26. Chapter 26 #3
Griffin and Danae did their first look about an hour ago before the ceremony began, and he’s been a crying baby ever since. I’d give him a hard time about it, but I’m too happy for them to even tease him.
As I follow Griffin with Drew behind me to stand at the front of the aisle, I slap his back with a final gesture of support. He smiles at me before turning his attention to the back of the tent, where Danae and her bridesmaids will be entering.
When Sam steps into the tent, I swallow every teasing comment I held back about Griffin’s tears. Because the sight of her smiling at me as she glides down the aisle holding a bouquet slams my heart with every emotion.
Heaven on earth, walking toward me.
Sniffing hard, I catch Griffin’s sly smirk as he glances over his shoulder at me.
I blink back the moisture threatening to gather in my eyes and smile at Sam as she takes her place on the other side of the aisle.
Kara soon reaches her spot in front of Sam, and then the guests stand for Danae’s entrance.
Danae comes out, escorted by both her father and Jason.
As the piano music crescendos and they make their way toward us, tears stream down Griffin’s cheeks.
Danae reaches the front, allows her father to kiss her cheek before sitting down, then hands her bouquet to Kara so she can hold Griffin’s hands.
Jason stands right there beside her, watching and listening as the pastor begins the ceremony.
After sharing a few thoughts about love and the significance of marriage, the pastor asks Griffin and Danae to recite the vows they wrote together.
They take turns pledging their lives to one other, promising to be each other’s safe space forever.
When they’re done, the pastor begins to transition to the exchange of rings when Jason suddenly pipes up.
“Wait, don’t I get to say something?” he asks, holding up a hand.
Danae’s wide eyes mirror the surprise on the rest of our faces, and I can’t help but grin at Fireball living up to his nickname.
“Um, yes, of course you do,” the pastor says after searching glances to Griffin and Danae.
Jason pulls a folded piece of paper from the pocket of his light gray suit, a miniature replica of our groomsmen attire. Clearing his throat, he starts reading.
“My mom and I started a new life together one and a half years ago, and it’s been a really good one.
She’s loved me one hundred percent, forever every day, but I know there’s someone else she loves one hundred percent, forever.
And so do I, Dad.” He looks up at Griffin, and every person in the tent fights tears.
I think most of us lose the fight—Danae and Griffin certainly do, and a quick glance over at Sam confirms she’s a puddle.
I wipe at my own eyes as Jason concludes, “So today we get to start a new life with all three of us together, and I promise to be with you one hundred percent, forever.”
Griffin bends to one knee to hug Jason, whispering something in his ear.
I can only imagine how this moment feels for him, not only marrying the love of his life, but hearing Jason call him “Dad” for the first time.
Griffin stands and pulls Danae into the hug, allowing all of us to witness this first moment as an official family of three.
Kara hands tissues to Danae, and I hold up both hands as I tell Griffin, “I’m afraid I’m unprepared. I’m a lousy best man.”
The guests laugh, alleviating the emotional moment, and Kara reaches around Danae to hand an extra tissue to Griffin.
Sam is wiping her eyes with her own tissue, and I’m left wondering where the bridesmaids stored this secret stash.
Inside the flowers? Or do those lavender dresses have hidden pockets?
Sam catches my eye and winks at me, earning a tender smile. The pastor continues, “I’m not quite sure how to follow that special vow, but it’s time to exchange rings.”
Griffin turns to me, and I pull both his and Danae’s rings from my pocket with a grin. “Now those, I do have. I’m only half lousy.” Griffin smiles and claps my arm before turning to Danae. The pastor pronounces them man and wife, and encourages Griffin to kiss his bride.
I whoop and holler as Griffin dips Danae in a dramatic kiss. Danae takes her bouquet back from Kara, and Jason takes Griffin’s empty hand as the pastor officially introduces Mr. and Mrs. West for the first time.
Clapping with every ounce of enthusiasm in me, I watch as the three of them walk down the aisle. When they’ve reached the back, I step forward and offer my arm to Kara but wink at Sam.
Someday, it’s going to be Sam and me walking down an aisle together.
And for as much as I want to protect Sam, to help her pace our relationship to keep her heart safe, I also hope that day is sooner rather than later.
Because I’m being eaten alive by how much I love her. By how much I want to spend every single moment with her. Hating every moment I miss out on. I’m trying to be patient while knowing this isn’t just an impulse. This is forever.
I will love Samantha West until I die.