The sounds of Beyonce’s “Halo” filled my ears and everyone
stood up as we approached. I could see people from my office, the guys from
Edward’s firehouse, Leah and Seth’s mom, Sue, and a few of his classmates from
medical school, surprisingly enough. He wasn’t sure if they were coming, but
his study group had caravanned to Traverse City. Along with them, Dr. Popper
and her husband, along with some of the nurses from the NICU, labor and delivery
and the ICU were there, celebrating our nuptials and supporting us in this time
of happiness and not grief. As we got closer to the front of the group of
people, I closed my eyes and let my emotions flow freely. When I looked up, we
were at the altar and it was absolutely gorgeous.
Though, I didn’t care about the altar. I only cared about
the radiantly smiling man standing to my right. He was wearing the same tuxedo
as my father, but his vest and tie were a gleaming white. He looked so
handsome, strong and excited as he stared at me, tears brimming in his
evergreen eyes.
“Who gives this woman to this man?” asked the justice of the
peace when the music stopped.
“I do,” Charlie whispered, taking my right hand and kissing
it before placing it into Edward’s waiting palm. I took a shaky step toward my
fiancé, smiling widely as I looked at him. “Take excellent care of her,
Edward.”
“I promise, Chief,” Edward murmured, never taking his eyes
off me. Edward threaded his fingers with mine as the officiant began the
service.
