Chapter 227 Saying I Do
“You look so beautiful,” Grandpa Jack said, his arm looped through Andrea’s as she stood at the end of the hallway, ready to walk in to the living room where everyone was waiting for her. Though her mom’s blue dress had been slightly big, they were able to take it in. She’d looked in the mirror before she left her room upstairs, satisfied with how she looked, even though it wasn’t what she’d envisioned for her wedding day. She’d have that next year. For now, all that mattered was that she and Case would finally be man and wife.
Hearing The Wedding March begin on Leslie’s acoustic guitar, Grandpa Jack asked, “Are you ready?”
“Yes, Grandpa. I’m definitely ready.” He smiled at her and patted her hand, and they headed down the hallway. Andrea felt so blessed to be sharing this moment with her grandfather. A year ago, she had no idea if he’d be here for this or not. Who knew what the next year would bring? Would he be at the big wedding, too? She hoped so, but for now, she’d just enjoy being by his side.
They entered the living room, and everyone gasped. There was no one in the audience save Tim and Karen, but even Leslie, who stood near Brother Eric , playing her guitar, and Charlie, who was on the other side of Case, were staring at her in awe. Andrea felt her face turning red, so glad she’d made a beautiful bride.
But her eyes were fixated on Case. He had tears in his eyes. She could see them as she got nearer. Grasping a bouquet of white poinsettias, she stopped before him.
“Who gives this woman to this man?” Brother Eric asked.
“Her mother and I do,” Grandpa Jack said, smiling proudly. He took her hand and placed it in Cases and then kissed her cheek and took a seat next to his daughter. Karen had tears streaming down her cheeks.
The pastor led them in prayer, read some scripture, and then asked them to repeat their vows. Andrea wasn’t paying any attention to anyone or anything except for Case. When they exchanged rings, she slipped the inexpensive band she’d found at a local jewelry store on Case’s finger, and he returned her engagement ring. “I believe Leslie has a song she’d like to sing,” Brother Eric said.
Andrea turned to face her sister without letting go of Case’s hand. She picked up her guitar from where she’d placed it earlier and began to play. After a few opening chords, her beautiful voice filled the room as she sang a song she’d clearly written.
“Our hearts are racing as we look at each other, standing here today,
But that’s okay, baby, because they’ve been racing ever since that day,
When chance brought us together, but love’s what made us stay.
I’ll be yours forever, my heart beating out of my chest,
Because you know it baby, our love will stand the test.
They might’ve said we’d never make it, but this is just the start.
I’ll be yours forever. Nothing can stop this racing heart.”
As Leslie continued to sing, Andrea felt tears streaming down her cheeks. Clearly, her sister had put a lot of thought into a song that solidified their relationship so beautifully. When she was done, Andrea had to turn and hug her sister, thanking her for being so thoughtful.
After giving the bride a moment to compose herself, the pastor asked, “Andrea Testa, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward, until death parts you?”
“I do,” Andrea said, without a doubt in her mind.
“Case Meyer, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, from this day forward, until death parts you?”
“I do,” Case said, smiling at her, his eyes twinkling with tears.
“Then, by the powers vested in me by the state of Wisconsin, I proudly pronounce you man and wife. Let no man separate what God has brought together. Case, you may kiss the bride.”
Case obliged the pastor, and as he leaned in and found her lips, the room erupted in cheers so loudly, it seemed as if a hundred people were there instead of just the handful of folks that meant the most to them.
Andrea looked up into Case’s eyes, her heart thumping in her chest, knowing she’d love this man forever. He smiled back at her and said, “You’ll always make my heart race.”
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