20 Questions

Chapter 109

Hunter

I was given strict instructions to stay in the basement until the ceremony by a bunch of people who seemed to forget that this is my house. The guys and I have taken our pictures and are impatiently waiting for Rich and Piper to come get us for pictures with them and the girls. I heard Jenna come in and it took everything in me to not run up the stairs and scoop her up in my arms. It's killing me to be this close and not be able to see or touch her. I miss her terribly and I can't wait to see her in a wedding dress, walking down the aisle with her brilliant smile. I'm so happy that I've been on the verge of tears all day, but I know the second I see her, the floodgates will open. I am one big emotional mess and thankfully the guys are cutting me some slack.

When the door opens and Piper walks in, she literally takes my breath away. She and Jenna greatly resemble each other and that makes me miss my girl even more. She looks absolutely stunning as she tells us to come upstairs for pictures. She wears a long blue wrap-around dress that fastens around the right side of her rib cage with a rhinestone broach. Her hair is pulled up and her ears are decorated with the three-tiered diamond earrings that Jenna bought her for this day. Rich stands next to his wife - also admiring her beauty - and wears a black tuxedo, royal blue vest overtop a crisp white dress shirt, matching royal blue tie and shiny black dress shoes.

The pictures with my in-laws and the girls were fun, but not nearly as entertaining as the pictures taken with the guys. Jenna may beat my ass when she sees several of the shots, but at least we got a good laugh out of it and the photographer enjoyed himself. People are already taking their seats and my stomach is in knots as I wait for our big moment. I'm not nervous about marrying Jenna - that's the easy part - but speaking in public is not my forte. I'm worried the moment I see her in her dress, I may lose my ability to formulate words.

When we head back inside, Rich pulls me off to the side for a little father-in-law/son time. Although I never expected to get married, I knew early on that I would never have any blood relatives sitting in the front row on the groom's side. It never bothered me and now having Rich as a father figure makes me feel extremely blessed.

"You nervous, son?" Rich asks as he squeezes my shoulder.

"Only about the vows, sir," I answer. "I want it to be perfect for Jenna."

He smiles brightly at me. "My Jenna Bear picked a good one. I couldn't be happier to call you my son-in-law, Hunter. You make our girl so happy and that's all I could ever ask for. You are going to do great, and if you don't, that girl will still love you the same. You do no wrong in her eyes. Unlike Piper, who threatened me with a life of celibacy if I forgot my vows."

Rich and I share a good laugh before the minister tells us that he is ready for us. Rich wraps me up in a bear hug and wipes away a tear on his cheek before wishing me good luck. With the support of my incredible in-laws and the love of my brothers behind me, I make my way to the altar to begin my forever with the most amazing woman in the world.

Helen is the first to walk, accompanied by Patrick, who is staring at her with so much love and a gigantic smile on his face. I'm happy for my best friend and Helen, another love story that originated in Aspen. Molly is next, escorted by Bryson before the rest of the guys filter in. Pachelbel's Canon in D begins to play and everyone rises from their seats, turning their heads in anticipation of the bride's arrival. I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants and focus on breathing in and out while I wait to see my gorgeous bride appear.

If I were to imagine what Heaven looks like - where the clouds part, sun shines through and angels sing divine melodies - it would look exactly like this. Floating along the white silk runner, Rich escorts the embodiment of perfection and grace with a love only a father can have. In all white with light pink rhinestones, Jenna steps forward slowly with a radiant glow so beautiful that no one person would ever divert their gaze. Gasps and awes fall over the crowd, no one taking the chance of missing one single second of her elegance as she glides forward with utter perfection. From the top of her veil to her sparkly white shoes, she looks breathtakingly magnificent. My face flushes and tears brim my eyes, my whole body shaking and my mind going completely numb. I am rendered speechless in this moment and I have very few minutes to recover, but her beauty is making everything impossible.