Page 39 of Destiny Reclaimed
Daddy.Where had that come from? She hadn’t called him daddy in years.
He smiled in response, then he reached down, took her hand, and placed it into Jack’s. Stepping away, he took a seat next to her teary-eyed mother in the first pew.
The next thing she knew, Pastor Milbourn announced them as Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cornelis. How could this be? The ceremony had been a whirlwind. The sermon, vows, exchange of rings. Had she been so lost in Jack’s gaze that she’d glazed over the very moments she’d built up in her mind and looked forward to since she was a girl?
Her husband leaned forward and kissed her. The perfect wedding kiss. Eyes closed. Light and meaningful, all-feeling. His mouth slightly open as he lingered a bit. When she opened her eyes, she met her husband’s mesmerizing gaze. Seemingly, unable to move on her own, she followed his lead down the aisle.
During her life, she’d come to realize there were few perfect moments. Thrill shook her extremities in recognition of being in the midst of one.
The long congratulatory reception line was never-ending, and she loved every moment of it. Each handshake, heartfelt hug, and kiss restated the obvious, she’d just married her true love.
Soon after, she and Jack climbed into their ‘newlywed’ decorated car, did a lap through town with the cans clinking behind them against the frosty pavement drawing attention and waves from people on the sidewalks as they passed by.
Within minutes, they were at the VFW Hall. Her husband hooked a possessive arm around the small of her back as they mingled with their guests. It didn’t take long for them to get pulled into different directions allowing for only the pleasure of stolen glances until it was time to be seated for dinner. Jack reached under the table, wove his large, warm fingers among hers, and then rested their hands on his hard thigh. If she had it her way, she’d never again release her grip on him.
Shock rifled through her when her father stood, and clanked a spoon against his champagne glass. The room silenced.
Sweat beaded on his temples and his knuckles were white. If he gripped that glass any tighter it would probably break.
“I’d like to thank you all for joining us for this wonderful event as it marks the beginning of Gwen and Jack’s life together.”
He glanced toward her and her husband only briefly before his gaze landed on Jack’s parents.
“William and Ruth, I can’t thank you enough for raising a fine young man who makes my daughter happy.”
Jack’s parents smiled and nodded.
Her dad’s gaze landed back on her and her spouse. “Jack, Mary Lou and I are thrilled to welcome you into our family.”
He paused and cleared his throat. His eyes watered. She feared what was coming. With as much as she wanted this to be a happy day a dark, grief-filled shadow hung over her and her family.
“I wish Gary could be here to see how radiant you look today, and I wish...” her father’s voice cracked. Everyone waited in silence during the couple of seconds it took for him to regroup. “And I wish Marvin were here. He’d be so happy to know his little sister and best friend have bound their lives together.”
Gwen’s eyes teared. Her husband squeezed her hand, then stood, and in a couple of long strides was at her dad’s side. He hugged the burly man. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. This war had brought so much sadness on so many levels to everyone.
Jack pulled away and raised his glass. “To Marvin. The best friend a man could ask for. To Walter and Mary Lou, thank you for accepting me into your family, and to Gwennie, I love you more than I can express in words.”
Dear God, her heart almost exploded. In a simple, loving action, her husband had saved her father and his speech, this happy moment, and re-stole her heart at the same time.
For those in the crowd, sad tears were replaced with happy ones.
Jack sat and dinner was served as Robert and Cindy each offered lighthearted toasts.
With all the glass clanging—calling for kisses, she wasn’t certain she’d ever finish her meal but she managed.
Tables were cleared from the center of the hall as the band set up to play.
She was in a whirlwind. Song after song people danced, drank, and visited with one another. All the while she stole little peeks at her husband. Her heart raced every time as if it were the first time they’d ever shared a loving glance.
She’d been away from Jack so much throughout the evening, she nearly burst with excitement when they were called to the floor for the grand march and wedding dance. Her husband’s arms encircled her in a manner that let her know he’d never let her go. Nor would she. They were in this together, forever. Till death did they part.
