“I do,” Momma said, then kissed my cheek and took a seat with the rest of our friends and family.
“Friends and family,”
“They’re all family,” I interrupted, but my friends’ giggles triggered mine. “Oops, sorry.”
The minister smiled. “I stand corrected. Dear family,” she winked at me, “we are gathered here today to witness the union between Chuck and Tae. A bond not to be taken lightly but one given with their whole hearts. Gentlemen, are you ready?” Daddy and I nodded.
“Charles Austin Ashwood, do you take Tae Saavedra to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love in good times and bad, and above all else promise to be faithful and kind?”
“I do.”
“Tae Saavedra, do you take Charles Austin Ashwood to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love in good times and bad, and above all else promise to be faithful and kind?”
“I do.”
“With no rings to exchange,” my friend’s giggled again. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and husband. You gentlemen, may kiss your husband.”
Daddy picked me up and I squeaked, then he kissed me naughty big right in front of everyone. My face heated but I didn’t care, this was my Daddy. Oops, my husband Daddy,he-he, and he could kiss me anywhere and anytime he wanted.
“Alright,” Momma announced after the photographer Dave, who I forgot was even here, took a bazillion pictures after everyone hugged us to death. “Food is ready inside. Feel free to eat indoors or out under this gorgeous pergola.”
“Ha, you learned the right word, Momma.” I think she flipped Daddy the bird, if I’m not mistaken. Given how hard he was laughing, she probably did.
“It’s a mix of Tae and Chuck’s favorites so please, eat your fill.”
Daddy and I got to go first since it was our day. “Yay, mini corndogs, they’re so cute.” I snagged one and munched it while Daddy filled our plates. Momma had all the fun foods, nuggets, fries, salad. Yes, I loved salad and so did Daddy. There was ‘sketti and tons of nummy goodness and dippy sauces. “Daddy, cake.”
“Let’s eat first, then we’ll cut the cake. Come on, husband, let’s enjoy this gorgeous weather.” I followed Daddy outside and one by one the others joined us.
“Daddy, I…” My brain zipped shut when my eyes landed on my playground. Or at least, what used to be my playground.
“That, sweet boy, is my wedding present to you.”
“But Daddy, I didn’t get you anything.”
“That’s not what this is about, my love. I wanted to do something special for you, with Oscar’s help, of course.”
They’d completely transformed my playground. Before it was just a swing set and not much else. Now it was this climby jungle gym that sat in a giant sandbox. The block walls of the fence behind it were painted in the same paint Oscar used on my playroom table and there was a big bucket of giant chalk in front of it.
“Is that a climbing wall, Daddy?”
Off to the side but still inside the sandbox was a fun climbing wall.
“It is. Surprise!”
“Best Husband Daddy ever!” Guess I hollered that a bit too loud because everyone started laughing. “Oopsie.”
“You’re fine, Sweet Boy. Let’s eat, do cake, then we’ll get changed and you can play with your friends.”
“Yay! Then they can sign my wall in their special splotches.”
“Special splotches?” Trevor asked.
“Yup. I finished my playroom and I made spots for you and Brandon to write a note to me on. That way when you’re not here, I have happy words from you to read and ‘member.”
“Daddy, did you hear that? I got a special spot,” Trevor told his Daddy Jayger.
“I heard. Isn’t that wonderful. You’re a very thoughtful boy, Tae.”
