Page 56 of Pretty

I hadn’t wanted us to start married life in a home that I shared with my late husband; that house was filled with painful memories after my discovery. This was a fresh start for both of us. I had just entered my second trimester, and we were loving our lives.

Large vases of purple tulips and white orchids were all around the large space, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Sheer white panel curtains hung around the walls creating an intimate setting.

Six rows of chairs on either side of an aisle were decorated with purple chair covers. An arch stood at the end of the aisle with Annabel white fuchsia flowers covering it.

I looked up at my father who beamed at me. “I love you, sweetheart. You did good,” he whispered as we walked down the aisle.

“Thank you, Papa,” I whispered back.

A violinist and a cellist stood behind Drew playing “Turning Page” by Sleeping At Last. I gracefully moved closer to Drew, who was surrounded by his friends Matt and Jason. They stood opposite Chloe and Lauren.

We wanted an intimate ceremony with just our family and closest friends, no spotlight for the media, no celebrity circus. My mother sat on the front row, bawling her eyes out as she watched my father and me draw closer.

When I finally reached Drew, I breathed a sigh of relief. My father placed my hands in Drew’s, and he declared, “They say the second time is the sweetest.”

I looked up at my father and smiled as he and Drew exchanged a look of respect and friendship. They had grown close over the last few months, and they found they had a lot in common. My father felt that he’d truly gained another son.

“How are you feeling, gorgeous?” Drew asked.

“Amazing.” I’d been struggling with morning sickness all morning, and we had been worried that I wouldn’t feel well when the wedding started.

We chose an evening wedding for two reasons: We met in the evening, and we wanted the morning sickness to not be an issue when it was time for the ceremony.

“You feel like getting married?”

“Nothing could stop me from becoming Mrs. Andrew Nicholas Jennings.”

“That’s all I need to hear. Let’s do this, baby.”

With a wide beam on his face, Drew turned us toward the minister.

“You two look lovely standing here today. With all the love in your hearts surrounding you and shining on your faces, I know that God’s favor is on this day. You have chosen to join your lives together under the blessing of His grace and mercy. You are surrounded by family and friends, and you have altered traditional vows only slightly.”

Pastor Mickelson continued speaking just as my mouth watered a little. Nerves trembled in my belly, and fear had my heart in a grip. Not now. God, please don’t let me get sick now.

Pastor Mickelson advised us to say our vows, and I was struggling to hold it together. It didn’t stop me from listening to everything Drew had to say, though.

“Jolie Anouk, I’ve lived life on my own terms for a while. When I tried to make a change from the man I was to the man I should be, it didn’t work. It didn’t work because it was a forced situation. I know that this relationship, this bond you and I share, is God ordained because everything is flowing as it should, Pretty. With you, I have no fear of being used, taken advantage of, or not truly appreciated. You know me, and you see me for who I am beyond the lights, the fans, the awards, and the accolades. You see the man.

“Today, I stand here before God, our family, friends, and Pastor Mickelson, and I vow to always cherish, respect, honor, and love you. You encourage me in my faith, you strengthen me when I’m weak, and you bring out the best in me. I look forward to a lifetime of love, laughter, joy, and adventure with you, Pretty. I will be your protector, your provider, and your⁠—”

Warmth flushed my face, and Drew rushed from my side. I pressed my hands to my mouth, but before anything came out, Drew was there, like he always was. He held an empty gold receptacle up to me while he rubbed my back.

“I’m okay,” I finally mumbled after several seconds when nothing happened.

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

After the nausea passed, I felt a warmth of embarrassment coat my face. He gripped my chin, and he stared into my eyes. “I love you, every part of you, Pretty. I don’t want you feeling bad, because I can see that you do. What you’re going through is just a beautiful manifestation of the life we created in your body—the beginning of our forever. Breathe it out.”

My sister shoved a couple of peppermints into my hand, and I popped one quickly.

“Thanks, Chlo-Glo,” I stated, calling her by her nickname.

“You’re welcome, sis.” She smiled compassionately at me.

Drew lifted my head. “Hey, beautiful. I love you.”