Chapter 6

I don't thinkI heard a word the minister said before the Pastor started talking. I was too busy staring in the face of this beautiful man. My mind raced with thoughts of what was going to happen when we left here. What were we going to do when we were alone? Talk? Stare at each other? Did we consummate our marriage? Wait, was I ready for that? I understood that it was our wedding night and sex was expected, but we didn't know each other.

I didn't make it a habit of giving my body to just anyone too soon. True, he was about to be my husband and it might seem contradicting because I married a stranger. However, sex… making love… that was a level of intimacy that took a while for me to be comfortable with.

I'd looked up at Jacob as he recited his vows. The words were so touching and beautiful. The look on his face as he spoke was one of sincerity. His hand had gently squeezed and caressed mine. I couldn't help but smile back at him with tears streaming down my face. When he was finished, he dabbed my eyes so lovingly.

"We would have some beautiful babies,"I'd thought to myself.

Babies. That drew me back to our families. What would they say? What would they think? Mine already felt like I was making a mistake. I would be devastated if they said my children would be a mistake, too.

"You have a way with words," I said, sniffling. "I don't know how I'm gonna top that."

He chuckled. "It's no competition, love. Just say what you mean."

I nodded as he passed me the microphone. Again, I looked back at my family. Their faces remained stoic. How could they not be moved by his vows? Even a few members of Jacob's family shed a few tears. I just wanted them to be happy for me, but I knew it wasn't the case. I also knew that I wasn't doing this for them.

This was for me and my happiness. Maybe my ways didn't align with their expectations, but as long as I ended up happy in the end, it was worth it. I took a deep breath and pulled out the tightly rolled scroll I'd tucked into the middle of my flowers.

"Could you hold this?" I asked, handing the flowers to the woman I assumed to be Jacob's sister.

She took them and stepped back aside to give us space. Nervously, I unrolled the paper and took a deep breath. Over the years, I'd fantasized about this moment so many times. I knew what I wanted to say, but as I sat at my kitchen table last night, preparing this set of vows, I knew I would have to speak from my heart and my truth. I didn't know this man, but I was vowing to be his wife.

My words had to be spoken with intention. I closed my eyes for a moment before placing the mic to my lips and reading from the paper.

Dear Future Husband,

I knew it would have to be an extraordinary act that would bring us together. Today, we met for the first time. My nerves are on ten, but that's to be expected given the circumstances. Though we may not have taken the traditional path to love, I couldn't wait to meet you, to know you, and to love you. I stand here today, ready to embark on this incredible journey with you by my side.

I vow to be your partner, your best friend, and your unwavering support through all of life's ups and downs. I promise to cherish and respect you, to listen to you with an open heart, and to always strive to understand and appreciate the unique individual that you are.

I promise to be your safe haven, your shoulder to lean on, and your hand to hold through every challenge and every triumph. I will stand by you, believe in you, and love you unconditionally, even in the moments when loving each other is hard. As we embark on this new chapter, I vow to build a life with you that is filled with laughter, adventure, and endless love. I will work every day to create a home that is warm, welcoming, and a true reflection of the love we will grow to share.

People may think we made a mistake. They may call us foolish and never understand the reasons we had for choosing this path, but that's okay. Our reasons are our reasons. Our journey is our journey, and I can't wait to begin this journey today as your wife. Today, I surrender my heart, my love, and the rest of my years to building a life with you."

I lowered the paper to fine tears swelling in Jacob's eyes. I reached out and swiped them away. He grabbed my hand and kissed it, smiling softly. I handed the mic back to the minister.

"Those were beautiful declarations," he said sincerely. "Shall we continue?"

Jacob and I nodded.

"Your words have captured the essence of what marriage is all about - the choice to love, honor, and cherish your partner, come what may. Your willingness to open your heart to love, even in the face of uncertainty, is a testament to the strength of your character and the depth of your faith in the power of love and commitment. And now, as you prepare to exchange rings - the outward symbols of your inward commitment - let us all take a moment to silently bless this union and pray for a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness for Kachelle and Jacob."

Everyone bowed their heads as he said a quick prayer.

"The rings, please?"

I pulled Jacob's wedding band from my finger as his sister passed him my ring. My eyes widened. He spared no expense on what looked to be a three-carat, white gold, emerald cut diamond ring and band set. It shimmered flawlessly under the bright lights. What kind of money did this man make?

The minister raised his mic. "Repeat after me. ‘With this ring, I thee wed. I offer it as a token of my love and a symbol of our unity. Let it always remind you of my devotion, my faithfulness, and my undying love for you.'"

Jacob and I repeated the words as he spoke them. Upon finishing, we slipped them on each other's fingers. Both were perfect fits.

The minister spoke again.

"May these rings forever encircle your fingers, just as your love forever encircles each other's hearts. From this day forward, may you wear these rings as a sign of your commitment and your love, and may they serve as a constant reminder of the eternal bond you share. Now, by the power vested in me, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, it is my great honor and joy to pronounce you husband and wife. Jacob, you may kiss your bride."

Jacob looked at me, and I looked at him. He seemed a little nervous, as was I. We stepped into each other's space.

"Is it okay if I kiss you?" he asked.

"Boy, the pastor just said to kiss your bride," his sister said, causing us both to laugh.

"I'm just making sure," he defended. He looked back at me. "Do I have your permission?"

I nodded. "Yes."

He didn't hesitate to snake his arm around my waist and pull me into his chest. His free hand palmed my face as he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. My God… they were so soft… so fucking delicious. My hands came to the sides of his face, and I opened my mouth to receive his tongue. Our kiss was filled with passion we'd yet to discover… lust we'd yet to experience.

It was the most natural thing I'd ever experienced.

When we pulled away and looked at each other, the only thing spoken between us was one simple word… Damn.