No one told me where to put my hands.
When we took my annual birthday trip last year, I planned to propose to my best friend and love of my life. I scoured the internet for days in search of the perfect spot to ask Sam to be my wife. Minus my momentary freak-out, the proposal went off without a hitch.
After we left Cannon Beach, I hoped one day to return. Not only is the town fun and eclectic and pleasant, it now holds wonderful memories. Memories I will never forget.
Today, Sam and I are adding to those memories.
As we sat down to plan our wedding, I hadn’t expected for it to be in the same town where I proposed. When Sam suggested the idea, I’d answered with a resounding yes. From that point forward, everything flowed seamlessly as we planned our big day. And with luck on our side, we were also able to reserve the same cottage.
Sam rounds the corner of the house along the patio, her elbow hooked on Mom’s arm. And damn… she steals the breath from my lungs. Tears sting the backs of my eyes as I take her in.
My wife. My forever.
The halter bust of her dress is woven lace while the floor-length skirt floats over the earth and behind her. Her dark locks are secured in a low, messy bun above the nape of her neck while a few straggler strands wisp over her cheeks. Makeup soft and neutral and just enough to highlight her already beautiful features.
Without effort, she stuns me with her ethereal appearance. My heart beats, beats, beats against my sternum as I memorize this moment. Take mental photographs of this gorgeous woman. A woman that will be by my side forever.
Three more steps and Sam stands across from me at the altar. Mom unhooks her elbow from Sam then takes her seat in the front row next to Ma. After a deep inhale, I lock eyes with Sam and everyone else disappears. In this moment, it is only me and her and the minister—but I tune his words out too.
“I love you,” I mouth to Sam.
“Love you too.”
The next blip of time is a blur. Sam and I speak when we are supposed to, say our I dos, and add the most precious pieces of jewelry to our fingers. Cheers erupt around us as the minister pronounces us husband and wife. A few snarky comments hit the air when I kiss Sam like no one is here—not that I care. She’smywife and I will kiss her how I want to.
As the wedding ends and the reception begins, we all let go. Party like we always would and not in a stuffy formal way. The only difference is the awesome food spread and an incredible cake.
Congratulations are shared and a mountain of gifts are opened from family and friends. Aunt Sarah, Uncle Jackson, and my two little cousins, Alexandria and Anderson. Aunt Christy, Uncle Rick, Aunt Ella, and Uncle Thomas. Grandma and Grandpa Warren as well as Grandma and Grandpa Page. Ms. Lewis and Dr. Long from Lewis House.
So much love in one place. Love I am eternally grateful to have from each of them. Without them, who knows where Sam and I would be today. If we would be who we are today. Safe and happy and loved. And with each other.
“Time for cake,” Ma announces.
Sam and I shuffle to the end of the kitchen counter. I pick up the cake knife and Sam places her hand over mine. Cameras flash throughout the room as we cut the cake and hold a slice to feed one another.
“I love you,” she says, “but if you smash cake in my face, I may get violent.”
I snicker. “Is that so?” She doesn’t say a word as she nods. I hold up my slice. “Here’s to the sweetest forever.” I bring the cake to her lips. Just as she opens her mouth, I smash the cake against her lips and cheek.
Three methodical breaths pass as Sam remains perfectly still. I stare at her, a ticking time bomb waiting to detonate. A wicked grin curls the corners of her mouth. A grin that should scare me, but doesn’t. If anything, it eggs me on.
“Sweetest forever, huh?” she asks and I nod slowly.
She brings the slice of cake to my lips and I brace for the onslaught. But it doesn’t come. She simply lets me bite the cake. The crowdawesat the display and I face them with a smile.
Bad move.
The second I look away from Sam, cake gets smeared into my hair and down my jaw and neck. Laughter floods the room just as another piece hits me, again and again.
I manage to get my arms around Sam and pin hers down. “Okay, okay.” I laugh. “Sorry.” My lips press to hers. “Please, stop. Let everyone else have cake too.” Another kiss. “I deserved all the cake to the face.”
“Yes, you did.”
“But now…”
Sam lifts her chin and looks me square in the eye. “Now…”
“Now, I just want you. My Sam. Sweeter than any confection.”
She plants a kiss on my lips. “Love you, Jensen.”
“Love you more, Sam.”