RUSH
I had waited at the bottom of the steps as each person came down after taking her the gifts I sent up. When her father had gone up I’d known I couldn’t wait around this time. I had to get outside. I wanted to be the one taking the gifts up to her but she’d been adamant that I couldn’t see her before the wedding.
Standing under the pergola covered in ivy and white roses on the sand between my house and the gulf I waited with the minister on one side and Grant on the other side.
“You nervous?’ Grant asked.
“That she’s gonna decide not to walk down that aisle? Yes,” I replied.
Grant laughed and shook his head. “That’s not what I meant.”
“One day you’ll understand. And when you do I’m going to laugh my ass off.”
“Not a chance in hell,” he replied.
Bethy appeared under the pink roses, which meant that Blaire was waiting behind her. I picked up the hidden wireless microphone that I’d had the sound guy strategically place for me and put it on my lapel. Then I reached behind the flowers and picked up my guitar. It had been years since anyone had seen me touch this thing. I could only imagine what was going through their heads. Only my dad knew what was going on because he’d helped me with the chords.
“What’re you doing?” Grant whispered. The disbelief in his voice as he figured out the answer all on his own was obvious. I didn’t need to tell him. As soon as Bethy was in her place I stepped in front of the minister and looked directly down the aisle. When Blaire appeared the music would begin. I’d gone over everything with the sound team thoroughly.
When she stepped forward on her father’s arm her eyes locked with mine and then went wide in surprise. She had been supposed to walk down the aisle to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. But I hadn’t wanted another man singing to her. Not today. I wanted her walking to me while I sang the words written just for her when she walked down the aisle to gift me with my world.
“Well, uh, I haven’t been one much for singing... well you know, in front of people... but I figured after all we’ve been through... this would be a good time to say what I’ve always wanted to say. Blaire, I love you girl... to the moon and back.” I watched as she stood frozen looking at me. The entire place faded away and all I could see was Blaire.
When you first looked at me
I forgot to breathe
that moment marked my hardened heart
I vowed never to leave
And the touch of your skin
healed something deep within
that left me wanting more of you
the less I got the more it grew
Oh I couldn’t help from falling, falling for you
So I’m standing here, oh girl you know
After all that we’ve been through we couldn’t let it go
and as long as I’m alive, in your eyes I’ll stare
holding you so close I’ll solemnly swear
that I have fallen too far
that I have fallen too far, too far for you.
For you
When I finally found you
I finally found me
that day I won’t soon forget
the reason for it all
I’ll give you a new name
nothing in life will be the same
the story is now complete
our life and love is all we need
‘Cause I couldn’t help from falling
falling for you
So I’m standing here oh girl you know
After all we’ve been through we couldn’t let it go
and as long as I’m alive, in your eyes I’ll stare
holding you so close I’ll solemnly swear
that I have fallen too far, that I have fallen too far
too far for you
My heart is beating
begging for you
this night will be
a dream come true
so fall, fall, fall into my arms
So I’m standing here oh girl you know
After all that we’ve been through we couldn’t let it go
That I have fallen too far
That I have fallen too far
That I have fallen too far
too far for you, yeah
For you...
(Fallen Too Far- the wedding song by Rush Finlay is available for purchase on iTunes.)
When I played the last line I quickly pulled the guitar strap over my head and handed it to Grant. Blaire didn’t wait for any direction from the minister before she threw herself in my arms with a sob.
“That was beautiful,” she said against my chest.
“Not as beautiful as you are,” I replied, holding her against me.
She let out a small laugh. “I didn’t know you could do that,” she said, pulling back to look up at me.
“I’m full of all kinds of exciting surprises,” I assured her and winked.
“Alright you two. Let me give the girl away first,” Abe said, reaching for Blaire’s arm and pulling her back to his side with an amused grin.
Abe kissed his daughter’s cheek then looked at me. “I’d tell you how special she is but you already know that. Because you do is the only reason I can hand her over to you. I asked you to be the man I couldn’t be, and you did as I asked. Not for me but for her. I couldn’t be prouder of the woman she’s become and the man she’s chosen to spend her life with.” He took Blaire’s hand and placed it in mine. Then he turned to take his seat.
I slipped her hand into the crook of my arm as we turned around to face the minister. She jumped beside me and looked down at her stomach with a smile. I slipped my arm around her waist and placed my hand on her stomach as our baby moved. This was mine.