Chapter 30

Thirty

MARISSA

It’s raining. That’s typical for early April, but I’m worried it means we’ll lose our first location for the ceremony. It’s the only thing at our wedding I’d asked for. As I stand in front of the full-length mirror, I gaze out the window in my old bedroom at my parents’ house and twist my fingers.

“It’s still going to be beautiful. Besides, rain on your wedding day is good luck,” Sharice says with an encouraging smile.

She, Kinsley, and Elle are helping me get dressed, then heading to the ceremony site. My mother is making final plans with Millie downstairs.

“I know, I was just hoping… I just wanted it to be at my spot.”

My father knocks on the open door. A gasp leaves him as he sees me in my custom couture gown. It’s made of ivory silk with off-the-shoulder straps hung from a tightly fitted bodice, showcasing a sweetheart neckline crafted from hand-embroidered floral appliques. The trumpet shape lands in a soft cathedral train of tulle. The color makes my skin glow, and the form accentuates every curve of my body. I love it. And I think Xavier will, too.

Unfortunately, the tailor had to let out the bodice slightly before the big day. Even though I’m only a few weeks pregnant, I’ve gained some weight already. Not enough for anyone to notice, but the dress isn’t very forgiving. It’s good we’re going ahead with the wedding before I can’t wear the beautiful gown at all.

I had been worried that our baby wouldn’t be born in time to meet the requirements of Xavier’s trust. His family’s lawyers assured us, however, if I was still pregnant, the language was not specific enough to preclude him from receiving the full amount.

I’m relieved we can help Cardell Enterprises. Xavier has great ideas on how to make it profitable again. Perhaps someday, our son or daughter will take it over if they want. We decided our child will have the choice of running the company or not. A choice Xavier never really had, but that he was willing to give up for me.

My mom busts through the door behind my father, who is attempting to hug me without touching me. “Look! Outside! We’re going to the park!”

I glance outside, and sure enough, the rain has slowed to a drizzle while the sunshine peeks through. The clouds are rolling away. Stuffing a tissue to my eyes, I hold back the tears. I can’t cry, not yet.

“They’re drying off the chairs and setting everything up now. You ready?” Mom asks.

The only thing I requested was a small ceremony of family and close friends at my favorite place, the waterfall in the state park. I showed Xavier where I wanted to exchange our vows, and we made love on a nearby rock before he said, “Yeah…this is the place.”

The reception is the event of the spring. The entire town was invited to the Merrick country club after our ceremony. It’s not my ideal, but Xavier told me to keep my eyes on him, and we’d push through together. Then, we can head to our honeymoon in Bali.

I rub my stomach instinctively, cradling the life inside me. I can’t wait to meet our baby. Xavier was the happiest I’ve ever seen him when I took the fourth pregnancy test, showing him the positives. We held each other, forehead to forehead. I cried tears of joy. Now I can’t wait to see his face as I walk through the trees to meet him as my husband for the first time.

Once we arrive at the ceremony site, I peek at the decorations, trying not to be seen. The natural wooded trail is covered with white rose petals to make an aisle. Rustic benches were brought in for the few guests in attendance. Through the trees and around a bend in the path, I can make out the love of my life standing in front of the water.

Standing next to my father, his arm shakes when I take it, tucking my hand against his bicep. He looks just as nervous as I feel. He says, “Remember when I said he wasn’t good enough for you?”

Rolling my eyes, I give him a small smile. “Yes, Dad.”

“He’s still not, but there’s no one better. I am so happy for you two and love you both.” Leaning down, he pecks my cheek with his lips, and I can see tears form in his eyes behind his glasses. Lowering his voice, he murmurs, “And can’t wait to meet our grandchild.”

I will myself not to cry and ruin my makeup. “Thanks, Dad. I love you, too.”

The musicians, including Sharice, strike up their chords, and we proceed to the aisle. As I round the corner tree, Xavier and I lock eyes and my stomach flips. His hand flies over his mouth, as his face flushes with emotion. Seeing him like this makes me release all the tears of joy I had been holding back. Reaching into my bouquet to get my handkerchief, I dot my eyes with the blue cloth as we pass our close friends and family.

Listening to the words of our vows carefully as Xavier says them to me, makes my heart fill with warmth. It’s hard to breathe looking into his crystal eyes when he’s so overwhelmed with happiness. Every feeling he has is reflected in my own chest. I repeat mine with sincerity.

The intimacy of our first kiss as husband and wife nearly takes my breath away, and we probably would have kept going, except Levi yells, “Dude! You’re gonna get her pregnant.”

Everyone nearby who heard him laughs. We haven’t told our friends about the baby yet, so Xavier and I stop kissing long enough to give each other knowing looks before heading back up the aisle together, hand in hand, as husband and wife.