26
Lauren
I could hear the harp playing a soft melody as Melanie and Kat slowly walked down the wedding aisle. I could see the white Christmas lights hanging from every boulder and archway in the large room. Silver table linens covered round tables at the back of the room where the reception would be held shortly after the ceremony. A small stage stood in front, where Isaac would be waiting for me. A large arch covered the stage with purple flowers hanging from the top.
The venue was a large barn that had been converted into a reception and ceremony hall at the Keeneland race tracks. It was the perfect combination of country charm and chic style; just like me.
Finally, it was my turn to walk. As I took the first step with my dad by my side, I noticed all of my family, friends, and coworkers standing and admiring me as I walked past them. Once I was fully into the room, my eyes locked on Isaac.
He looked dashing in a black tux with a plum-colored tie. His blond hair was swept back and his blue eyes were filled with tears. Cole, Jagger, and Smalls all stood next to him and smiled and nodded my way as I briefly looked at them.
I wanted to see only Isaac as I walked down the aisle way to him. I wanted to memorize the look on his face. The way his body reacted when he saw me. I never wanted to forget this moment.
As the bridal march ended, everyone sat down and I stood facing Isaac. Everything that happened next was like magic.
The preacher began his lines and Isaac and I stood facing one another, our hands joined as we stared deep into each other’s eyes.
“I love you,” Isaac mouthed as we waited for our turns to recite our vows.
We each promised to love, cherish, and honor one another for the rest of our lives. We exchanged rings and I cried as I took in the black diamond wedding band Isaac had found for me. By the end of the ceremony, there wasn’t a dry eye in the venue.
When Isaac was finally granted permission to kiss the bride, he dipped me in a heart-stopping embrace and kissed me like he had never kissed me before.
Everyone jumped and applauded as we were finally announced as husband and wife. Holding hands, we left the stage and walked back down the aisle I had just ventured down as a single girl. I was now leaving a blissfully happy married woman.
The next hour was spent smiling until our faces hurt for the photographer. When we finally entered the venue again for the reception, I finally found time to slow down and enjoy my wedding.
Sweet music played from the DJ in the corner and as the sky fell dark outside, the lights inside glowed. My cake, a three-layer masterpiece with silver lining and a beautiful heart with mine and Isaac’s initials engraved on it was nestled at the top of the cake.
The food which consisted of various pasta and chicken dishes was delicious and the savory smells mixed together with the music and wine to provide the perfect night and day ever.
As I sat down and took in everyone who was smiling and dancing around me, I couldn’t help but sigh. My life was absolutely perfect.
“Can I sit down?” a voice asked from behind.
I turned to see Cole standing with a nervous smile. His black hair was gelled back and his matching black tux made him look like a superhero in disguise.
Isaac waved to both of us from across the room as he danced with my mom. I still couldn’t believe he was mine. He was breathtaking and looked like my dark prince charming.
“Sure,” I smiled as I patted to the empty seat next to me.
“Where is Mel?” I asked.
It was strange to see Cole without Melanie close by.
“That’s what I want to talk to you about,” he began. He swallowed down a lump in his throat and he ran his hands through his hair in a nervous gesture. “I told Melanie to grab us some drinks. I wanted to ask your permission to marry her,” Cole said as he looked at me with deep sincerity in his eyes.
“Cole, of course, you have my blessing to marry Melanie. But, shouldn’t you be asking Melanie’s dad?” I questioned. I appreciated him thinking of me, but if he wanted to follow tradition I think he was a little backward.
Smiling, Cole almost laughed. “Yes, I already asked him. I wanted your permission too. You are Melanie’s best friend. She loves you more than the world and she values your opinion. You saved her. You brought her to me and I will forever be grateful for you for giving me the greatest love of my life,” he finished with tears filling his eyes.
I had never seen Cole so emotional and it made my heart swell with love and appreciation.
“I think you and Melanie are wonderful together. You both deserve a great love and life,” I said as I reached down and squeezed his hand.
“So, when are you going to propose?” I asked, already planning their wedding in my head.
“That’s what I want to talk to you about. I don’t want to steal your day. You and Isaac deserve this perfect wedding, especially after everything you two have been through. I want to do it when you get from your honeymoon. I will do it on the first snowfall of the year. I will just carry the ring with me and wait for the day it snows so I can take her outside and get down on one knee and propose,” he said with a gigantic smile.
“Cole, she will love that,” I beamed.
I could see Melanie approaching carrying two glasses of water. Cole and I quickly ended our conversation and as Isaac made his way over too, we all left the table and moved to the dance floor.
Wrapped in Isaac’s arms we swayed to the soft love song playing just for us. Lonestar’s “Amazed” sang to us as we danced until we couldn’t stand any longer.
Isaac and I broke through the boundaries placed in front of us and were bound back together by promises of love, hope, and honor. We were a united front. A team. A married couple who would forever love one another and nothing would ever stop our happiness.
My life was perfect and I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of my journey had in store for me.