Forgive Me, Katherine

Chapter 6: Honeymoon Phase

Katherine resembled an angel walking down the aisle, her hand clinging to her father's arm for dear life. His eyes welled up with tears. This was the day he had dreaded since the day she was born, the day he would have to give her away. He could've refused me that day, pulled her in and ran away for the hills. He wouldn't, however, because in the end this was what made his daughter happy. That's the thing about parents; they'll know they're putting you into the biggest trials of your life, even though sometimes they see it as deeming for failure they let you do it anyway. They do it to ultimately see if you're going to spread your wings and fly, or be there to put out the flames if it crashes and burns.

Everyone disappeared when her hands were placed into mine, and I was looking directly into her brown eyes. Her face filled with pure happiness and on the brink of tears as she read aloud her vows to me, "Nothing brings me more happiness than to call you my husband. You've provided me with a life filled with joy and laughter. I promise to always love you, care for you, honor you, and cherish our marriage. I will never forget the day that I met my best friend, my person. I promise to always love you above all others, and to value you in my life as a precious gift."

I wiped away a single tear that had managed to escape my eyes and began my vows to her, "I pledge to honor you, love you, and cherish you as my wife today and every day. Today, I say 'I do' but to me it means 'I will.' I will take your hand and stand by your side for all of the good and the bad. I dedicate myself to your happiness, success, and smile. I will love you forever. You are my every dream come true, and I can't wait for the reality we get to build together. I promise to be your guiding light in the darkness, a warming comfort in the cold, and a shoulder to lean on when life is too much to bear on your own. Give me your hand, and I will give you forever."

There wasn't a dry face in the church that day, everyone applauded a little louder when it came time for to lift Katherine's veil with the Preacher urging for me to "Kiss my bride." I could feel the tears on Katherine's cheeks saturating my cheek as my face met hers for the first time in days, the warmth of her breath tickled my lips as we let up from our kiss.

"Ladies and gentleman, I give you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe," the Preacher started clapping as we made our way down the aisle joined together as one.

Katherine held up her bouquet, her friends letting out loud and obnoxious cheers. This was Katherine's way of claiming victory as if she had just won a huge competition, she was beaming from ear to ear. Happiness I never wanted to see leaving her face.

The reception was beautiful; fairy lights shined overhead lighting the dinner area, the tables were draped with oversized white tablecloths, each table decorated with mason jar filled bouquets. Katherine had planned for everyone to enjoy a steak or salmon dinner, followed by cake for dessert, and dancing on the dancefloor. Lastly we would be serenaded away with fireworks, rice grains, and sparklers into our getaway vehicle on the way to our honeymoon - a time I was highly anticipating.

Katherine's smile never escaped her face during the dinner portion of the night, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She had traded in her wedding ball gown for a white leather jumpsuit, one that hugged every single one of her curves just right. It was simple but at the same time it was bold and eye catching. 

"What are you staring at?" she said behind a forkful of food and tiny giggles.

I shook my head, "Nothing, you're beautiful."

My father approached our dinner table still smiling with the same pride he had when Katherine was walking down the aisle, "The newlyweds, just came to give my daughter in law a hug. Welcome to the family sweetheart."