Trained For Sin

Chapter 57

"Every one of us has a deep desire to love and to be loved. Marriage is a commitment to live that will allow you to share your lives together. Marriage will stretch you as individuals, deepen your love for one another and bring out the best in each other. So, enjoy your marriage and let it be a time of waking each morning and falling in love with each other all over again." Lee stood holding a glass, toasting at our wedding reception.

There wasn't a dry eye in the audience. I felt so thankful to have Nathan's family to now call our own.

"My brother was even lucky enough to fall in love with Genevieve twice." He smiled, making the small crowd laugh.

Nathan and I decided to have a small, intimate event in the backyard of our home in Oregon. With all of our closest friends and family. Cathy, Valerie, Eve, helped me tremendously with the preparations wanting to get married as soon as possible after everything Nathan and I had been through. I didn't want to wait another second not being his wife and beginning our next chapter together. Finally full of love, safety and peace.

"When Nathan first introduced us to Genevieve, our family already had an idea that Gen was Nathan's perfect match. I could tell that Nathan had never felt this way about anyone before, and that this was his forever person. I couldn't have chosen anyone better for my brother, and we are so excited to welcome you into our family. Thank you for your strength. kindness, sense of humor, and patience." Valerie continued after Lee as everyone smiled in agreement bringing tears to my eyes.

Nathan held my hand over the table making me turn to him lovingly. His eyes were fixed on his brother standing over the crowd with sophistication and grace as the photographer continued to take pictures of everyone.

"Your love and commitment to each other is so inspiring, and it's been so special to watch your relationship unfold. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, understanding, and joy." Valerie finished.

Our wedding was held in our garden full of flowers under the tall willow trees and warm sunshine. Everyone close to us shared thoughtful words and shared a toast congratulating us on our new future together

The reception was now moonlit under the stars and candles on the long tables where everyone sat. Strings of lights hung loosely in the tall trees above us adding more romantic ambiance. There was something so magical about being married among natural splendor. From lush gardens and the babbling stream. There were countless beautiful backdrops for our outdoor wedding.

I stood around with the new women in my family as Nathan laughed and chatted with his brother and work colleagues off in the distance. Watching Nathan with his jacket now off probably hanging somewhere on the back of a chair. His white dress shirt was rolled up at the sleeves as he drank a glass of scotch.

I was taken back to the memory of all those long nights he spent in his office wearing his disheveled clothes from the day before. How dedicated he was to his job even now. Even after everything we've been through. I was so grateful that he didn't let all of our setbacks keep him away from what he was passionate about. Aiding and contributing to the kind people of this new small town we now called home.

"Thank you all so much for everything you've done to make this night special. It means everything to me to be apart from such a wonderful family." I confessed fondly to Cathy, Valerie, Eve, Jane and Emily. We all stood around mingling and chatting with our children's laughter in the distance.

"Oh, honey, of course!" Cathy smiled brightly, embracing me in a hug. "I'm so happy to have another sister in the family. It brings me so much joy to see you with Nathan. He deserves the best. As do you." Valerie smiled, making me smile bringing tears to my eyes.