A little less than a week later, our wedding day begins with rain and a thunderstorm. Some say that is good luck. I am going to agree. We were worried the grass would be wet and muddy, but Penny said she didn’t care. Luckily, Stacey had a special floor covering we were able to use until the reception and it was kind of cool. Like walking on a glass floor.
My brothers are by my side as I wait for Penny at the altar, trying to calm me down and reassuring me. I know I don’t need it, I mean I have no doubt she will be walking towards me, but there is something about today, that makes a man a nervous wreck. Of course, Pastor Bill is here. I think I would have been better with the courthouse. All this hoopla, when at the end of the day all I need is Penny to be my wife. I have been waiting for the day to make Penny all mine for over a year.
Watching the girls come down the aisle ahead of Penny, is interesting watching my brothers look on at their wives. There is so much love, actual tangible love from a thousand different directions. Ava is her matron of honor and Kennedy and Rosy are her bridesmaids. The color scheme Stacy, my Mom, and Penny decided on was a pale pink, with midnight blue accents. Both hers and my favorite colors. They are all different dress styles on, but Ava and Rosy are wearing pink and Kennedy is wearing blue. I have pink accents on my tux and the guys have blue.
The things men do for the women they love.
There are little lights strung around the gazebo. As it is nearing dusk, the only thing I am waiting on is Penny. When Keith Urban’s Only You Can Love Me This Way starts playing, I know my wait is over. As I see her, my chest constricts. I am so in love with her, nothing else matters and I barely recognize she is walking down the aisle on the arm of her father. She is a vision in white. Her lacy dress has a short train and there is no veil. Her hair is beautiful, twisted to the side in some kind of fancy ass braid. I am going to enjoy fucking that up tonight.
When she reaches me, she is a little enthusiastic? She kisses me, and I kiss her back. Her excitement is adorable, but it matches mine.
Pastor Bill clears his throat, and everyone is laughing.
“Slow down there! We got some questions first.” Pastor Bill says. With a smirk.
“Sorry. I couldn’t help myself. Please continue.” Penny says, giggling. Trying desperately to regain her composure.
“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to join Jason Henry Crawford and Penelope Jane Kimber in Holy Matrimony. These two have elected for traditional vows…” She sobers and begins to recite her vows. Her tears are wiped away by my thumbs as I vow to love her forever.
As we walk away from the alter, we take a moment to have our pictures taken.
Our reception is held in one of those huge white tents. When we dance our first dance as husband and wife it is to yet another Keith Urban song. My wife loves Keith Urban. My wife.
“Wife.” I say into her ear as we are dancing close.
“Yes, Husband?” She says as looks up at me.
“You made me the happiest man in the world today.” We are still swaying around the room.
“I am happy too.”
“You are fucking beautiful, but even more so today. You are glowing.”
“Thank you. You are my everything.” She says, looking up at me. There is nothing but adoration in her eyes, that I am humbled.
I won’t remember what food we had or the guests who are here that aren’t family, but I will always remember what she looks like in this moment. She is beautiful and all mine.
We mingle separately among our guest for about an hour, before she makes her way back to me.
“Jace?” She says tapping my shoulder.
“Hi baby. I missed you.” I say kissing her upturned lips.
“Mmm, Me too. Yah know, I am sort of tired.” She says with a wink. “Let’s eat and send everyone on their way. I don’t want to be rude, but I think I could totally fall over now.” She finishes with a little giggle.
“OK, baby. What do you want? I’ll get you a plate.” Loki and Hank are doing a Thai-American fusion buffet. We gave them free reign on the food. The only thing she was adamant about was a Red Velvet. Three-tiered wedding cake. The cake is exactly what she wanted, thankfully. I was surprised to see the groom’s cake was chainsaw shaped. The display was set up like a forest with cupcakes that looked like tree stumps.
“I want some of the Chicken pad-thai I saw and the french fries with mayo.”
“No problem.” French fries and mayo have been her go to craving food. I head over to the buffet table and am waylaid by my father.
“Congratulations, son.” He says, clapping me on the back. Hammond Sr is a little drunk.
“Thanks Dad.”
“You better treat that girl right.”
“Of course, I will, Dad. I love her. I’d do anything for her.”
“See to it that you do. Losing a girl like that a second time, would be very difficult for you.”
“I know, Dad.” We reach the table and I put her requested items on the plate. I try not to cringe at the mayo.
“That is some disgustingness your wife is about to eat.”
“I know, it’s awful.”
“Remember what I said. I am also going to tell you what I told your brothers on their wedding nights.”
“If this is a sex talk, Dad. I think it’s too late. She’s knocked up already.”
“It’s not, smartass. I was going to say that she is always right, even when she is wrong. Also, do not go to bed mad. It will be worse in the morning.”
“Thanks Dad. You should go find Mom. I am pretty sure I saw her double fisting a glass of wine and a bottle of jack.”
“Well, that’s going to suck in the morning.”
I laugh as he practically runs across the room to my mom.
I make my way back to Penny. She is sitting at our table, talking to Kennedy. When she sees me, she lights up?
“Hey Wife. Here is your plate.”
“Are you going to keep calling me that?”
“Yes, I really am. Nothing else seems sufficient. I love you.”
“I was joking Husband. I love it. I love you too, but forgive me, our baby needs to eat.”
“Forgiven, enjoy.” I say as I take the seat next to her.
After the reception, we head home, where I love my wife until the sun comes up. The best part about getting married on a Friday evening, is you have the whole weekend to recover.