When our mum left, I thought that I never wanted one again until you came. I love you."
Gemma now has tears streaming down her face.
I smile at his speech in front of everyone, clearing my throat. "We promise to love you and keep you, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
Gemma nods as Fern passes her a tissue, and she dabs at her eyes.
We exchange rings, and Gemma squeezes my hands again.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife… and kids,” the officiant says, earning another chuckle from the guests. “You may kiss your bride."
