Chapter 25 #2
His stomach fluttered with excitement when Lucy’s little cousin walked down the aisle, tossing rose petals as she went.
The sweet little girl giggled when Jesse winked at her.
Jesse was overwhelmed with joy at being surrounded by Lucy’s extended family, who had welcomed him with open arms since he got into town yesterday.
Lucy’s parents had come to like and trust him over the last few months and must have spread their goodwill to all the aunts, uncles, and cousins because everyone had been quite kind to him.
It was wonderful to have such a loving new family.
Lucy’s little sister, a junior bridesmaid, walked shyly down the aisle. Jesse was sure to meet her eye and give her an encouraging smile, which seemed to calm her. He felt a surge of protectiveness toward her, like she was his own little sister.
Remy looked lovely as she walked down the aisle, her sweet smile lighting the way.
Jesse knew that underneath her pretty, soft exterior beat the heart of a warrior.
She was such a strong lady. She’d been through hell and back with her family, Ellis, and with loving a man she feared she could lose at any moment. Jesse was proud to call her his friend.
Theresa walked down the aisle next, looking as beautiful and fiery as ever.
Her eyes opened wide as she caught sight of Sean, who looked resplendent in his military dress blues.
Theresa had a serious weakness for men in uniform, especially her man in uniform, and Jesse was pretty sure she hadn’t seen him all decked out like this before.
Oh, yeah, Jesse thought. He’s gettin’ laid big time tonight.
The music swelled as Lucy made her entrance on the arm of her father.
Jesse was overwhelmed at the sight of her.
Lucy’s pretty brown hair fell in soft curls at her shoulders, and she looked dainty and delicate in her white gown.
Her wedding dress had some ruffles underneath, but it wasn’t a crazy-big dress like those hoop skirts from back when Jesse was alive the first time.
The off-the-shoulder gown was perfect for her small frame, and with her wedding veil flowing down her back, she looked like an angel.
My God, that gorgeous, incredible woman is about to become my wife.
Lucy glanced out at all the people watching her, and Jesse could see how nervous she was.
My poor rose. Her shyness was part of the reason she had wanted a small wedding to begin with.
He knew she also wanted to make her mother happy, but she was truly uncomfortable being stared at by so many people.
Jesse suddenly gasped loudly. He waited a second until most of the heads turned his way, then he put his hand over his heart and staggered backward dramatically, as if stunned by her beauty.
His tactic worked, and people in the congregation chuckled at his antics, drawing some of the attention away from Lucy.
Lucy locked eyes with Jesse and smiled with gratitude. He watched her lovely face relax as she looked into his eyes.
That’s right, darlin’. Pretend it’s just you and me. Forget all these people. It’s just you and me right now.
Jesse gazed lovingly into her sweet brown eyes when she reached the front of the church.
He eagerly took her hand as her father gave her away, but not before looking into Kurt’s eyes, which were welling with tears.
A silent understanding passed between them, with Jesse nonverbally pledging to love and care for his precious child.
Lucy eagerly grasped Jesse’s hand and squeezed it tight. She was on the verge of tears for most of the ceremony. She managed to hold it together until it came time for the vows.
“I-I, L-Lucy Westbrook…” she began. “T-take you, J-Jesse…”
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she struggled to gain control of her emotions. Theresa quickly handed Lucy some tissues, and she dabbed at her eyes. Lucy’s breath came in gasps as she tried to stifle her sobs.
“I’m sorry, Jesse,” she whispered, still dabbing her eyes. “I just keep thinking of how close I came to losing you. I can’t believe we made it this far!”
“It’s all right, my beautiful rose. Take your time,” Jesse murmured lovingly as he stroked her cheek. As long as these were tears of joy, she could cry all she wanted.
Lucy took a few more deep breaths, still overcome with emotion. She glanced nervously out at the congregation, which had fallen completely silent. She blushed deeply and lowered her head.
It was such a beautiful moment that Jesse hated for Lucy to feel embarrassed. He took a deep breath and said in a voice loud enough for the congregation to hear, “Darlin’, this is the happiest moment of my life. Feel free to drag it out as long as you like!”
All their gathered friends and family members laughed, reassured that nothing was wrong. Those who knew Lucy best wouldn’t be surprised at how emotional she was.
Lucy smiled gratefully at Jesse and seemed a bit calmer. Jesse nodded at the minister to continue the ceremony.
Jesse stroked Lucy’s cheek and looked deeply into her eyes, which helped to steady her. She was able to get through her vows this time.
When the minister told Jesse to kiss his bride, Jesse whispered to her, “I promise I will never take a single kiss for granted.”
Jesse tenderly kissed his new wife, and the congregation burst into happy applause.
After the ceremony, Lucy and Jesse took their time greeting their friends and family in the receiving line.
Next up were the pictures taken with members of the bridal party.
Though it was wonderful being with Lucy’s family, Jesse couldn’t help feeling sad that there were no members of the Spenser family there for his special day.
His parents had died so long ago, and his closest friends were spirits.
And even many of his ghost friends had crossed over.
Jesse was excited and happy about his new life with Lucy, but he couldn’t help but grieve for all the loved ones he had lost along the way.
The last photographs to be taken were of just the bride and the groom, so Lucy and Jesse sent everyone else off to the reception.
They would join the party as soon as they were done.
It was wonderful to have a few moments alone with Lucy.
Jesse happily kissed and held his new bride, and was aware of the photographer taking candid shots as he did so.
Those were sure to be some of the best pictures, the ones where Jesse and Lucy naturally expressed their love for each other, rather than being posed for photographs.
* * *
Once the pictures were done, the photographer headed to the reception in his own car, and the limo waited in the parking lot for Lucy and Jesse.
It was rather nice to have a few precious moments alone on their wedding day.
Jesse took Lucy by the hand and carefully helped her step out of the front of the church so she wouldn’t trip over her dress.
Jesse stopped dead in his tracks when they got outside of the church. Lucy was alarmed at his stunned expression, then followed his gaze. She gasped at what she saw.
There, standing outside the church waiting for them, was a large group of people. Every single one of them was dead, their images transparent and glowing with light and love and joy. The men and women stood in two lines on either side of the bride and groom.
“Hey, sweetheart!” Joel said happily, his blue eyes shining brighter and happier than ever before.
Next to Joel stood a stunningly beautiful woman with honey-blonde hair and blue-green eyes. She smiled warmly, radiating love and happiness.
“Emma?” Lucy whispered. She knew this must be Joel’s wife. Lucy would have known her anywhere from Joel’s description of her. He loved her so deeply and had talked of her often when he was still an earthbound spirit.
“Yes!” Emma said. “Oh, Lucy. Thank you so much for bringing Joel home to me.”
“I’m so glad I could help!” Lucy said, filled with happiness at seeing Joel and Emma together. Emma was even more beautiful than Joel had described.
Emma ran her eyes over Lucy’s wedding gown, then looked back up at her face. “Lucy, you look so beautiful!”
“So do you!” Lucy said, eyes wide. Emma laughed, an ethereal, angelic sound.
“You look so lovely, Lucy,” Joel said, blue eyes twinkling. He looked at Jesse and said, “You’re damn lucky she lowered her standards and agreed to marry you, Secesh.”
“Don’t I know it!” Jesse said with a smile.
Lucy looked down the line at all the people gathered.
Her heart swelled when she saw Adam and Elijah standing side by side, looking happy and in love.
They had both fought for Maryland in the Civil War, one for the North and one for the South.
Theresa and Lucy had helped counsel Adam to cross over so he could finally be home with Elijah.
“Daaaamn, you are lookin’ fine, Lucy!” Teddy Frederick exclaimed. Teddy had died in battle at the tender age of nineteen, but he looked like he was barely sixteen years old. Theresa had also helped him cross over, but not before the kid had developed a massive crush on Lucy.
“Teddy, it’s so good to see you!” Lucy cried.
“Teddy,” Jesse said mock sternly. “So we meet again…”
The kid had been full of spunk as a spirit. His last act on earth before crossing over was to grab Lucy and kiss her passionately. It had been his first…and last…kiss.
“Tell ya one thing,” Teddy said, eyes sparkling mischievously. “You better treat her right or I’ll haunt you to hell and back again!”
Jesse chuckled. “Fair enough.”
Jesse gasped as he stared down at the end of the line of people.
“Lucy,” he whispered. “It’s my mama…”
Jesse took Lucy’s arm and walked her down to the end of the line. She looked into the older lady’s soft, blue-gray eyes. They looked just like Jesse’s.
She gazed at Jesse with tender love and affection. “My son,” she said softly. Then she looked at Lucy fondly and said, “And now I have a daughter.”
Sarah Spenser smiled warmly, and Lucy could feel the love emanating from her. Lucy’s eyes spilled over with tears. She turned to see that Fillis was standing right next to Jesse’s mother.
“Our baby is finally married,” Fillis said to Sarah.
Sarah laughed happily. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
Lucy and Jesse turned together to gaze at their loved ones who had gone before them. The love and support they felt from the spirits overwhelmed them.
After a moment, the spirits disappeared, but Lucy could still feel their presence. Their love.
Jesse wrapped his arms around Lucy and held her tight.
* * *
After the bridal party was introduced and Theresa and Sean gave their toasts, Lucy shyly made it through her first dance with Jesse in front of everyone.
The song was “True” by Ryan Cabrera. Jesse had always said he thought of Lucy every time he had heard it, even before Lucy knew he existed.
It was their song, and it was lovely. Lucy enjoyed dancing with Jesse, but she looked forward to being able to dance with him when others were out on the floor, too, so she wouldn’t have to feel so self-conscious.
As Lucy stepped off the dance floor, she looked over at Remy.
She was smiling, but there was sadness behind her eyes.
Lucy knew Remy was happy for her, but she also knew it must be painful for her to be around so many happy couples when she felt her own future with Avery was so uncertain.
Lucy knew it was time to cheer Remy up. Just before dinner was served, she walked over to speak with her privately.
“Hey, Remy,” Lucy said, as she looked down where Remy sat. “I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything!” Remy said, eager to be a helpful bridesmaid.
“I hate seeing you alone at my wedding, and there’s somebody I’d like you to meet.”
Remy’s face fell. Lucy could see she had no interest in anyone but Avery.
“Please?” Lucy asked. “I just want you to be able to dance with somebody at my wedding. I’m the bride, so you can’t say no.”
“Really?” Remy asked wearily. “You’re playing the bride card?”
“Well, yeah. When else am I gonna play it?” Lucy said with a smile. She held out her hand, and Remy grudgingly accepted it.
“Fine, fine,” Remy said, plastering a smile on her face, planning on being polite for Lucy’s sake.
Lucy practically dragged Remy out of the ballroom.
“Where are we going?” Remy asked.
Lucy pulled her out into the hallway and back toward the bridal room where they had all primped their hair and makeup before being introduced at the reception.
“He’s in here,” Lucy said, flinging open the door to the bridal room.
Remy froze where she stood.