An Ocean Between Us (L.H.)

Chapter 27

"Today is the day that two best friends become husband and wife!"

I say to Ella as I enter the hotel room that we're getting ready in. She nods as she pushes me into the chair. She starts straightening my hair as I begin my makeup. Of course Luke and I were running a bit behind so she's already ready but in no time we're both changing into our dresses. We put on our flower crowns and then there's a knock on the door. My Dad is there looking as nervous as I feel.

We then grab our bouquets of red roses and head out. Very soon it's my turn to walk down the aisle. The doors open and my eyes instantly connect with Luke's. His smile grows as I get closer. When we reach the alter Dad takes my hand and places it in Luke's. I smile as he takes his seat. The lady doing our service does all of her official stuff and then tells us that it's time for us to say our vows. Ella hands me mine and I unfold them.

Then I clear my throat and say, "I choose you for life. I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, my tender care through the pressures of the present and uncertainties of the future. I promise to be faithful to you. I promise to love you, to commit to you, and support you. I pledge to respect your unique talents and abilities, to lend you strength for all of your dreams. You have shown me what love feels like and for that I thank you. You are everything I need and at this moment I know all of my prayers have been answered and all of my dreams have come true. I praise god for you, for all of your love and constant friendship. I know that our love is heaven sent and I promise to be here forever and always. From this day forward you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my heart to keep."

Luke wipes his tears away and tucks my vows in his pocket. He then pulls out his own, grabs my hand, and says, "I love you Rae. You are my best friend and today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you. To laugh with you and to comfort you. I promise to love you when life seems easy and when it seems hard. When our love is simple and when it is an effort. I promise to always keep cereal in the house. I promise to keep things that you need on the shelves you can reach. We will grow old together, and be more in love than we are today. These things I give you today and all the days for the rest of your life."

I grab a tissue and quickly wipe away my tears. After Luke puts his vows away he wipes away my remaining tears. We then exchange rings and then the lady says, "Captain Reagan Paige James, I know declare that you are Captain Reagan Paige Hemmings. Luke Robert Hemmings, you may kiss your bride."

He pulls me close to him and we share a long and passionate kiss. Then we walk hand in hand up the aisle.