Chapter 31

Casey

I stared at myself in the full-length mirror and wished more than anything that my mother could see me on my wedding day. I had the same pit in my stomach that I’d had the night of my first date, and the day of my high school graduation, and that I was sure I’d have the day I gave birth to my baby girl. There were some things a girl just needed her mom for, and her wedding day was surely one of them. I told myself that my mom would be happy for me, and that she wouldn’t want me fretting over her on my big day.

Instead, I redirected my focus to the beautiful dress that was draped over my body. My dress was everything I’d ever dreamed of, and just as perfect as it had been when I had picked it out with Liana. My bump was slightly larger than it had been a month earlier, but, considering I was about to burst, I was thrilled with how it looked. The dress reminded me of my relationship with Alexander—fun and unexpected, but also classic and timeless.

“Well, don’t you look breathtaking?” I heard a voice behind me say. I turned to see Alexander’s mother standing in the doorway.

“Thanks,” I said quietly, trying to hold back my tears.

Lynn walked over to me and wrapped me in a hug. “Oh, sweetie, don’t cry. You’re going to ruin your makeup. It looks perfect!” She handed me a handkerchief.

I dabbed under my eyes and looked back over to the mirror to make sure that none of my eyeliner or mascara had budged. “Thanks,” I replied. “One of the interns at Alexander’s company does makeup on the side.”

“Well it doesn’t hurt that she had a gorgeous face to work with.” Lynn took my hand in hers. “I’m so thrilled Alexander found you.”

“Me too,” I whispered.

“Well, I’ll let you finish getting ready.” I thanked Lynn and turned back to the mirror as soon as she left. I was grateful that she’d come to visit, and that she was so clearly trying to make up for the fact that something was missing for me on this important day. Unfortunately, it was something that couldn’t be replaced or mended. Alexander had his parents and siblings and aunts and uncles and cousins. I had no parents, no siblings, and only three distant cousins I’d invited out of obligation. Casey, it’s your wedding day, I told myself. Stop focusing on the negatives. You’re about to marry the love of your life and have the wedding of your dreams. I reminded myself that Alexander’s family, his wonderful, incredible family, would soon be my family, and that we were just a few weeks away from starting a family of our own.

Liana came into the bridal suite and complimented every part of me, from my makeup to my shoes. She sure knew how to make a girl feel better. After carefully placing my veil atop my head, she told me that it was almost time for the processional to start. It was time to become a wife.

I listened from the side doors to try to figure out what was happening inside the hall. Alexander and I had decided to keep things simple, with a small wedding party. Liana was my matron of honor, Emily was my maid of honor, and Connor and Patrick were Alexander’s best men. We’d figured it was best to keep the wedding party intimate to avoid offending anyone, and also because a ten-person wedding party at a fifty-person wedding just seemed to be too much.

Through a crack in the door, I watched as Liana walked down in her violet dress, accompanied by Patrick. When they were three-quarters of the way down the aisle, Emily and Connor followed. I had told Liana and Emily that they could wear whatever they wanted within the realm of purple, but, as usual, they’d gone above and beyond. They wore matching tea-length dresses, with a sweetheart neckline and ruffles on the bottom. I was proud to have those two standing beside me.

Finally, it was my turn to make my entrance. The wedding coordinator straightened my veil and motioned to me to start making my way down the aisle. The walk down was much more emotional than I had expected. On both sides of me, standing in admiration, were members of my new family, a few members of my remaining family, and friends who cared enough to spend our special day with us. I smiled at my cousin Sandra as she dabbed her under-eye area with a tissue, and made eye contact with Dr. Leonard and Dr. Rodriguez, who we’d decided should be part of our special day. They were unknowingly the ones who had brought us together.

The fifty feet from the door to the altar were overwhelming, to say the least. Factor in the traditional wedding song being played by the pianist, and I was fighting back tears by the time I had a clear view of Alexander. He was perfect, standing there in his tuxedo even more handsome-looking than he’d been when I’d last seen him an hour earlier. In the front row, Alexander’s mother was already in tears by the time I reached her and her husband. They both looked at me with such sincere smiles that I looked up at the ceiling and thanked God once again for bringing me to their family.

I handed my bouquet to Liana and joined hands with Alexander. I hadn’t known him to be the emotional type, but even he had tears forming in the corner of his eyes. “You look beautiful,” he whispered.

“Friends and family,” the officiant began, motioning to everyone to take their seat. Since neither of us were religious, we’d opted for a nondenominational wedding, and I’d worked with the officiant to take pieces from different ceremonies to create the perfect ceremony for Alexander and me.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Alexander Preston and Casey Donohue. The bride and groom would like to thank you all for coming to join in their special day. In addition to being a time of celebration, weddings are also a time to remember those who are no longer with us. Today, and every day, we remember Joanna Donohue, Casey’s beloved mother, who we all wish could be here today.” Alexander squeezed my hand for support as I fought back tears. “We also remember Gerald and Irene Preston, grandparents of the groom, who passed away several years ago.” I squeezed his hand right back. “At this time, the groom would like to share the vows that he has written for his bride.”

Oh boy. I knew the waterworks were about to start. If the letter Alexander had given to me earlier in the day was any indication of what his vows were going to be like, I could kiss my perfect eye makeup goodbye.

“Casey, it’s hard to put into words what you mean to me,” Alexander said. “You came into my life at the most unexpected time and brought me a new sense of purpose. You give me something to look forward to each day, and you give me a reason to always want to be a better version of myself.” Alexander choked on the words and paused momentarily. “You mean more to me than anything in this world. That adorable giggle of yours is music to my ears, and your smile brightens up my whole day. I believe with all of my heart that fate brought us together because we were meant to be. I promise to be the best husband I can to you, and the best father I can to our baby girl. You are my best friend, my soulmate, and my forever. I love you.”

Alexander placed a gentle kiss on my cheek as I tried to compose myself long enough to make it through my own vows. Looking out into the crowd, I knew I wasn’t the only one moved by Alexander’s words. Even the friends and family members who had doubted our relationship had tears rolling down their cheeks.

“Now, the bride would like to share her vows she has written for her groom,” the officiant said.

I drew in a deep breath. “Alexander, life with you is always an adventure,” I began, trying to mask the shakiness in my voice. “From the day I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were something special. From the day I first spoke to you, I knew you were meant for me. You’ve become my best friend, the person I love spending my days with, the one I could never grow tired of. I grew up without a family of my own, without Christmases, and birthday celebrations, and kisses good night. With you, and with your family, I have found a family. I love everything about you. I love the way you crinkle your nose when you’re uncertain about something. I love the way you put others first, even when it means you have to make a sacrifice. I love how you’re not afraid to work hard and play harder. You’ve opened my eyes to a whole new world, and I can’t wait for many more years of adventures to come.”

I exhaled, relieved that my vows were finally spoken. I’d gotten pretty good at holding back tears over the years, but holding back tears while speaking was a completely different story. Alexander flashed a perfect smile at me and mouthed “I love you.”

The officiant took a step forward. “And, now, it is time to make the sacred commitment. Alexander, repeat after me.” He paused. “I, Alexander.”

“I, Alexander.”

“Take thee, Casey.”

“Take thee, Casey.”

“To be my lawfully wedded wife.”

“To be my lawfully wedded wife.”

“In sickness and in health.”

“In sickness and in health.”

“For richer and for poorer.”

“For richer and for poorer.”

“Till death do us part.”

Alexander’s voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke the final words. “Till death do us part.”

My eyes found Alexander’s as I recited my commitment. My vision was clouded with tears by the time I got to, “Till death do us part.”

“By the power vested in me by the state of Georgia, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant said. He paused to let it sink in. “You may now kiss your bride.”

Before I knew what was happening, Alexander swept me off my feet and dipped me in his arms, laying a perfect kiss on my lips. I stood there, frozen and amazed, as our guests applauded. I’d never seen so many proud, smiling faces in my life. It was a beautiful sight to see. As I tried to soak it all in, Alexander nudged me to follow Liana and Patrick down the aisle. I shook hands and gave quick hugs to everyone in my path as I tried my best not to trip over my dress.

I was married. The man next to me was my husband. I knew in my heart that, with our vows and the sweet looks we gave one another, we’d even convinced those who’d doubted us that we were meant to be.