Chapter 44
─────
Andrew
I pace back and forth, ignoring what feels like a million people staring at me. Marybeth had the brilliant idea to invite half the town. There are even little tokens of appreciation on behalf of Tessa, as a way to make amends. To show everyone that she has grown and isn’t the destructive girl she once was. Apparently, the gesture worked, because there are a shit ton of people here.
The hilarious part is, Tessa has no idea, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to be the one to tell her. I cough back a laugh as I think about how pissed off her proud little ass will be.
I’m happy to see Sam and Delilah made it. Sam gives me a thumbs up when our eyes briefly meet. I grin and continue to look out at the sea of faces. Mrs. Masters is up in the front, but her focus remains on the guest beside her. He looks like a burly lumberjack, and Mrs. Masters smiles over at him like a smitten teenager. Good for her.
I check my watch, still five minutes to go.
I can’t believe how quickly the months whizzed by.
Everyone was put to work with the wedding preparations under my sister’s fierce dictatorship. One night, I passed her room and I swear she said the word “Pinterest” in her sleep.
Although we did her constant bidding, Tessa and I were left in the dark with the bigger details. Rolling up to Lake Iris, I was shocked by how amazing everything looked.
I stand beneath an arch entwined with dark flowers and billowing fabric. White chairs face the water, each decorated with a bow. Lanterns flicker along the lakeshore, and a piece of gold material with black trim runs down the aisle. I can’t imagine Tessa walking down it without feeling like actual royalty. It’s elegant, but simple enough that I know my bride will love it.
Three minutes.
She hasn’t said it out loud, but I know she’s been a nervous wreck about this day. Waiting for the other shoe to drop, is a nervous habit that will take her a long time to shake off. I can’t say I blame her, I’ve been a ball of nerves and excitement. But spouting off my clunky vows and dancing in front of strangers, is a small price to pay to have Tessa Kinsley as my wife.
One minute.
This is it. The first page in a new chapter, the fairytale we envisioned when we were just children. I told her I would make her my queen, and not the devil himself could stop that from happening today.
The small orchestra strikes up, and the guests quiet and straighten in their seats. I stop pacing and resume my place at the altar. I see my parents first, arm in arm as they walk down the aisle toward me. Dad is beaming proudly, and Ma is already sniffling and wiping away tears. Dad guides Mom to the other side of the altar, then moves to clamp a hand on my left shoulder.
“I’m very proud of you, son. You will make a fine husband and a wonderful father to that baby. Never forget, I’m here if you need me for anything,” he says gruffly, and I swear I see a small tear in the corner of his eye before he takes his rightful place beside me as best man.
Next is my twin, pink and sparkling in her ridiculously high heels and tutu dress. I chuckle as the music becomes more upbeat, and she dances down the aisle, tossing rose petals in every direction. Self-proclaimed maid of honor and flower girl. Since she was also the wedding planner, there was no one to tell her no.
With my sister grinning from ear to ear beside my mom, my heart leaps into my throat as I wait with bated breath. The music tempo changes. I recognize the song even without the words, it’s the orchestra version of “Secrets” by OneRepublic.
I spot the side of Chase’s head first, then with a sharp inhale, I finally see her.
Colors become sharper, and the music fades into the background. Nothing else matters except for the girl I once dared to forget—to push away.
Tessa Kinsley, soon to be Tessa Blackwell, looks so much like royalty that somewhere, the little girl within her is shining as bright as the sun. I’m not the only one who thinks so, as guests from both sides gasp when they too finally lay eyes on her.
Her dress is a shocking pitch black, the bottom fabric swirling and swaying with each step. Her torso and arms are covered in black lace, and her bare neck and shoulders look ghostly pale in contrast. Her dark hair is twisted up high with a tiara nestled atop her head. She looks regal, but slightly terrifying, which is more than a little fitting.
My eyes travel from her red lips up to her stunning blue eyes that pop against her dark wardrobe. Her huge baby bump is impossible to hide, and seeing it makes my heart thump harder in my chest.
That’s my family.
A mixture of emotions scrawl across her beautiful face, the most prevalent being happiness. I blink back tears as she meets my gaze and graces me with a smile that could outshine the sun. This is the moment I’ve waited for since I was eight years old, for everyone to see her as I always have, a princess worthy of the utmost adoration.
They stop just before the altar. Chase leans in with red eyes and whispers something in my bride’s ear. With a tilt of her head, she gives him a tearful smile as he turns to stand beside my father. Marybeth runs forward with a nod of encouragement and grabs the bouquet from Tessa’s hand before guiding her over to me.
The ordained minister begins to talk, but I find it hard as hell to focus on what he says with this blue-eyed beauty biting her lip nervously, trying her best not to notice how many eyes are on her. I grab her trembling hand in my own and squeeze, giving her a look that says, “Fuck ‘em” and somehow, she understands. She exhales slowly, and the nerves seem to melt away.
That’s right, Mrs. Blackwell, this is our day, and we’ve walked through fire to get here. Enjoy every second with me.
Suddenly, everything is quiet, and everyone, including the minister, is looking at me. Tessa covers her giggle with her hand as I realize it’s time for my vows.
Okay, I practiced this, I refuse to stutter like a fool.
I take a shaky breath and begin, “Tessa, you call me your sunshine, but it’s you who brought love and light into my life. Because of you, I believe in fate. I was meant to brush away your tears when you were eight years old. I was destined to remember you and fall in love all over again, and I know without a doubt, us getting married today was written in the stars.” I raise her hand and press my lips briefly against her ring. “You were born a princess, but you were fated to be my queen. I love you now, and forever, sweetheart.”
Silent tears slide down her cheeks as she swallows hard. I can tell it’s taking a lot of willpower for her not to jump into my arms.
Regaining her composure, she takes her own deep breath. “Andrew, I didn’t understand what the word love meant until you stumbled into my life with your smile, stories, and bravery. You laughed when I called you a prince, and yet every day you returned to save me. Every time I stumble, you’re there to pick me up, every scar you’ve healed with a kiss, and every moment of my life has been made brighter with your presence. You were the first person to truly see me, and I promise to live up to that girl you fell in love with. I will be the best fu—freaking wife, and the most loving mother to our child. I love you more than I ever thought possible, Andrew—” Her voice cracks as we clasp hands and together, overwhelmed with the fact that we finally made it.
We exchange rings and I watch as Tessa waits impatiently for the minister to stop talking. No sooner does he have the words “kiss the bride” out of his mouth, and she’s flinging herself into my arms, lips pressed against mine in a deep kiss that I would happily never break away from.
The music starts back up, and the guests cheer as we make our way hand in hand back down the aisle. It isn’t until we are out of earshot that she leans in to whisper. “There’s something really sharp sticking into my ass cheek, please help me.”
I burst into laughter. Dressed like royalty with the mouth of a peasant, that’s my girl.
No, that’s my wife. I grin as I help her to the cabin to undress.