“Well, sorta. It was fine, we’re good. Promise.”
“Okay, good.” I graze her bare back with my hand and peck her cheek before picking up my fork and absolutely demolishing the macaroni and cheese on my plate.
Chapter 31
Jesse
When those church doors open, my heart stops. Ella is standing there on her dad’s arm, but I barely notice him. It feels like the room just got smaller, closing in on us. Her. She’s all I see.
As the music continues to play, they start down the aisle. I don’t even try to stop myself from crying. She’s breathtaking, and that dress, holy—. My body floods with heat and my hands get shaky as all these emotions build. I feel a pat on my back, Cody. Then I feel a graze of another hand, Mason.
Once she reaches the end of the aisle, I take in more of her. Her hair is pulled half up and curled, short strands falling around the edges of her face. And did I mention the dress on her? Good grief, don’t even get me started. It’s beautiful, she makes it beautiful.
Our eyes lock in on each other and I feel paralyzed. I can’t move or breathe.
I’ve loved this girl since I was sixteen. I thought I lost her and was convinced I’d spend the rest of my life with regret, dreaming about what could’ve been, what I could’ve had if Ihad just fought for her. I don’t know what I did to deserve a second chance with her again.
The pastor talks and I’m half listening. I’m caught up in Ella’s smile, her eyes—everything about her has me like a love-struck puppy. I’m thinking about our future, it all starts flashing rapidly through my mind. Today, tonight, tomorrow, a week from now, three months from now, four years from now. I’m beyond excited to see what our life together brings.
When it comes time for our vows, Ella’s going first and I’m trying to prepare myself. I really didn’t want to cry like a complete baby but I’m already halfway there.
She unfolds the paper and clears her throat.
“Jesse, I have loved you for as long as I can remember. Even when life pulled us apart, I never stopped. I knew the moment we reconnected we weremeantto find our way back to each other. You have always made me feel safe and seen. You’re patient with me even when I don’t deserve it.” She pauses, blinking against the threatening tears.
A lump forms in my throat, and I squeeze my hands together harder, trying to ground my emotions. Her wet eyes look at me before continuing.
“I promise to love you and choose you every single day. To stand beside you and support you in everything we do.” She takes in one last breath and glances up at me again. “I love you, Jesse Lee Jennings. I can’t wait to start the life we’ve always dreamed about together.” She finishes with a smile and wipes her wet cheeks before folding the paper back up.
I didn’t write my vows. I told myself I was going to get up here and say whatever I felt at the moment. I started to write them out but it turned into a three-page love letter, front and back. Mom suggested I try to condense it, but I couldn’t. Sohere we are, speaking straight from the heart instead.
I reach for Ella’s hands, squeezing them in mine. They’re sweaty and a little shaky as well. I try to ignore everyone around us and focus on her.
Letting out a breath, I look straight into her eyes. I’m definitely not going to be able to keep it together.
“Ella, you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. The best thing that’s ever happened to me. Teenagers or not, you have always been my rock. I knew I loved you then, and I for sure know it now. I wish that life wouldn’t have gotten in the way like it did back then, but it’s also something to be thankful for. I needed time to grow up and mature into the man I am today. For you, Ella Kate. There’s absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for you. That willneverchange.” I let myself take another breath. My voice feels thicker, and my ears feel clogged as tears build. She squeezes my hands just before I continue.
“I promise to love you, on your good days and bad. That no matter what, I will always, always fight for you and us.”
Ella reaches up to wipe her eyes as I do the same.
The second we walk back down that aisle together and get out and away from everyone, I grab Ella, spin her around, and kiss her again. The only private kiss we’ll have until we get home tonight. This feeling of happiness is indescribable.
* * *
The reception is lively. Everyone seems to be having fun, eating, drinking, dancing. It’s not even 7 p.m. yet and I’m already itching to get out of here with her. We have things to do. Babies to make. Just kidding, we’re not trying to do that quiteyet.
We talked about wanting to settle into married life together for a few months first. After all, it’ll be our first time living together. I’ve never lived with a woman. She lived with her ex, so she has more experience with that aspect, I guess, but I’m not worried about it. I think we’ll be great.
After we have our first dance, the DJ opens the floor up to all couples to join in. My parents are on one side of us and hers are on the other. Everyone else is distant relatives who I don’t even really know.
“Is Addison okay?” Ella whispers in my ear.
I look over to see her standing on the side of the dance floor, and she looks angry. Brantley is beside her drinking out of a red Solo cup. My gut tells me it’s not water. If he’s anything like I was at his age, he somehow managed to get a beer.
“She’s probably mad that he’s not out here dancing with her. Or that he’s drinking,” I whisper back to Ella.
“Well, maybe you could tell him he can’t? He’s not of age.”
