Page 98 of Free to Dream
Then Ali, her stride as strong as her smile. Her head sways from left to right, blessing everyone with it. It falters for a moment when she reaches the front and her eyes meet Keene’s. Oh boy. I hope someone got that on camera. I’m thoughtful as I look at my sister. And my brother.
Em lookst at me over her shoulder. “Saw that, did ya?”
“Oh yeah,” I couldn’t miss it.
“I hope that’s not going to bother you, ’cause I don’t think they’re done yet.” Not giving me a chance to react, Em pauses a second before she takes her first step. “By the way, Caleb looks hot.” And she makes her way down the aisle.
Seriously, did she just say that to me on my wedding day? I stamp my foot. Phil is in hysterics next to me, wiping his eyes.
“What the hell, Phil? I didn’t pull that crap on you! Though Jason did look hot,” I admit.
“She didn’t do that for you, Little Girl. She did that for me so I don’t cry walking you down the aisle.”
Oh. Ohhh. I reach for my brother as the music changes to “Marry Me” by Train. It’s our cue. He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before pulling my thin shoulder length veil over my face. We step out into the sun.
As soon as I’m visible, I hear Caleb’s gasp. Like our wedding, my dress is fairly casual. A tea-length informal gown in lush satin covered in lace, with a lace and jewel neckline. It still shows off my curves. My hair, which grew back from being shaved, is twisted up in an updo so you can see my mother’s ruby earrings. I have Em’s delicate gold bracelet around my right wrist.
My something blue is for Caleb alone.
I carry a bouquet of amaryllis in front of me as I walk at a steady pace to Caleb who is standing in front of an arbor made of red balloons. His eyes are wet and he isn’t trying to hide it. Behind him stands Ryan, Keene, and Jason. Phil will take his place there after he walks me to Caleb, who is nothing short of delicious in a dark red shirt and navy dress slacks. The rest of the groomsmen are all wearing some variation of blue on blue, like Phil.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispers as we approach. He shakes Phil’s hand, gets pulled into a hearty embrace, listens to what Phil says and nods. “I promise,” he says to my brother.
Taking my arm, he turns us to face Charlie.
That’s right, Charlie. He’s performing the ceremony for us today, but we’re going to the justice of the peace tomorrow to make it legal. In our hearts, this is the ceremony that counts and the day we’ll celebrate with our family going forward.
“I’ve had the honor and privilege of knowing both Caleb and Cassidy for years. Knew ’em both individually long before their paths finally crossed. Seeing what I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, I have to admit, I might’ve thought about putting these two together sooner. Took too damn long if you ask me.” Behind us, the small crowd laughs uproariously. Caleb and I grin at each other. This is exactly what we’d wanted.
“Now, I’m not a mushy kinda guy, but this woman up here, the first time I met her, she grabbed hold of my heart and never let go. Same with her brother and sisters. If I’m damn lucky, maybe I’ll be asked to officiate at the other girls’ weddings soon.” Now I’m the one hooting at my sisters who all have the exact same expressions of horror on their faces.
That’ll teach you to give crap to the bride.
“But back to Caleb and Cassidy.” We all turn back to Charlie. “I used to tell Cassidy that storms don’t last forever, but today, I want you both to know true love does. You’ll be able to lean on each other through the storms you might experience in the future.” This is something we’re well aware of already. Caleb squeezes my arm tightly.
“The vows you are about to make are going to last forever. Only the gravest of sins, the wrongest of doin’s should be cause to break them. So, before entering into them, do either of you or anyone object to this marriage?”
No one speaks up, but we didn’t expect them to.
“Now, I expect you’ve heard enough outta me for a while. Caleb and Cassidy have written their own vows. Caleb, why don’t you start us off. Wait!” We all wait for his next direction. “Cassidy, first give Emily that buncha flowers so you can hold your man’s hand.” The snickering is almost out of control from our family and close friends.
I turn to Em and hand her my bouquet. She smirks and blows me a kiss before I turn back to Caleb and take both of his hands.
“All right, Caleb. Go on ahead.” Charlie takes a step back and I look into Caleb’s eyes. The chocolate depths are swimming with laughter, joy, and love. My favorite combination.
He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it. “Cassidy, my love, I think the first time you calmly called your brother Phillip in such a calm voice after he dropped a ticking time bomb in your lap, I knew I was in trouble.” The audience, especially my family, roars. “You had steel and strength in your eyes, kissable lips, and a stubborn tilt to your chin that dared anyone to cross your path in that moment. I was completely hooked.” More laughter.
“You’ll be thrilled to know that as a male, I felt it was my sworn duty to try to add an additional roadblock in our courtship by being a smart-ass in your office that first day. I mean, it’s not like we needed any more help in that area in the upcoming months. Our courtship was so dull after all.” I smile and laugh at that. To hear Caleb joking around about everything that led us here is such a relief. But then, his eyes get serious.
“It wasn’t too long ago I listened to you thank someone for everything they did for you. Now, it’s my turn to do the same.” He pauses and takes a deep breath.
“Thank you for loving me.”
“Thank you for giving yourself to me.”
“Thank you for sharing your family and mine.”
“Thank you for not letting me give in to the dark.”
