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The officiant steps through the arch, and Colton and I take our places in front of her.
“Are you okay?” Colton whispers.
Nodding, I lift the hem of my dress to reveal my bare feet. “My shoe got stuck in the grass,” I murmur with a half smile.
His eyes sparkle with laughter, and his smile widens. “You’re breathtaking either way.”
My heart booms like a firework in my chest, and I’m surprised the sonic burst hasn’t caused a tsunami already. I offer Colton a feeble smile and turn to the officiant, trying my best to concentrate on her words.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in matrimony.”
That’s it. This is happening. If I had listened to my heart, I wouldn’t be here right now. Not because I don’t love Colton, but precisely because I do. I would have chosen to safeguard my heart. But my brain is making me stay, making me smile as we listen to the beautiful speech the officiant prepared, making me laugh at the jokes she makes. Ironic how the contract I thought would protect me has done the exact opposite.
“Colton,” she says solemnly, and my mouth goes dry. “Do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”
His Adam’s apple bobs before he opens his mouth. I try to concentrate on that, but his gaze sucks me in. His eyes are intense as ever, seemingly trying to decipher what’s going on in my brain. A futile attempt, as I’m not even sure myself. Finally, he utters, “I do.”
“Jane,” the officiant says, turning to me. “Do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”
A cloud falls over Colton’s eyes as I take my time to answer. To consider all the implications of these two little words. But there is only one answer. The truth. “I do.”
The officiant turns back to Colton, as if what just happened wasn’t absolutely massive and didn’t require an intermission. “Repeat after me,” she says. “I, Colton Green, take you, Jane, to be my wife.”
Colton surprises me, taking my hands into his as he repeats after her.
She continues, “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer.”
His gaze remains trained on me as he repeats each word, and I do my best to let them brush past my brain and not imprint. Because as real as it feels, I know it’s not.
“In sickness and in health,” she continues. “To love and to cherish, till death do us part.”
“Now, Jane,” she says, and I practically jolt. I didn’t even realize he was done. I was so entrapped by the intensity in his eyes, I forgot where we were.
Swallowing hard, I repeat the lines as I would any other script, but with as much detachment as possible. Not easy when you mean every word.
When the last of the sacred promises leave my lips, the officiant turns to Colton. “You may kiss the bride.”
I don’t have time to prepare. Colton’s hand is already caressing my cheek, drawing me closer to him. His deep woodsy cologne mingles with the salty aroma coming off the ocean, and the combination is making me dizzy. His lips brush mine, softly at first, but then more demanding. Mine are just as desperate, forgetting every stupid barrier and rule I set in place. Our tongues become entangled, and I never knew a kiss could be this fantastic. Fireworks could be shooting in the sky for all I know.
When we break apart, our eyes meet for a second. I expect a questioning look on his part, wondering why I broke my own rule, but he just smiles, and his dimples finish me off.
That’s it, I’m doomed.
30
Dreams & Nightmares
Colton
I don’t deserve her. Jane is so precious, so perfect, and I’m a big fat liar. I hate myself for it.
I was one step away from saying no when the officiant asked if I wanted to take Jane to be my wife. It would have been the right thing to do, but all I could say was, “I do.” Because it’s the truth, and I am not a liar. Ironic, isn’t it?
Now, I’m stuck between being the happiest man on earth and loathing myself for ruining this day for us.
The toasts are wrapping up, and I wasn’t even paying attention.
“So,” Wade finishes, his glass raised, “I’m ecstatic that my oldest friend finally found someone to share his life with. I wish you both a long and happy life together. Cheers.”
