Look But Don't Touch

Epilogue

After that life changing night in the hotel suite the night of my parent’s auction, everything changed. Josh and I eventually told my parents and his parents that we were engaged, and of course they flipped.

They kicked us both out of their houses, but most importantly they gave us their blessings, and helped support us. We bought an apartment together inBeverly Hills, and finished senior year together.

Also, to top the sundae, my dreams became a reality and I got pregnant, at the age of 18. Again, my parents were shocked, but actually happy for us.

Then, into the new year of 2016, we welcomed our first son, Asher Alex Hutcherson. Parenting is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but seeing my son in my arms for the first time makes it all worth it. 

My parents adored Asher immediately, and so did Josh’s parents, it seemed like the birth of Asher brought Josh and I together even more, not as parents but as lovers.

Which brings us to today, I sit in the styling chair in my pure white room, and my nerves bounce around in my stomach, and I feel my hair being pulled into a curly bun.

My now 13 year old sister walks out of my bathroom and into my bedroom and our heart stops at the same time, “Jen, you look beautiful, so beautiful.”. I smile at my little sister, there she stands her hair in beautiful blonde curls, and her crisp white floor length dress.

"Willow, you look spectacular, you look grown-up for the first time.” my eyes start to well up with tears, “Jennifer!, don’t cry!, we just got done with your makeup, and the wedding is starting in 25 minutes, so hold those tears back!”. my stylist yells at me.

I laugh at my stylist, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.”.

"Okay Jennifer, you and your father will walk down the aisle, and at the end, once you get under the arch, you will see Josh standing there of course, and then you’ll go through the vows and everything else, you’ll kiss and be married.". the wedding planner, Olivia, informs me.

I nod at the instructions, causing my stomach to become a butterfly farm. I stand in front of the doors, holding the beautiful bouquet of flowers in my right hand and waiting for my father to retrieve the left.

I feel his warm hand take mine, and I turn to see my smiling father, “You know what Jennifer, even though your entire life you’ve done some pretty, choice things, i’m still proud of you no matter what, and I will always love you first.”.

My heart swells up at his mini speech, “I love you daddy.”. He quickly pecks my head, “I love you too Jennifer.”. I hear the talking cut down and hear the piano version of, “Here Comes The Bride.”.

Before I know it the door swings open and I see a smiling Josh at the end of the aisle, then me and my father begin to make our way down the aisle. I take a deep breath, trying to keep myself from bursting out of this beautiful, poofy dress.

We walk past the 10 rows filled with family friends, best friends, family, and before I know it, i’m in the front row, standing in front of Josh. My father hands me off to Josh’s hands.

We look at each other lovingly, and I hear the pastor clears his throat, “We are gathered here today to share with Jennifer and Joshua as they exchange vows of everlasting love.”.

Our smiles can’t be stopped, i’m finally marrying the boy of my dreams. "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?". "Her mother and I". My father announces with a smile on his face. 

May their marriage bring them the peace, joy, comfort and contentment that is known in the hearts of all God’s children. And may Joshua and Jennifer both look forward to each new season of their marriage —- just as the world looks forward to each new season of the year. For all seasons bring with them their own special moments and memories. 

An essential requirement of a good marriage is a strong bond of real friendship and trust. Jennifer and Joshua, your love for each other will grow deeper with every passing day, but it’s important to remember that your love stands on a foundation of genuine, mutual affection and respect for each other. 

To truly LOVE another person is to be willing to accept both their strong points, and their weak points, with equal measures of understanding and respect. 
The vows you are about to exchange, will serve as a verbal representation of the non-verbal emotions that are as real as any thing that can be seen, heard or touched. 

For it is not the words that you will speak today that will bond you together as one —- but the strength of the love and commitment found deep within your souls. 

"Jennifer, your vows please.". I nod my head, Willow hands me my piece of paper, and I unfold it and clear my throat. 

"Josh, the day we met in 9th grade, everything changed, you sent a spark to my heart that no one,not even food can do to me. The entire 4 years we dated in high school made me the happiest I’ve ever been, and when you proposed to me, I didn’t need another second to process it, I knew you were the one. Now here we are 2 years later after graduating, and everything’s changed. We’re a family, everytime I see our son, I see hope and love the same things that remind me why we’ll stay together forever, I’m still mad about you Josh.".

Josh tightens his grip on me, and wipes the tear from my face, “I love you too.”. I look over to see Willow and my mom crying. The pastor clears his throat, “Beautiful Jennifer, now Joshua your vows.”.

Josh takes a piece of paper from Liam who stands in the groomsman line and he clears his throat.

"Jennifer, I’m in love with you, everytime I look at you, I see a strong, beautiful, talented woman who I can’t wait to call my wife. I love you, and I will always love you. Thank you for giving me our beautiful son, for staying with me this entire process, and I will dedicate my entire life to you and our family, and we’ve grown a lot together and we have plenty more growing up together to do.".

I’m pretty sure I’m crying my makeup off, all I want to do is kiss him. “At this time, I’ll ask you, Joshua, and you, Jennifer, to face each other & take each other’s hands.” Preacher Will announces.
"Joshua, will you take Jennifer to be your wife, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish her friendship and love her today, tomorrow and forever? Will you trust and honor her, laugh with her and cry with her? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

Josh smiles at me, “I do.”. 

"Jennifer, will you take Joshua to be your husband, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish his friendship and love him today, tomorrow and forever? Will you trust and honor him, laugh with him and cry with him? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?".

My heart drops, “I do.”. Preacher Will smiles at us, “By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride!”. I hear applause and cheer coming from the audience.

Josh and I lean into each other and our lips connect for the first time in days and I feel him wrap his arms around my waist, I pull apart for air and I smile at my husband for the first time.

"Momma, Momma." my son says to me. I turn around and see Natalie holding my son in her arms. "Baby!". I exclaim. I lift him out of Natalie’s arms, and place him on my hip.

I hug Natalie and my eyes immediately go to her growing stomach. “How many months are you Natalie?”. Natalie places her hands on her bulging stomach, “About 7 months.”. I smile, “Your child is going to be so beautiful, a combination of you and Liam makes beautiful, gorgeous child.”

Natalie laughs, and eventually Jena joins our group and throws her arms around me, being cautious of Asher. “Jennifer, your married! I’m so happy for you.”.

I look around feel someone’s missing, then suddenly I see Leven pop up into the group, “Hey Mrs. Hutcherson.”.

Everything finally feels perfect, we’re all mature, adults, living our dreams, and honestly I couldn’t be better.