Page 115 of A Very Merry Enemy
Lucas smiles at Claire, then watches his brother with admiration. There’s pride there, and happiness, and something soft and vulnerable that I don’t often see on his face. He’s watching Jake fall apart with joy, and there’s so muchlove in that look.
Lucas’s eyes shift from Jake to me. And I know exactly what he’s thinking because it’s on my mind, too.
I take in a deep breath, wondering if that could be us someday. Could we stand up there and make those promises with that kind of certainty? Or are we always meant to be chasing one another?
I want to believe it’s possible. I want that so badly it hurts.
Claire reaches the front, and her father kisses her cheek before placing her hand in Jake’s. Then he takes his seat, and Claire and Jake stand facing each other, hands clasped together, looking at each other like they’re the only two people in the world.
“Please be seated,” the pastor says, and everyone sits with a rustle of fabric.
Pastor John is an older man with kind eyes and a warm smile. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Claire Caitlyn Manchester and Jake Andrew Jolly in holy matrimony.”
His voice carries through the space.
“Marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully, reverently, and with the understanding that it is a sacred bond between two people who choose each other, day after day, through all of life’s seasons,” Pastor John continues.
Lucas’s jaw is tight, and his hands are clasped in front of him, but his eyes keep drifting toward me. When our gazes meet, something electric passes between us.
Choose each other. Day after day. Season after season.
Is that what we’ve been doing this entire time? Even when we were apart? Even when I was in Paris and he was here? Were we still choosing each other in some fundamental way that neither of us can really understand?
“Jake and Claire have chosen to write their own vows,” Pastor John continues. “Jake, you’re first.”
Jake takes both of her hands in his and sucks in a deep breath. When he speaks, his voice is thick with emotion.
“Claire, I’m not good at fancy words or big romantic gestures. You know that better than anyone.”
A ripple of laughter goes through the guests, and I find myself smiling even though tears are already forming in my eyes.
“But what I can tell you is this. From the moment I met you, you’ve been it for me. You literally walked into Merryville and everything in my life just clicked into place in a way I never expected.”
Claire’s eyes are watering as she rubs her thumbs across Jake’s.
“You make me want to be better. Braver. More open to the world and its possibilities.” Jake’s voice cracks as he tries to hold on to his emotions. “You’ve taught me that love isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up every single day and choosing each other, even when it’s hard.Especiallywhen it’s hard.”
My vision is blurring. My mom offers me a tissue and I take it, dabbing my eyes.
Lucas glances at me, and I can barely breathe.
“I promise to choose you every day for the rest of my life,” Jake continues. “I promise to support your dreams, even when they scare me. I promise to make you laugh when you’re stressed, to hold you when you cry, and to always, always be honest with you, even if it’s hard. I promise to love you through every season, every challenge, every triumph, and every failure.”
Each word feels like a preview of what could be.
Jake takes a shaky breath. “You’re my best friend, CeCe. You’re my home. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life proving to you that you made the right choice in saying yes to me.”
The tent is silent except for the sound of people sniffling and trying not to sob out loud. Even some of the men are wiping their eyes.
Lucas’s eyes are soft and full of longing as he smiles at me. He’s not even trying to hide it anymore.
“Beautiful.” Pastor John smiles. “Claire, your turn.”
Claire takes a moment to compose herself, carefully wiping at her eyes so she doesn’t smudge her makeup. When she speaks, her voice is clear, despite the tears streaming down her face.
“Jake, I knew from the very first moment we met that you were different. You refused to let me walk into Merryville after I ran out of gas. Getting in the truck with you changed my entire life.” She squeezes his hands.
More laughter ripples through the room.
