Of course, there was that one percent chance it would all work out in the end, but I couldn’t let myself hope for that.
It had taken every ounce of strength I had to push him away yesterday, and it would be even harder today. When he ran after me at the rehearsal dinner, I’d wanted to throw myself at him and beg him to choose me over his dream for biological children, but that wouldn’t have been fair. I loved him enough to let him go.
“Don’t look so mournful, princess,” he said, brushing his knuckles over my cheek. “We’ll have that talk later, and I’ll make you smile again.”
I wanted so badly to believe that meant something, but I was afraid to put my heart out there and have it crushed.
Still, as the pianist completed a lovely medley and began playing, Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach, my spirits lifted and hope found its way inside my chest despite my efforts to squelch it.
The other members of the wedding party paired up, and each took their turn walking down the aisle. Clay and I were the last ones to reach the front. Hunter stood just below the pulpit, beaming at the small crowd who waited to see this marriage take place. Many of Sabrina’s friends had flown in for the wedding, and quite a bit of Hunter’s friends and family were there as well.
Because it was two days before Christmas, a huge wreath hung on the wall above the pulpit made of pine branches with tiny white lights embedded in it. A big red bow sat at the top, looking festive.
When the pianist began playing Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, everyone stood to their feet and Sabrina walked down the aisle, escorted by her father. She was a vision of loveliness, her countenance glowing, a broad smile on her face, her eyes fixed on Hunter as if he were the only man in the room.
The pastor’s sermon was short, and we were all thankful for that since we had to stand through it, but he admonished the couple to honor the Lord in their love for each other by making a lifelong commitment. Sabrina and Hunter said their vows and then they exchanged rings.
I’d known Sabrina would tear up, but I hadn’t been prepared for Hunter to get as sentimental as he did. It was written all over his face: he truly loved her.
The pastor finally declared them man and wife, and then Hunter bent down and kissed Sabrina possessively. They kissed so long that everyone clapped and cheered, and then they exited the church to Vivaldi’s “Allegro” from Spring, The Four Seasons. We all followed after them, rejoicing that it was a done deal and we could now celebrate.
The reception was held at the church in a back room that had been decorated with streams of tulle across the ceiling and tiny white lights, forming a curtain against the front wall. The meal of chicken, rice, and green vegetables was simple but delicious, and the cake was exceptional. Sabrina and Hunter had chosen a chocolate cake with a raspberry cream filling, and it was to die for.
Somehow, by God’s grace, I managed to remain positive and enjoy the reception. There were moments when I thought about the talk Clay and I would have afterward, and my stomach would flip-flop, but I kept it together for the most part and even danced a couple of times. That was not something I normally did, but I pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone.
Towards the end, all the single ladies were told to stand behind Sabrina while she tossed her bouquet. There were a bunch of teenage girls, along with a few women in their twenties and thirties. I was the oldest one out there, but I didn’t care. I thought it was hilarious when several women playfully shoved each other out of the way to get the best spot. I decided it didn’t matter to me, so I stood by myself in the back so the others could move front and center.
Sabrina flung her bouquet, and it sailed through the air and landed right in my arms. My mouth dropped open, and I gasped, laughter pouring out of me. I’d never caught the bouquet, and here it was in my hands on a day like this. It was funny since I hadn’t tried and so many others had gone out of their way to get the coveted bouquet. I wasn’t superstitious at all, so I didn’t for one second believe it meant I was getting married next. But the pink and white roses were gorgeous, so I was happy to take ownership.
We threw confetti at the newlyweds as they ran to Hunter’s vehicle and left for their honeymoon. They were staying at a hotel in Homer for the night and then driving to Anchorage the following day to catch a flight to Tahiti.
Clay walked over, and there was a determination in his gait that alerted me to the fact that he meant business. “You ready for that talk?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
He glanced around at all the wedding guests. “There isn’t much privacy here. Let’s go back to my place.”
“Sure.”
I let my mom know that Clay and I were leaving, and she smiled and told me to have fun. She knew we’d had our ups and downs, and I was grateful she wasn’t reading into it.
I’d driven with my parents, so Clay said he’d take me home
