Chapter thirty-five #2
I’m not nervous about marrying Aubrey. I’ve waited for this day for far too long.
But after last night’s scare, I’m worried about her.
She seemed like she was in so much pain, and there was nothing I could do to help.
I hate that feeling. I just hope we can get through today without any complications so tomorrow we can just relax and focus on her.
Thankfully, Aubrey hasn’t had any major dizzy spells or complaining of feeling lightheaded lately, which is extremely reassuring. She’s still checking her blood pressure constantly and making sure to follow all the guidelines, but relaxing today will be hard for her to do.
I walk through the doors and step onto the white pathway. The work Eden did is phenomenal, and I know Aubrey will be in heaven once she sees it all. White chairs sit in rows facing the elevated platform where Aubrey and I will say our vows.
The walkway is lined with white mesh fabric, draping from one chair to the next.
They go all the way to the front with deep purple bouquet attached along the way, preventing people from stepping onto the path.
There are also lavender-colored rose pedals scattered on each side of the path, and behind the officiant is an elegant square arch covered in white and purple drapes with more flowers.
I also couldn’t help myself and peaked into the reception hall on my way over.
It’s similar to here with white and light purple decoration all over.
Drapes hang from the ceiling, leading to a stage where Aubrey and I will be seated with our parents.
An enormous number of circular tables go around the room with huge and tall centerpieces on each one, leaving a large empty space in the center dedicated to the dance floor.
It was only a quick glance, so I’m sure I missed a whole bunch of details, but from what I saw, Eden did a wonderful job. It’s beautiful and magical, without overdoing it, just like Aubrey would have wanted it.
I wave hello to all our guests as I make my way to the platform.
The guest list was the only part of our wedding that I took care of, deciding who would be attending and sending out the invitations.
In the end, we added up to around one hundred and fifty guests, which is really not that much compared to Eden’s own wedding.
We must have been at least five hundred people for hers.
I shake the officiant’s hand and take a stand to the right, with Julian, Jason, Jessie, and Hailey standing behind me.
They’re all dressed in light gray suits with lavender ties, except for Hailey who is wearing a dress identical to the bridesmaids.
But instead of it being a pale purple like theirs, hers is a light gray to match the suits.
People might find it strange for me to have my ex-wife participate in my wedding, but I couldn’t care less.
Hailey is my friend before being my ex-wife.
I’ll admit that I was nervous at first when I brought it up with Aubrey, even if they are friends.
She could have very well said she was uncomfortable with it, but as I should have known, she loved the idea.
The officiant announces that the ceremony will begin, right before a sweet tune begins to play by the live quartet. Morgan is the first to walk down the aisle, followed by Cecilia, then Emma, and finishing off with Ronnie.
They all take their places to the left as the officiant asks everyone to rise for the bride. The music changes into a soft melody and a second later, my bride comes into view, holding on to her father.
My Angel.
Her eyes instantly connect with mine as the rest of the world fades around us.
She looks magnificent. There is nothing in this world more beautiful than her at this moment.
My throat clogs with emotions as my eyes begin to sting.
I didn’t cry at my first wedding, but now, with Aubrey, I can’t help it.
Even if I tried to keep the tears in, it would be impossible.
She’s my every dream come true.
Her cheeks flush with a soft giggle gracing her lips when she notices me wiping my eyes, and a second later, her own tears appear. When she finally reaches the end of the aisle, her father shakes my hand before kissing her cheek and passing her over to me.
“Hi,” she whispers.
“You’re beautiful, Angel,” I murmur back as another tear falls from her eye that I quickly wipe away for her.
“Please be seated, thank you,” the officiant says, getting ready to start delivering his speech.
Aubrey and I face each other as we join hands, knowing the drill. But the instant her hand lands in mine, she gasps, and her eyes widen. I frown, confused by her reactions. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”
It isn’t until she looks down at the ground between us that comprehension hits me. There at her feet is a small puddle of water, with little droplets that have splattered onto my shoes.
My eyes turn to saucers as I realize what I’m staring at. I look back up at Aubrey, blinking a few times. “Is that…?”
“Mhm.” She nods and blushes fiercely.
“Oh God… Okay. Are you okay?” I ask as she nods again. “All right. This is okay, we’ll get you to the hospital.”
“Is there an issue?” the officiant whispers to us.
“Her water just broke,” I tell him.
“Oh my.” His eyes widen as he looks down at the wet spot.
“I’m sorry, we’ll need to cancel the wedding and get her to the hospital.”
“No, wait. We can still finish the ceremony. I’m not having any contractions yet.” She tightens her hold on my hands as I go to walk us down the platform.
“What? No. Absolutely not. Aubrey, you’re about to have our baby. I’m not risking it,” I murmur, not wanting to cause a scene. Although everyone is starting to whisper to each other, most likely questioning what’s happening.
“What’s going on?” Ronnie whispers over from her spot as all our wedding party leans in to hear my answer.
“Aubrey’s water broke, and she wants to go through with the wedding,” I inform them.
Ronnie snorts. “I’m sorry, it’s not funny, but I had a feeling this would happen.”
“And you all say I’m the crazy one. She’s literally in labor but wants to continue on with her wedding like nothing’s happening.” Emma shakes her head and narrows her eyes at her friends.
“Please, Shane. I really want us to be married before our daughter comes. We’re all here, just a few minutes away from getting married. Labor can take hours before it actually happens,” Aubrey pleads, causing me to feel torn.
I work my jaw, debating what to do, then turn to the officiant before addressing him.
“Is there any way that you can make this the quickest ceremony ever? Take out all the passages and speeches. We’ll hold back on our personal vows too.
We can do that another time. Just the simple ‘I do’ and get it over with? ”
He looks astonished that we’re choosing to continue with the ceremony but nods. “Yes, I believe we can do that.”
“Great. Then let’s get back to the wedding.” I face Aubrey once more, taking her hands in mine again and rubbing my thumb over her skin.
The officiant clears his throat. “If I may all have your attention.” He waits a second for everyone to quiet down and look our way.
“There have been some slight changes to the ceremony, due to…”—he looks down at Aubrey’s belly—“unforeseen circumstances.” He smiles as a few people gasp with realization.
“Therefore, this will be moving forward in a quick yet beautiful manner.”
He straightens and smiles at everyone before commencing. “Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love and commitment between Shane Asher Jefferson and Aubrey Lily Ford.”
Aubrey groans as she squeezes her eyes shut and scrunches up her face, bending slightly at the waist, and I immediately know it’s starting.
The officiant eyes grow wide again, and he hurries on with the rest of his script. “Shane Asher Jefferson, do you take Aubrey Lily Ford to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” I say, squeezing Aubrey’s hand as she cries out in pain. Ronnie quickly comes up behind her and begins to massage the lower section of her back and help me hold her up.
Jesus Christ, we shouldn’t be doing this right now.
Everyone begins to get agitated in their seats at the scene happening before them. Aubrey’s parents and mine are already on the edge of their seats, while Greyson is standing at the side of his row, ready to get to his sister’s side the minute this is over.
He pulls out his phone and mouths over the word, “Ambulance”. I nod, telling him to call for one. I won’t risk not getting to the hospital on time and having to deliver this baby on my own. Better safe than sorry.
“Aubrey,” the officiant starts, but Aubrey cuts in.
“Can I just say something before we continue?” He nods, giving her permission. She looks into my eyes with so much devotion shining in hers. “I know we aren’t doing our vows like we planned to, but I need you to know this.”
I furrow my brows, confused at where she’s going with this.
“You were wrong. When you gave me my recipe journal, you wrote inside that you— Ahhhh…” she cries out again, squeezing my hands in a death grip and closing her eyes.
She takes a few deep breaths then looks at me once more. “That you wished all my biggest dreams came true, starting with my own bakery. But you were wrong. That wasn’t my biggest dream, Shane.” She smiles softly. “You were.”
Her eyes fill with tears as mine mimic hers. “I love you,” I whisper before the officiant continues his speech.
“Aubrey Lily Ford, do you take Shane Asher Jefferson to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” she says with a shaky breath as she smiles despite the pain that she must be in.