Lucas' P.O.V.
**Song Suggestion: Only You by Julia Westlin**
I felt so antsy as I waited for my Rose at the end of the aisle. Everything looked spectacular, the flowers in the garden were vibrant and beautiful. Their floral scent was carried in the cool September breeze. Mom was holding Abi in her arms sitting in the front row before me. Abi's strawberry blonde hair was almost hidden behind the large white bow she sported. The white dress almost swallowed her whole, but she looked so adorable.
My Rose bud has stolen my heart completely. She and I have late night talks as I work and rock her back to sleep. Her mother and she are everything to me. They are the sun that I revolve around, the lights of my life. I am the luckiest man on the planet. I know this, and right now I'm the luckiest man, waiting for his beautiful bride to emerge.
The music began to play and everyone stood as Rose came into view. My heart stilled and raced all at the same time. My eyes misted as this moment took me over. She looked breathtaking, in fact she took my breath away. Her hair was tamed into a beautiful low bun with a veil over it. Her dress was glorious and made just for her. She was a picture of perfection, and she was all mine.
My wife.
She clutched onto Davis' arm, trying to ease her steps. She seemed ready to run to me and it made me smile further, causing a tear to escape my misted eyes. I love this woman so much. I love her more than I ever knew could be possible. She's changed me, my life, my world. I am forever grateful to her.
My heart swelled further with every step she took. I could see her dazzling smile as I stepped forward to take her hand from Davis. When asked who was giving her away, Davis replied he was. Rose stood before me ready to tie our lives together for eternity in front of our friends and my family. Hailey took the bouquet from Rose with a large smile. She winked at me, making me smirk. I liked Hailey, and I was glad Rose had her.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Olive and Lucas Porter. Their love is new, but has grown and flourished through the year, as witnessed by their child. Marriage is a venerated institution, and one deserving of deep reverence. Today we observe the union of Lucas and Olive in holy matrimony, a commitment they have chosen to undertake with all the sincerity that it warrants." Our officiant started, but my eyes never left my Rose. She held my hands tightly between us as we faced one another.
"While marriage is a sacred and serious tradition, it is also cause for tremendous joy. Married life is full of surprises, adventures, and memory-making-all made possible by the enduring power of love. When Lucas and Olive complete this union, they will begin a new life of partnership, one defined by shared hopes, dreams, and successes." I could feel the officiant's eyes turn away from the crowd to us now.
"Lucas and Olive, as you learn to live as one; you will encounter many challenges that can help you grow. Do the things that make life precious-cooperate with each other, always make time to laugh together, and never lose appreciation for the love that you share. Remember, too, to adhere to the vows that you will make today. Seek strength from each other, give hope to each other, and let your trials help you grow together. They say love can build bridges and climb mountains - and they're right. You find that as it grows and matures over time, your love for one another will prove both fulfilling and empowering." I took his words to heart, fully ready to do whatever it took to keep our love and marriage strong.
"Yes, there will be challenges in life, but the strength of your bond will offer you protection against life's storms. Always make your relationship a priority and continue to nurture each other. Through a commitment to love, and with the power of faith, together you will navigate any obstacles that come your way."
"Lucas and Olive, I invite you to express your sacred vows to one another. Please face each other as you declare these vows before the presence of your family and friends. Lucas, you may start."
I was suddenly nervous as hell, but ready to spill these words to her.
"My Rose, my Olive. You are the light of my life, my savior from the dark. You've changed my life for the better in a single year. There's no one I love more than you, and the daughter you have gifted me. I cannot tell you how much I love you, because there is no way to measure it, no words to express it. It's an overwhelming feeling that takes me over every time I look at you. Only shown by my affection, my actions, and my care. I promise to cherish you all the days of my life. I promise to help raise our daughter with you, and take over when you're feeling overwhelmed. Abi and I will be by your side always. I promise to encourage and push you when needed. You're going to do great things, in your career, and as a mom. I promise to make you and Abi my priorities always. To care for you when you're sick, to enjoy the good and bad moments together. I promise to give you all the happiness I can give you. I love you, Olive, more than words can express." My voice cracked as my love manifested in a few tears. The emotion was thick and raw in my throat.
Her eyes shimmered as she tried not to cry along with me. She squeezed my hand before letting it go. She turned to Hailey, who handed her a piece of paper. I furrowed my brow the slightest as she opened it. It was torn on the side, as if she had ripped it out of a book. It was the missing page of the journal she denied knowing about. I almost laughed, but contained it, ready to hear what she wrote on that page.
"Dear future me, he's the one. There's no denying that Lucas Porter is the love of my life. He's more than I could have ever thought. My rescuer who's saved me countless times and lifted me up when I'm down. He's kind, protective, playful and all around fun. There's no denying that he knows me well, even in such a short amount of time. This feeling is overwhelming and all-consuming. I know it's love. It's love for him. So I will choose him. I will fight for him, keeping him in my life for as long as he'll have me. He is my addiction, my air, my life. I can't imagine not having him by my side anymore. I hope he feels the same way. A hopeful Past You." She looked up at me, her voice small and cracking with tears. "It's always been you. Since the day you opened up to me. Since the day I laid eyes on you, really. I love you, Lucas. I promise to stay by your side for as long as you will have me. To fight for us, for you, for Abi. I will claw my way up in this world and give you both everything I can. You're my world, and seeing how you care for Abi has only further cemented my love for you. You're a wonderful father, and I know you will be the best husband. I promise to fight off your darkness, and stay by your side always."
Her vows were everything I wanted to hear and more. Her journal entry was perfect, and that she took it for this moment made me smile. I loved her antics, her spirit, and her love. This moment couldn't be any better. I turned to Leo, grabbing my ring and placing it on her delicate fingers. Her hands shook before me, but I steadied them for her. She placed my ring on my finger and I swore I would never take this ring off for anything.
"By the power vested in me, by the state of New York, I pronounce you, as husband and wife, lawfully wedded before your family and friends. You may now kiss the Bride."
I didn't hesitate to lean forward and kiss Rose with everything in me. I held her face in my hands and kissed her tenderly, pouring my love into her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor that I officially present to you Mr. and Mrs. Porter!"
Mrs. Porter, my wife.
The festivities continued as we took our pictures. Abi, of course, was included in most of them. She was the center of attention, and Rose didn't mind that at all. Abi was a wonderful baby. She barely fussed, and she slept well during the night. We were extremely blessed with her.
"Ian!" Rose waved him down. "It's best friend pictures. Come on!" She gestured for him to come over with her arms.
"Sí, come on Ian, unless you're ready to relinquish the title to its rightful owner," Hailey laughed.
Ian jogged over quickly, wrapping his arms around the two, smiling widely at the camera. I loved seeing her smile and being happy with her friends. It was a picture perfect moment. One I'll cherish forever. We entered the reception, greeted by the cheers of our friends and family as they presented us. Rachel whistled the loudest, pinching her lower lip. We headed to the dance. floor for our first song. The Story by Davis Naish began to play as I swayed us around the dance floor.
"You look so beautiful, my Rose. My wife." I smiled down at her before kissing her forehead. She leaned in, pressing my lips further into hers.
"You look dashing yourself."
"Thank you for today. I'm happy you hid that journal entry from me, you sneaky little devil," I laughed as she blushed.
"I am glad you liked it. Now I just have to figure out how to get it back in the journal. I'm not sure glue will work."
We both laughed as we continued to dance.
"You're my world, Rose. You and Abi both."
"I know, you're ours too."
When the song ended, I kissed her lips tenderly again, earning oo's from everyone.
"Ow, get a room, you two!" someone yelled from the crowd, making Rose turn that beautiful shade of crimson.
"Thank you for my happy ending, Rose."