“There are some seats with your name on them downstairs,” he said, trying to fix his tie for the fifth time. “You didn't have to come up.”
His mother's smile slipped, and she inhaled. “We wanted to wish you luck is all. I know we don't always see eye to eye, dear, but today is your wedding. It's a special day.”
He looked at his father, who nodded. He felt relieved. He honestly didn't know how today was going to go after he invited them.
His mother walked toward him, pulling her hands up to fix his tie. “Now, after this wedding. I would like for us to sit down and talk.” She patted his cheek. “I want this to be a fresh start for all of us.”
He inhaled.
He wasn't sure if everything could be fixed, but he was willing to try. He wouldn't be alone. Casey would be with him each step of the way.
“That sounds lovely.” He gave his mother a kiss on the cheek before she turned, and his parents strolled out, leaving the brothers alone.
He took another deep breath before he turned, looking at himself in the mirror. He was ready. He was ready to be a husband and to have a wife he knew would love him forever.
He and his brother left the room, headed downstairs, and went out to the garden. Eight rows of chairs sat completely filled in front of the altar, which was wrapped with garland and sprouting flowers. He took his spot, and his brother passed him his vows, giving him a thumbs up.
He took in the crowd that was filled with family and friends. His parents were seated in the front, and Gerri sat holding a proud smirk. They wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her. Casey's roommates would be seated if they weren't her bridesmaids. He had hoped it would help sway them into liking him more.
The music started, and everyone turned in their chairs toward the back door of the cottage. His eyes even flew up to see the doors open. He watched as her friends came out, each behind the other wearing light pink dresses with a bouquet of tulips.
The music shifted into something softer, and he watched as Casey stepped out of the building. She took his breath away.
She was wearing a fully laced dress with lace wrapping around her arms and an open back. She had a veil that sparkled in the sunlight and a large bouquet filled with different colored flowers.
Jake inhaled, feeling his heart skip a beat as she walked down the aisle. His eyes were glued to her, unable to believe he was marrying her. That was his bride.
As she stepped up to the altar, she looked at him, and he could see her face through the lace. She smiled at him, giving him the happiest grin he thought possible.
“Please be seated,” the pastor said. “We are gathered here today to join these two in holy matrimony, Jake Gillespie and Casey Laird.”
He watched her eyes sparkle, and he lost track of his surroundings. He'd never thought he'd see her looking as amazing as she did. He wanted to just stare at her forever.
“Jake,” the pastor cleared his throat, “you may pull her veil up.”
Jake stepped forward, lifting the lace covering. He took in her recently curled hair and her perfectly applied makeup. Her lips were a deep red forcing him to inhale sharply. His heart almost stopped.
“The rings,” the pastor said, causing both of them to turn away. He grabbed his ring from his brother turning back to Casey. “Place this ring on his finger to mark your symbol of love.”
Casey held his hand, sliding the ring onto his finger.
“Place this ring on her finger to mark your symbol of love.”
Jake took hold of her hand, feeling her fingers shake slightly under his touch. He slid the ring onto her finger, watching it glisten in the sun. It was a perfect fit.
“You may say your vows.” The pastor nodded at Jake first.
Jake knew his vows like the back of his hand. His brother had written them down, but suddenly he didn't need his notes.
He cleared his throat before he grabbed her hands. “I promise to love you each and every day. I promise to be sure to be there when you need me most. I want nothing more than to be with you and bring you the happiness that you deserve.” He watched her smile grow.
“I want us to grow together and to always speak to each other about everything. I vow that this is the start of our forever.”
He watched tears trail down her face as the pastor looked at her. “Casey, your vows.”
Casey cleared her throat, wiping at her eyes. “I promise to always love you each and every day as well. I promise to be sure to be here when you need me the most, even on the days you don't want me. I want us to be together, and I promise to never stop fighting for it.”
He swallowed, watching her lick her lips. She inhaled and continued.