Page 63 of Take A Chance

As we swam in the pool, Katelyn kept asking questions about her new sibling, wondering what they would look like and what their name would be. Emma and I were still in shock that we were having a child together, but we couldn't be happier.

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of laughter, splashing, and sunshine. As the sun began to set, we dried off and headed inside for dinner. Emma had prepared a feast of our favorite foods to celebrate the big news.

As we sat around the table enjoying our meal, Katelyn talked non-stop about being a big sister and everything she would do for her new sibling. It was heartwarming to see how excited she was about this new addition to our family.

After dinner, we all cuddled up on the couch to watch a movie. As Emma snuggled close to me, I knew that she was the one I wanted to spend my life with. I couldn't wait to see her grow as a mother and see our family expand.

That night, as I tucked Katelyn into bed, she gave me a tight hug and whispered in my ear, “I love you, Daddy.” My heart swelled with love for her as I kissed her forehead goodnight.

“I love you too, Katie.”

“I love Mommy too,” she whispered, and I agreed.

“I love Mommy too, very, very much.”

I walked toward the bedroom where my wife-to-be was waiting, and I thanked God that I had her. Nothing would ever come between us.

35

Emma

“The ceremony was just beautiful,” Greta said, hugging my new husband. Blake beamed with pride. It was a beautiful day for a wedding. The sun was shining. The weather was perfect. Most of the invited guests had been able to make it, though my side of the aisle was a little scarce. I didn’t mind. The people who mattered most were in attendance. Greta, Marta, and Allegra had all helped me prepare, Allegra standing as my maid of honor.

Walking down the aisle, I was completely overwhelmed with joy. The moment I saw the elegant white archway draped in flowers, I knew that this was going to be the perfect backdrop for our vows. With every step I took toward Blake, I felt a sense of calmness wash over me.

I felt so lucky to have our family and friends there to share this special moment with us. Seeing their faces, smiling and looking back at me with such joy and love, made my heart swell with happiness. I could see the tears of joy in Allegra's eyes and the beaming pride in Greta’s face. My mother was watching over us from above, but I knew she would be happy, especially knowing Greta was there to help and support me now. It was a moment that I would always cherish and hold dear in my heart.

Now, with the ceremony over and the feast well underway, we all waited for Blake to make his toast. I sat next to him at the bridal table. I wasn’t able to eat much due to my morning sickness, but I enjoyed the festivities and friends, especially the way Katelyn insisted on showing Allegra around everywhere the very second I told her Allegra was my best friend.

“Well, I suppose I should be offering my toast soon,” Blake said, patting Greta on the hand. The woman shuffled off, and he kissed me gently before rising to his feet. He took his fork and smacked it on his glass loudly and slowly. Our crowd of friends and family quieted and looked toward where we sat.

The minute he started to speak, my eyes welled up with tears.

"Good evening, everyone. I want to start by saying how grateful I am to have you all here to celebrate this special day with us. Today marks not just the beginning of our marriage, but also the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as a family.”

I wiped my eyes and glanced around at the smiling faces watching him intently. No one in this place could ever understand this man the way I did. The depth of his compassion, the strength of his love... I was lucky to have him.

“As I look at my beautiful wife tonight, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of love and admiration. She has captured my heart in a way I never thought possible, and I know that she will make an amazing mother to our child who is on the way. Watching her take care of Katelyn has been a true joy, and I know that she will bring the same level of love and care to our new addition.

“I am so excited to start this new journey together, and I feel so fortunate to have a partner like her by my side. She is my best friend, my confidante, and my rock. And as we embark on this new adventure as parents, I know that she will be the glue that holds our family together.”

I was bawling. I couldn’t wait to embark on the journey of motherhood for real. Allegra, seated to my right, squeezed my hand, which only made me cry harder. She handed me a tissue as Blake continued his speech.

“So here's to my beautiful wife—thank you for saying ‘I do’, for giving me the gift of love and adventure, and for bringing another child into our lives. I love you more than words can say, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us as a family."

I rose, taking my glass of sparkling grape juice, and made my way around the table to where he was standing to give Blake a hug as he finished his toast. Tears streamed down my face as I threw my arms around him, feeling overwhelmed by the love and support in the room. I could feel his warmth as he held me close, his hand rubbing circles on my back.

As we pulled away from each other, I caught a glimpse of Allegra’s mischievous grin and knew it was time for me to take the floor. I took a deep breath and cleared my throat, trying to steady my emotions before speaking.

“Blake, my darling husband,” I began, looking into his eyes. “Thank you for your beautiful words and for always being the rock I can count on. You have been my steadfast partner through thick and thin, and I couldn't be more thrilled to start this new chapter in our lives together.”

I paused for a moment, taking in the faces of all our loved ones gathered around us.

“And to our little one,” I continued, placing a hand on my growing belly, “we cannot wait to meet you and shower you with all the love you could ever need.”

There were cheers and applause from around the room as I took Blake's hand and gave it a squeeze.

“But most of all,” I said, my voice cracking with emotion, “thank you all for being here today, for supporting us through this joyous occasion. We couldn't have done it without you.”

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