Chapter 150 Things Unsaid
“That’s enough, both of you!” Emily said, stepping between them. “I’m not having any shenanigans on my wedding day.”
“That’s why I’m going to kick this douche bag out of here,” Byron said.
“Bring it on!” Carter called. The only thing stopping them from fighting was that Emily stood directly between them.
“Carter, I already told you ages ago that I love my fiancé. Now go back to your bench and sit down!” she ordered in her ‘stern teacher’ voice.
Carter paused for a moment as if deciding whether to continue blustering, but then he sighed and returned to his seat.
“And apologize for making a scene at my wedding!” Emily added.
“I’m sorry, Emily,” he said dejectedly. “I didn’t mean to make a scene. Byron, I consider you a friend, and I’m really sorry to interrupt your wedding. I just didn’t want these important things to be left unsaid.”
“Well now you’ve said them,” Byron grumbled, “But this better be the last time you try to steal my bride.”
Emily expected Byron to be mad at her or at least to say ‘I told you so’ when he had suspected Carter of pulling something like this all along. He offered his arm to escort her down the aisle, and his clean-shaven face was lit up by an amused grin.
“I guess it’s a sign,” he said as they walked together up to the arch where the minister waited, “I’ll have to get used to men trying to fight for you all the time, Emily. I can’t blame them because… you are unforgettable.”
Emily’s heart pounded, threatening to escape the lace and tulle wedding dress. Those were the same words he said on the night they met. And now that they were about to pronounce their wedding vows, she knew he really felt that way.
She took a deep breath, trying to let go of the stress, forget about the interruption, and think about the meaning of their ceremony, that it would bring them closer than ever. It was a day she wanted to remember forever, but not because of Carter’s silly interference. She knew that nothing could really ruin it because very soon she would be married to the man she loved.
“Okay,” she said, “Let’s continue.”
Everyone in the hall applauded. Even Carter applauded from the back row. It was time to begin.
Emily took in the scene. The arch under which they stood was interlaced with so many flowers that the trellis itself was invisible under their blooming lushness. The officiant, a slender young man, smiled serenely at the couple.
“True love is the kind of love that does not give up,” said the officiant, “and I believe we have seen an example of it here today. Despite an unexpected interruption, the two of you are as forgiving and loving as ever, ready to pronounce your vows.”
Emily glanced at the front row, where her parents seemed ready to cry. On the other side, Sylvia looked relaxed and not haughty for once, and Teddy and Aitana were smiling.
All of Emily’s friends and co-workers were seated in the next flower-decorated rows, Quinn Faines and his wife among them.
Emily felt like she was spacing out again as she gazed at Byron and got lost in the beautiful features of his face. She had almost missed the entire introductory speech. It was already time for her to speak her vows.
“Byron, I guess your mother was right,” Emily began, casting a quick look and a smile at Sylvia, “She always knew you needed a committed relationship. When we first met, she was afraid that a woman would come along and break your heart. I’m so glad I discovered for myself why you need a woman who never leaves you. It’s because you give so much love, so much care…” She paused, feeling nearly overcome by tears. “I promise I will never leave you. And it’s not because I feel sorry for you, although to be honest I thought you were a basket case early on in this relationship.”
The audience chuckled. “And other than being extravagantly rich, handsome, kind, and generous, you don’t have a lot going for you.” This earned her a few more laughs.
“But I will always love you because I’ve come to know what an amazing man you are,” she continued, “And I promise I’ll always be there for you and make each day special and filled with love.”
Just like her, Byron looked close to tears. He was barely hanging on to his composure when he began his vows. “It’s true, I really was a basket case,” he said with a grin, “But you showed me the beauty in life when all I could see were problems and pain. For that alone, I should cherish you forever and bring you breakfast in bed. But you also bewitched me and enchanted me with your laughter and your courage and patience. Emily, you showed me what true love is. I promise to treasure that gift and to be with you always, to make your wishes come true every day. ”
Byron’s best friend Nathan stepped forward with the rings, and Byron pronounced, “With this ring I thee wed,” as he slipped the gleaming golden ring onto her finger.
She repeated the words back to him as she endowed Byron with the bigger ring.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant declared.
The kiss that followed was the sweetest and most loving kiss of her life so far, expressing all the affection she had for her new husband, and she felt him responding with equal love as his lips softly united with hers.
They walked back to the farm house through the rows of benches while the guests threw flower petals at them.
“We have a few minutes to regroup before the reception,” Byron said, “Shall we retreat to our room, Mrs. Pomeroy?”
“With pleasure, Mr. Pomeroy.”
The most special celebration of their lives was about to begin…
