Chapter 34
Rafael stood with me in the bridal room awaiting our cue. I looked in the mirror thinking back to how I thought this day would be when I was eighteen. I pictured my mom fussing over my hair and veil and my dad walking me down the aisle.
I knew my mom probably wanted to be here but her co-dependence on my father was her life, and I just couldn’t accept an insincere apology. They walked away from me after taking away the most important person in my life. And for what?
Rafael broke into my thoughts looking at me with a smile. “You look magnificent. Antonio really outdid himself this time.”
“He really did, didn’t he?”
Antonio had designed and made my wedding dress. It was a V-neck, silk sheath dress with silk buttons up the back and a simple flower at the waist, exactly what I wanted. My hair was in a side bun with a flower hairpiece to match the flower on the dress. I’d asked Rafael to give me away since I’d decided not to allow my father here to ruin everything. He’d never change, but I could and would.
“Before we go out there, I want to say I’m honored to walk you down the aisle.” Rafael kissed my cheek. “I can’t believe a few months ago I was taking you to a shrink daily about your man, and now you’re ready to marry him. I’m so glad it all worked out and you two are finally together.”
I tried not to cry and mess up my makeup. “Thank you, Rafael. Thank you for always being there for me, for being such a good friend.”
“Oh stop it, you’re going to make me cry.” He dabbed the corner of his eyes.
My sister opened the door. “It’s time.”
I took Rafael’s arm and we stepped out to the entry of the chapel. We’d chosen Pioneer Chapel in north Phoenix to get married and have the reception. Magnificent and small, the white chapel was exactly what we were looking for.
I didn’t have to do anything for the ceremony. Rafael and Antonio planned the entire wedding. The music began and Javier’s sister, Karla, led the way followed by Dawn, Javi and then my dearest friend Veronica as my maid of honor. The wedding march started. Rafael and I walked down the short aisle of the chapel.
The moment I caught Javier’s gaze, I was mesmerized, no longer aware of the people around me. He was the most amazing man I’d ever known. He looked incredibly handsome in his black suit and red tie. Ricardo stood next to him followed by his brother, Luis and Dawn’s husband, Bradley.
I smiled at Javier and melted as he smiled back. I’d loved him since the first day I saw him putting gas into his Camaro and I loved him more with each passing day. As we stepped up to the altar, Rafael kissed my cheek and gave my hand to Javier. He left my side and took his seat near Antonio and Javier’s parents.
Light streamed through the stained glass and I felt at that moment we were truly blessed by God, truly meant to be together. I made a silent promise to God at that moment. I promised to take care of Javier, to love him and never leave his side. When it was time to say our vows, Javi brought up the rings. The priest took them and blessed them.
Javier turned to me repeated after the priest as he slipped the ring on my finger. “I, Javier Vicente Fuentes, take you Kayla Marie Johnson, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.”
“I, Kayla Marie Johnson, take you Javier Vicente Fuentes, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.” I slipped the ring on his finger and couldn’t help, but smile brightly.
“By the power vested upon me by the state of Arizona, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Javier held both of my hands as he leaned over and gave me a tender kiss. We lingered there for a moment and we heard Ricardo clear his throat. Everyone started giggling and we stopped and looked at each other, smiling. Javier winked at me and I laughed.
The priest said a final prayer for us, and then introduced us as Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes. The chapel erupted in cheers and we led the way out of the chapel bringing Javi with us.
The reception was out on the grounds and our guests made their way to get something to drink and mingle before dinner. We only had fifty guests but it was just what we wanted. I looked at the lights and the candles being lit. It was the most beautiful and elegant reception I’d ever seen.
Antonio and Rafael approached us as I admired the party. “Oh my God, Kayla, my eyes are going to be puffy for a week from all my blubbering.” Rafael hugged me again and Antonio cut in.
“Let someone else near the bride, Rafael.” Antonio kissed my cheek. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“Thank you.”
I noticed a lovely young woman standing near Antonio. He turned as he began his introduction. “I want you to meet Elena Ortiz. She is a designer as well and helped us put this all together.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for your help. Everything is absolutely beautiful.” I reached out to shake her hand.
“Thank you and congratulations. This has given me some fabulous ideas for my brother’s wedding next year.”
“Are weddings your specialty?”
“Oh God, no. I’m a custom home designer, but I’d do anything for Antonio.” Her Spanish accent was thick as she explained. “I’ll need his help for my brother’s wedding.”
I couldn’t help but to notice how stunningly beautiful and confident she was, almost a little snobbish. “Well, thank you again and enjoy yourself this evening.”
“Thank you, I will.” She turned to get a drink at the bar.
Antonio was right behind her, never leaving her side.
“That woman is so demanding, but she is freaking brilliant.” Rafael watched them as they walked away.
I looked at him and laughed. “More brilliant than me?”
“Of course not, darling. I better go get my man before she changes his mind about women.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Rafael.”
“Welcome to the family, mi hija.” Javier’s mother said giving me a kiss and a hug followed by his father.
“Thank you.” I said hugging and kissing them back.
“We will have a party at the house when you return from Hawaii. That guest house could use some company.”
Javier was next to me and his laughter boomed. Certainly his parents didn’t know we were in there but Javier and I knew that was our hiding place.
My sister came up and hugged me. “Congratulations, sis.”
“Thank you.”
“Where’s the honeymoon?”
“Hawaii.”
“That sounds wonderful. How long will you be gone?”
“A week.”
“Is Javi going to stay with Javier’s parents?”
“Just for tonight, then he is coming with us.”
“You’re taking him on your honeymoon?”
“Yep. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
We were signaled to sit for dinner. It was a whirlwind of food and dancing for the rest of the evening after that.
A few hours later, Javier took me by the hand and led me off the dance floor. “It’s time to go.”
I smiled at him, looking forward to the rest of the evening alone with him. “Is Javi okay? Does he know we’re leaving?”
“He's fine. He's with my mom and knows we will get him tomorrow.”
“How are your parents getting to your house?”
“Ricardo and Veronica are taking everyone. They're all staying there.”
“Okay, then I'm ready.”
He gave me a long and lingering kiss and people clapped at our display of affection.
“I love you, Javier Fuentes.”
“I have always loved you, Kayla Fuentes and I always will.”