927 Miles

Chapter 22

"Stop moving unless you want a pin in your ass," growled the fitter.

"Wow that's rude," I barked back trying not to move.

"Juliette, will you stop moving? I'm starving," says Libby with her head in her hands.

"Sorry, if I wanted to find the perfect wedding dress," I remarked staring at myself in the mirror.

"We'll mission accomplish now stand still so we can find the quest," Libby states rolling her eyes and checking her phone.

"Can you believe its been 5 years since Robby's died," I said randomly breaking the silence.

"It was like yesterday we were just fighting look at us now. Better than ever. We haven't fought since that night in his room. It's crazy to be here. If you would have told me you would have been with me picking out my wedding dress back then I would have told you you're crazy." Libby manages a smirk and says, "I can't believe we were like that, and now you're getting married!"

Thinking about that one random spring break and meeting Stepphano was crazy. Seven years later we were going to be husband and wife as God has intended for us. The lady puts the last pins in it and tells me to take it off. I go back into the changing room and put on my regular clothes.

"Thank you for dealing with me. This will be the best wedding ever all thanks to you!" She says nothing and takes my dress off to the back. We leave the bridal shop and head over to Libby's Volkswagen Beetle.

"Look at you though starting college soon," I said slowly getting into the car. "Do you know what you want to be yet?"

"No, not really," she shrugged getting into the car. "I want to paint but then again Mom and Dad believe I'd be a great lawyer from all those years of fighting with you," she laughed. It's true I thought to myself. We finally arrive at the restaurant for our reception dinner. Stepphano is standing outside and sees us arrive. He helps me out of the car," only you would change your dress two days before the wedding," he stated.

I shake my head smiling and see everyone inside waiting. We go inside and have a seat. Mom and Dad are sitting with Antonio and Santiago our sons. Next was Lubby, Yolanda, Stepphano, and myself. Father stands up and hits a glass with a fork. He takes a deep breath. "In two days my baby girl is soon to be a Rodriguez no longer a Russell. In the last name that is the only thing that changes. Hurt my baby I hurt you respectfully Stepphano," everyone laughs. "To a happy marriage and a wonderful family. A toast to the New Rodriguez family." Everyone takes a sip and Father sits down and we all talked. By the of the night, I kiss my love Stepphano farewell. For everyone thought it was bad luck to see the bride a day before your wedding.

Ding Dong Ding Dong

That is all I hear when I open my eyes. I hear people coming into the church. The day before went by so fast but today is my wedding day! I take one more look in the mirror and give Libby a hug.

"You look gorgeous," she says trying not to cry. I give her another hug.

"Don't ever change Libby." We both try not to cry. She leaves me and walks down the alley. My father comes out another door. He just simply kisses my forehead. "Wish Robby could see this." We both just smile and link arms. The church door opens and everyone is looking at me. I froze like a statue, but Father gave me a little tug and we walked. I see long-distance family sitting in the back mixed with my classmates, and in the front, my two twin boys, Antonio and Santiago standing next to their father and my soon-to-be husband, Stepphano. Next to him is the priest.

'You may all be seated," and you hear everyone sitting down. "We are gathered together on this beautiful afternoon to share with Juliette and Stepphano as they exchange vows of their everlasting love. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"My father raises his hand and states, "Her mother and I." He walks over and places my hand over Stepphanos and returns to his seat. I look up and smile.

"As Juliette and Stepphano take their vows today. We are privileged to witness the joyous love of a new family," the priest pauses, "A family that will be nourished and nurtured through the devotion of two separate individuals growing together through the common bonds of love. May their marriage bring them peace, joy, comfort, and contentment that is known in the hearts of all God's children. And may Stepphano and Juliette both look forward to each new season of their marriage." The priest takes a breath fixing his glasses. "Just as the world looks forward to each new season of the year. For all seasons bring with them their own special moments and memories. An essential requirement of a good marriage is a strong bond of real friendship and trust. Juliette and Stepphano, your love for each other will grow deeper with every passing day, but it's important to remember that your love stands on a foundation of genuine, mutual affection, and respect for each other. To truly love," he said his voice getting higher," another person is to be willing to accept both their strong points, and their weak points, with equal measures of understanding and respect." His voice then returned to normal. "The vows you are about to exchange will serve as a verbal representation of the nonverbal emotions. They are as real as anything that can be seen, heard, or touched. For it is not the words that you speak today that will bond you together as one, but the strength of love and commitment found deep within your souls," he turned us so we could face each other. Stepphano pulls a note out of his pocket.

"Juliette, the day I met you I knew you were the one from your smile to your flaws. You would make me smile even if we were 927 miles away. You always knew the exact timing of everything. Now you're the beautiful mother of our two handsome sons. I love you and our family." He kisses my hand. Libby taps on my should and gives me my note.

"Stepphano, I've never thought that I could ever love a man like you before. After Robby died I thought I was lost in this world I thought my gift from God had left me forever. You stayed by my side through it all. Both good and bad. God kept us together and my love everlasting," I look up to see he has a smile on his face.

"Let us pray," states the priest as everyone bows their heads. "My heavenly father give these two the eternal love and passion for each other, their marriage, and their kids. Keep them in the palm of your hands. Amen."

"Amen," says everyone.

"At this time I'll ask you and Stepphano to take each other's hands. Stepphano, will you take Juliette to be your wife, your partner in life, and your one true love?"

"I will," says Stepphano.

"Will you cherish her friendship and love her today, tomorrow, and forever"

"I will."

"Will you trust and honor her, laugh with her, and cry with her?

"I will."

"Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live," asked the priest.

Stepphano looks into my eyes and says, "I will."

"Juliette, will you take Stepphano to be your husband, your partner in love, and your one true love?

"I will," I state.

"Will you cherish his friendship and love him today, tomorrow, and forever?"

"I will."

"Will you trust and honor him, laugh with him, and cry with him?"

"I will."

"Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?

I smile at him and said, "I will."

"By the power invested in me I now prounce you husband and wife you may now kiss the bride. If there is anyone who objects to this union; please speak now or forever hold your peace."

No one says anything and Stepphano grabs me and gives me a kiss. Everyone is cheering. I feel a sharp pain in my abdominal area. "Honey, she's coming."