A violin played “Here Comes the Bride” as we stood with our family and friends at John Baptist Church. It also happened to be the same place my aunt and uncle got married. We both loved the sentimental value to it and when we thought of it, there was no way anything else was acceptable. It was meant to be.
Once she took my hands at the end of the aisle, my heart skipped a beat. How was I so lucky to have this woman committing to be my wife? I was afraid it was a dream, that was too good to be true, and I was going to wake up any moment now.
Breigh, in her usual style, sensed my uncertainty and moved close to me to whisper. She didn't care who was going to see it. “I’m the lucky one,” she said softly and then smiled.
“Now it’s time for you to become my husband.”
My nerves released and I could breathe again.
Thank God. And I mean quite literally.
Thank you, God, for creating and sending this woman to me.
BREIGH
Walking down the aisle to my future husband was something I hadn't envisioned would be happening so soon. I had built a wall so thick and made of stone, I didn't think it would be possible to break through, but Wyatt did. It wasn't because he said all the right things—well—he did a lot of the time, but it was because of the perfect timing, and the love I felt for him. The love, respect, and trust. I had never had that in a man before.
Wyatt had proposed to me at Kellye Joe’s when we went dancing. He had taken me for a night out since we hadn’t been out in ages. Since we’d lost Rhonda, he had been working madly and the same for me. We were together any free moment. We had begun staying together at night which allowed us to comfort each other.
He was holding me on the dance floor after confessing his love for me, and then got down on his knee, right in the middle of the wooden floor. People stopped around us, as well as the band. He asked me to be his wife, and I had never been so willing to do anything in my entire life.
Today, as I was staring at myself in the mirror placed against a wall in the room where I was getting ready, I looked at the way the dress fit my body and the ring he had given me that night, promising me a forever. I didn’t want to forget the way I felt right this very moment. My best friend and my grammy by my side and the love I felt for each of them here on my special day.
Grammy and Emma had helped me get ready and we shared a glass of champagne.
“You know, sweet girl, I had thought of this day many times in your life, but I had never envisioned it being as perfect as it is. Everything is perfect outside, but it can’t compare to the love I see between the two of you. I hope you know how special that is.”
“I do. I really do. You had a big part in showing me what to expect and wait for.”
“You can’t fake real love; you can’t fake the feelings when a man completely consumes your heart and soul, yet still allows you to be the woman you are.”
Emma stood and looked at herself beside me in the mirror. “You are a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you.” I turned to her, acknowledging without words we both thought that she would be the one walking down the aisle before me. She had always wanted to get married. I did too, but I wasn't so sure that I ever would find the one I would be looking for.
Emma, on the other hand, knew she would.
“It will happen… I know exactly what you are thinking, Emma. It just hasn't happened yet,” I said to reassure her.
“Let’s not talk about me. This is your day.” But I could see the hurt in her eyes.
I shook my head agreeing with her.
“Now, let’s get you married,” she said and began making sure my dress was laying perfectly as it should.
I didn't spend a lot of time on my dress searching. I found one at the second place I looked; it was modestly priced, and I paired it with a pair of bride boots. I wanted a beautiful dress, and I got that.
Emma wore a simple black dress that flowed perfectly and made her feel like a princess.
Grammy refused to buy a new dress, wanting to only spend money on me, but did wear a dress that looked brand-new.
She held my hand and walked me down the aisle. Like so many times in the past she was my strength, holding me steady as I walked down the matrimony aisle for the first and last time.
As we reached the end where Wyatt was standing, she whispered one thing and then kissed my cheek. “Enjoy this very moment, my darling.”
She then went to sit on the front row and observed us.
Emma stood beside me and Wyatt had Kevin standing beside him.
After traditional vows and a few add-ins from Wyatt and me, we returned down the aisle as man and wife. His black jacket accompanied his pressed blue jeans, boots, and the white shirt fit his arms perfectly, shaping his muscles.
My face hurt from smiling and my heart was so full I didn't think I would ever feel this much joy
