My stomach rolled uneasily as I walked down the aisle. Gabe looked so handsome, standing there in his crisp dress uniform. He stood sure and proud on two feet.

The look on his face was almost comical. He looked like he was seeing a mirage. His eyes travelled down my body and back up again. He looked absolutely stunned.

Well, it was only the second time he’d seen me in a dress.

He looked kind of relieved to see me too. For a minute, I wondered if he had thought I was going to run out on him again. My heart melted at the thought.

I knew he didn’t want to leave me this morning.

As magical as this moment was, I would be relieved if I made it through the ceremony without vomiting. Like I’d been doing all freaking day.

Don’t throw up. Don’t throw up. Don’t throw up.

I’d pretty much been a puke machine since I woke up. In between getting fitted into my dress, getting my hair done, sipping weak tea and oh yeah, dry heaving.

But I was smiling all the same.

The reason why was wrapped in a paper towel, sitting in the hotel bathroom.

A pregnancy test.

And it was positive.

The judge kept the ceremony short and sweet. He spoke about the sanctity of marriage and the love he could see between us. I blushed as Gabe said his vows loud and true. I raised my voice when it was my turn.

Then it was over.

“I now pronounce you man and wife.”

Just like that. We were married.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Gabe’s eyes were hungry and he pulled me close and cupped my face. Then he lowered his face to mine and our lips met. Our first kiss as man and wife. It was lingering and sweet and tender.

Then he squeezed my bottom and I jumped.

“Gabe!”

He grinned at me.

“What? No one noticed that.”

I was giggling as we walked down the aisle together and outside to take the wedding photos. Someone handed me a glass of champagne. I handed it to Gabe and he downed it.

Our little party took off at full swing. We talked with the guests as people danced a little and ate and drank. Then we all sat down for a meal.

Jackie and Lyle stood up to make their toasts. Lyle went first.

“Gabe has always been the sort of person who looked out for his buddies. He’s a stand up guy and I’m so happy that Tabitha finally gave him the time of day. He only waited ten years to seal the deal.” He winked. “I said he was reliable, not fast.” Everyone laughed. “My congratulations to the happy couple.”

Gabe clapped louder than anyone else.

Then it was Jackie’s turn. She held up her glass and I waited, suddenly nervous.

“Tabitha is one of the best people I know. She’s always been there for me, no matter what. And now I’m so glad she has someone there for her too.”

Everyone applauded. And then Jackie said something that made me cover my face in embarrassment.

“Oh and Gabe, she always had a crush on you too.”

Gabe grinned and pulled me in to kiss my neck. I couldn’t even look at him. I felt like that same sixteen year old girl, pining for the star football player.

Except that now, I got to go home with him. Wherever that home may be.

Not long after the cake we snuck away. Jackie and Lyle were at the bar, flirting. It was almost comical to see them together. He was a big lug and she was a tiny little thing. But I had to admit, there was something about it that worked.

Gabe carried me over the threshold into our suite. He reached for me, trying to give me a kiss. I waved him off and pulled out my surprise.

Gabe’s eyes were wide as I unfolded the paper towel. The little blue plus sign was unmistakable. He stared at my hand, then back at my face, then back at my hand.

“Is that what I think it is?”

I nodded and his face broke out into the biggest smile I’d ever seen on the man. He was usually somewhat reserved, but now he was almost giddy.

He picked me up and spun me around, kissing me soundly.

As soon as he put me down again though, I covered my mouth.

“Oh no. Should I not have done that?”

I was so dizzy, I felt like I might tip over. He grabbed my arm to steady me.

“Are you okay?”

I ran into the bathroom and threw up. It’s a good thing I hadn’t eaten much at the party. I rinsed my mouth out and pressed my cool hands to my face.

“Tabby?”

“I’m okay. It comes on real fast and then it passes just as quickly.”

“So, no roller coaster rides.”

“Probably not.”

He started peeling off his clothes.

“You just relax baby. We’ll get some ginger ale and I’ll be real gentle.”

“Gentle?”

He smiled and slipped his hands under my dress.

“It’s bad luck not to do it on your wedding night.”

My eyes got wide as he led me back into the bedroom. The bed was covered in rose petals. He went to the bar and came back with a cup of ginger ale. I sipped it gratefully.

“You sure you are okay, sweetheart?”

“I’m okay.”

He guided me down onto the flowers.

He lied about one thing though.

He wasn’t gentle.