And what a sight he is. I fight back tears because I will not watch this moment through blurred vision. He stands tall and confident, hands locked in front of him, a black tuxedo that fits him perfectly. On his face? A smile so wide you could see it from across town, and a tear that runs down his face. He quickly brushes it away, then the other side. He’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.
twenty-six
JACKSON
“Ilove you,” I mouth to her as her eyes connect with mine. She’s breathtaking and nothing could have prepared me for the feelings that rush to the surface at seeing her walk towards me.
Two tears flow from each eye and I quickly wipe them away. Adam claps me on the back, and I hear Bobby chuckle.
You’re welcome, assholes.
Mr. Casanova approaches me with Francesca, he shakes my hand and leans in, giving me a hug. “I’m proud of you, son.” He steps back, placing Chess’ hand in mine. I help her up the steps and we stand together in front of the officiant, whistles and howls still going off in the crowd.
What a rowdy bunch we have here in Christmas.
“We’re gathered here today …”
I squeeze her hand again and she glances at me. “You’re outstanding,” I whisper.
“Thank you. So are you.” She whispers back. I’m still staring at her, lost in the beauty by my side when the officiant clears his throat. And does it again.
“Jackson? Your vows?”
“Oh, yes, of course.” I chuckle to myself, my nerves getting the best of me. I turn to face Francesca now and take a deep breath as I reach for her hands.
“Francesca, I’ve been writing vows for weeks now, but I knew whatever I thought I wanted to say would not do this moment justice, of how I feel right now. So, I’m just going for it. Coach always does best off the cuff, anyway, right guys?”
I turn to see my team sitting mid-section on my side. My eyes lock with Jameson who nudges Connor next to him and they bark, which then sets off the rest of the team. The congregation softly laughs, and I shake my head, expecting nothing less from my team.
I turn back to Francesca and take a breath. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. And today? You’re even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. You’ve made my dream come true to see you standing before me in a wedding dress. The only thing that beats you in a wedding dress? You in my jersey. I love you in my jersey.” I growl out, then turn to look behind me, “Adam, pretend you didn’t hear that.” That elicits laughs from our party and a grunt and a raised eyebrow from my best friend.
“I love you because you made me smile when I forgot to. I love you because you made me a better man than I ever thought I could be. I love you because you found me when I was lost. Most of all, I love you because you’re not perfect. I’m not perfect. Love doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be true. And I will be true to you until my last breath, Francesca. It’s always been you.”
I can’t look away from her, but I hear the sniffles and throats being cleared. I feel the emotion surrounding us, swallowing us whole in a cloud of love.
“Francesca. It’s now your turn. You may recite your vows to Jackson.” The officiant says.
Her eyes are glimmering, and I can see she is visibly trying to keep herself under control.
“I, too, have been writing out vows all week.” She turns to take a note card from Britt, shaking it in front of herself. “I wrote corny jokes, sappy love poems, and even promised to only cheer for your team.” I raise both brows in astonishment. She laughs and says “Except when they pl-“
“Play the Eagles! I get it, I get it!” I finish the sentence and laugh along with her, squeezing the one hand she hasn’t let go of yet.
“I’m speaking from the heart instead, too.” She winks, then continues. “I feel like I am the luckiest woman alive today. All of my childhood dreams have come true. I’m marrying the one I’ve adored since I was little, since before I knew what it meant to love someone and care about them more than I care about myself. I chose you then and I’m choosing you now and I am in awe that you are choosing me, too. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish together, and I promise I will live out all of my days cheering you on, dreaming of more with you and being everything you need to get through each day. I love you.”
More tears. More sniffles. Jesus, everyone is winning off this bet tonight. Rings are then exchanged; official vows are said, and I am vibrating with every word that get us closer to the end of this. I just want my girl.
“By the power vested in me, by the State of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!”
Cheers go up, clapping, barking, and our guests are on their feet. I wrap my hands around Francesca’s cheeks, pulling her close, both of us smiling as I lean in and kiss her. Sweetly, then because I’m Jackson fucking Gage, I take her, claiming my woman for all the town to see.
My biggest win, my biggest dream, has come true.
twenty-seven
FRANCESCA
Reception
