Page 118 of Axton
She placed her hands in mine, and we stood in front of God and everyone we loved as we promised an eternity together as husband and wife.
Belle
I smeared cake in his face, then tried to escape before he caught me. I was laughing too hard because of the look on his face. Instead of smearing it on my face, he kissed me. I loved it when he laughed through the kiss. Michael’s laugh was contagious when I heard it, just like his smiles, and his humor. He could take a bad day and flip it into a good one in less than a second. That was what I had to look forward to for the rest of my life.
The photographer snapped one photo after another of us, hopefully capturing all the joy we were feeling in that moment. When he lifted his head, both of our faces had icing smeared all over them. Then, I wiped away what was on his face, and he did the same for me. We took care of each other, and balanced each other because we both had strengths and weaknesses.
Unlike the movies where a wedding reception was held at a lavish hotel ballroom, ours was at the local VFW hall. Morgan and her mother turned it into a beautiful venue with flowers, candles, and dancing lights. Every wall and the ceiling had a satin backdrop, with dancing lighted stars coming from several projectors. Every table had candles and bouquets of flowers in the most creamy soft colors.
My husband was as handsome as ever in his fitted tux, my friends wore the most beautiful dresses, and so far Addie kept her cool with Weston.
The fried chicken was an interesting choice. That also wasn’t what I saw in the movies, but everyone seemed to be super excited about it. Especially Morgan, who made sure all the guests only took two pieces so there would be leftovers.
We drank champagne, spoke with our guests, and I adored his mother’s family. I couldn’t wait to visit them in Charleston.
I threw my bouquet, which hit Kayla in the face, and Michael’s cousin Trent caught the garter. It was already the best day of my life, and the music hadn’t even started yet.
Everyone was having the time of their lives dancing when the DJ started the music. All of my bridesmaids took me to the dance floor, and we laughed as they showed me how to fast dance. The hall was packed with people, and I had never been in one place where there were so many smiles and bursts of laughter.
Then our song came on, and Michael’s new shiny platinum band shined on his finger. As we danced, he sang the song My Girl to me between kisses. I was so lost in his eyes as he smiled down at me.
“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day.”
He dipped me and I laughed.
“I’ve got a sweeter song, than the birds in the trees. Well, I guess you’d say, What can make me feel this way? My girl, my girl, my girl Talkin’ ‘bout my girl, my girl”
I laughed again when he swung me back up and planted his lips on mine.
The bridal party dance started, and Michael and I both laughed when Addie pulled Steph’s little boy by the collar to thedancefloor. The poor boy tried to escape, but Addie wasn’t having it. She whispered something in his ear, and I saw a flash of fear just before I saw defeat written all over his face and he gave in.
“How much do you want to bet those were not gold star worthy words?” Michael chuckled.
“I think we both know the answer to that.”
In the month since Michael proposed, our bond grew stronger. I became more independent, and he was my biggest supporter. I couldn’t wait until we left the reception for the hotel in Louisville. We knew the time had finally come when we heard the helicopter land in the ball field behind the VFW. Every single operative and Original stood forming two lines as they saluted Michael who carried me to that helicopter. I was nervous because I had never been on one, but my husband buckled me in safely then sat next to me as he held my hand. He pointed out the window and that was when fireworks shot off while our friends and families waved us off from down below.
“Not bad for a month of planning.” Michael squeezed my hand.
“That’s what happens when you have an entire community rallying for us.” I pecked his lips.
When we got to the hotel, Michael carried me over the threshold into our suite. I had everything I needed, including the gift I had for Michael.
“I’ve seen more flowers on this one day than in my entire life.” He sat me down on my feet then pecked my lips before he took off his jacket then started on his tie. I looked at each card in the flowers and didn’t know anyone that sent them, but I recognized one name.
Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness. Faye
I may have let out an internal growl, but didn’t say anything, just went to my handbag and grabbed the envelope I had in it for Michael. The prospects loaded all our luggage and everything we needed and dropped it all off earlier in the day. I turned and Michael was looking at me like he was about to devour me. I smiled and took a few steps closer then handed him the envelope.
“What’s this?” He asked.
“Just a little wedding gift from Creed’s Lake to you.”
He opened the envelope and pulled out the letter. His eyes grew as he read it. “Flight school?”
I wrapped my arms around him. “It’s time, Michael. We might be husband and wife, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have dreams and goals of your own.”
The letter fell from his hand as the other hand cradled my face. “What is a man to do when he has found all he ever needed?” He studied my eyes.
