Page 52 of Paradox
It’s time.
The musician Ellen hired plays a tune on his violin. Raven begins her walk up the carpeted aisle, taking her place across from Gage. Mikey is next, carrying a white cushion with our rings nestled on top.
“Good job, little man.” Gage takes Mikey’s hand.
My heart begins to beat faster, palms sweating.
Dani marches out next, spreading rose petals in preparation for Ellen’s walk down the aisle. I lose track of everything and everyone else, eyes glued to the clubhouse door. Chopper steps out, holding it open. She emerges, turning everything around me into white noise.
Absolutely flawless.
That’s what she is.
The smile she directs at me sends my pulse racing even faster. I’m so enamored by her, it takes Chopper clearing his throat for me to realize they’ve stopped moving and he’s extended his hand for me to shake it.
“Oh, sorry.”
“No need, son.” He squeezes my hand. “Just keep looking at her like that and we’re good.”
“Not a problem.” I offer Ellen my arm. “You look stunning.”
She blushes, dropping her gaze before meeting mine once more.
“Thank you. Now make me your wife.”
“Gladly.”
Placing my hand on top of hers that’s resting in the crook of my arm, I give her fingers a squeeze.
“Dearly beloved,” the pastor begins. “We’re here today to bear witness to the blessed union of Jon Marcus Emerson and Ellen Victoria Hunter. Love is a splendid wonder; one that we are gathered to celebrate.” Smiling, he settles his gaze on me and Ellen. “Solomon tells us, ‘Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for loveisstrong as death; jealousyiscruel as the grave: the coals thereofarecoals of fire,whichhatha most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.’ Jon and Ellen, know that all gathered here today are present to hold you accountable for the vows you take, as you will hold each other accountable. Do you enter this union of your own free will?”
“I do,” Ellen and I confirm together.
“The couple has asked to recite their own vows, so now I turn the floor over to Jon.”
Taking a deep breath, I turn to face her. “Ellen… there’s not much I can say that I haven’t already told you. You are so ingrained in my heart, it’s hard to believe it hasn’t even been a year since we became more than friends. You and Mikey have given me the life and family I’ve always wanted, and in turn, I promise to provide you both with the lives you deserve. I promise to love you and our children unconditionally, protect and provide for you to the best of my ability.” As a tear slides down her cheek, I brush it away. “I promise to support you and your dreams, care for you in sickness and health. I have faith in us, faith in what we have and what we’re building. You’re my forever, and I can’t wait to begin our life as husband and wife. I love you.”
She sniffles, a sob escaping her as she struggles to control her emotions. Raven hands her a handkerchief, which she uses to pat her cheeks.
“Jon Emerson… I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
“Marry me?” I smile, pulling her closer.
She takes a calming breath, tipping her face up to mine. “I was… stuck in some kind of purgatory when we started seeing each other. On this world, but not really a part of it. You told me about Newton’s law of motion and finding my unbalanced force. That became you. You were my unbalanced force. You brought me back and showed me how to live again. I owe you everything.”
Her lips tremble, those blue eyes tear-filled and glued to me. I have never felt more loved in my life.
“I promise to be the wife you deserve, and the best mother I can be to our children. I love you with everything in me, and if the last few months are anything to judge by, the rest of our lives will be amazing. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for loving me.”
I want to do nothing but pull her into my arms and kiss her until we’re both senseless, but the pastor asks for the rings.
“Jon, do you take Ellen for your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.”
I settle the gold band next to her engagement ring, admiring them nestled together on her finger.
Mine.
