The Unexpected Romance

Chapter 11

On September 10th, the same beach where their proposal took place was all decorated for Jessica and Ashley's wedding. There were tents on both sides of the altar, so the two brides would not be able to see each other before it was time. In Jessica's tent, she had recently recovered from pre-wedding jitters while Chloe kept her company.

"Well, Jessica...we've all been looking forward to this day for the past year. You ready for this?" Chloe asked.

"Yeah. A week ago, I did have some pre-wedding jitters. But I truly believe those jitters have died down now," Jessica reported with confidence.

"That's good to hear. Well, your bride-to-be is waiting for you. Now get out there and do this!" Chloe said with encouragement.

Meanwhile, in Ashley's tent, she had been pacing back and forth while Beca tried to calm her down.

"Ashley, relax. You're going to wear a hole in the rug," Beca said.

"I don't see how. I know I love Jessica, and I proposed to her with confidence a year ago. I'm just so nervous," Ashley said.

"Ashley, calm down. Take deep breaths," Beca instructed as Ashley did so. "You love her, and she loves you. If that wasn't the case, we would not be here today. Now get out there and do this! I believe in you!" Beca encouraged.

As the Wedding March played, the two brides met at the aisle, holding each other's hands for comfort before walking up to the altar.

"Dearly beloved, we're gathered here today to join these two beautiful women in holy matrimony," Aubrey announced.

"Do you, Jessica Smith, take Ashley Jones to be your lawfully wedded wife?" She asked.

"I do," Jessica said.

"And do you, Ashley Jones, take Jessica Smith to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Aubrey asked.

"I do," Ashley said.

"By the power vested in me, by the state of New Jersey, I now pronounce you two wife and wife," Aubrey said as the two brides kissed.

A little while later, the rows of chairs used in the ceremony were replaced with tables and chairs for the reception. Each table held a beautiful centerpiece made with seashells and candles. While most of the guests were enjoying hors d'oeuvres and champagne, Chloe gathered up the other Bellas, and they went together to congratulate the new couple. "Look at you!" she exclaimed. "You two both make such beautiful brides!"

"We're so excited for you," Beca chimed in. "So, how does it feel to be married?"

"All I can say is despite the ups and downs we've had this year from a financial point of view; it was all worth it in the end," Jessica said.

"And even during the time we were apart, I always knew we'd find a way back into each other's arms," Ashley said lovingly.

"And you were right all along," Beca declared.

"So, you excited to go to Toronto?" Emily asked.

"Yeah, but we're not leaving for at least two more weeks," Jessica reminded her.

"We want to be in town for not just my birthday, but for Beca's birthday as well," Ashley added.

"Yeah, about that; I was thinking, since our birthdays are ten days apart, what would you say about having a double party?" Beca suggested.

"I don't see why not," Ashley said.

"Sounds wonderful. But for now, what do you say the two of you have your first dance together as wives," Chloe suggested.

"You good with that?" Jessica asked Ashley.

"Let's do it," Ashley said as she grabbed Jessica's hand and headed for the dance floor.

As they prepared to start their dance, Chloe made her way up to the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Chloe Beale. And I'd like to propose a toast to our lovely brides.

Jessica and Ashley, not long after our first Bellas rehearsal, I knew you two were meant for each other. You've come so far over the past 11 years, and now I'm really happy that you two will be starting a new chapter of your life together," she proclaimed as the guests cheered.

"And now before the rest of you hit the dance floor, it's time for our newly married brides to have their first dance together," she continued as the other Bellas joined her for an acapella rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight" with half of the Bellas taking solo lines at different parts of the song.