Almost Everything

Chapter 41 - A Place Only You Can Go

The inside of the tent is beautiful. Each table is covered in large glass vases with blue orchids floating, the base of the vase is surrounded by candles. The table clothes were sequined and caught the twinkle from lights and candles. It looks like each table is covered in diamonds.

Jackson and I take a seat at the table and we are served food and drinks right away. Our guests let us eat, not make us stand to kiss the whole meal. The food and wine are incredible. Jackson's dad is the first person to stand to grab the microphone for a speech.

"Some of you I know, some of you I watch on my television and some of you...I pretend to not know. Oliver that is you." He jokes. "I remember when Jackson was born, he was my second son, and I felt so grateful to be blessed with three beautiful, healthy children. I was so proud of Jackson, watching him grow into the man we always hoped he would be. Today, I am proud to be the father of the man I see here. He's ready to start his own family and begin his greatest adventures with the love of his life, Avery.

"Avery, it has been an absolute pleasure watching you grow up to be the most loving, caring, gracious, and genuine woman. I know how lucky Jackson feels to have you as his wife, the boy never stops smiling now. I would just like to make a request of the bride and groom – keep loving each other and everything will always work out. When your work separates you for months at a time, never forget to make each other a priority, and sneak away for a day or two to spend with each other. Let's raise our glasses to a lifetime of love and happiness for Jackson and Avery. I love you both."

I lean over to Jackson and plant a big kiss on his lips.

Oliver takes the mic from Jim and looks at us with a wicked smile. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Oliver, and for those of you that do...well, I apologize. Foolishly, Jackson has given me the great honor of being the best man on this special day, I'm very grateful to be here to celebrate this beautiful marriage. The three of us have been best friends our whole life, and it's pretty special when you see two amazing people find each other.

"Before I hand this mic over to my beautiful girlfriend Libby, I would just like to say a big thank you to the bridesmaids because they have done a marvelous job making us groomsmen look handsome. In fact, they are only shadowed by the bride, who I'm sure we'll all agree looks absolutely stunning today. The groom, however, just looks stunned."

Oliver stops to laugh, and Jackson balls up his napkin to throw at him. I'm laughing so hard; I have tears rolling down my face. Jackson's laugh fills the tent, it was very rare when he let out the full gut laugh. Oliver turns back to our guests; he is a born entertainer.

"Right now, I would like to ask both Avery and Jackson to take part in my speech. Avery, will you please place your left hand on the table? Jackson, place your right hand on top of hers. I would then like you both to keep your hands like this until the end of my speech and believe me, Jax, you will regret it if you don't."

Jackson and I both do what Oliver asks and we look at each other with smirks. We look at Oliver for the punchline, but he continues on with his speech.

"I would also like to thank the groom for finally admitting that after all this time of knowing each other, that I am the BEST MAN! Instead of telling you a bunch of stories that can drag on forever, you will have to listen to my marital advice. Although, I'm not sure I'm the best person to dish out advice since I'm not married or smart enough, but I do have the following words of wisdom for my favorite couple.

"Groom...and yes, Jackson this is you." He turns to face us. "First, set the ground rules and establish who is boss, then do everything your wife says. Second, married life can be compared to football, so be fully committed every week and make sure you score every Sunday. Third, don't forget to buy her flowers. And lastly, there are three words you must never forget to say to your wife...are you ready...it's not what you think..." He laughs and raises a finger with each word. "You're right dear.