Pregnant

Wedding Day

I opened my eyes and looked at the ceiling. Today was the day—my wedding day. I sat up and pushed my hair back out of my face. I couldn’t think. I just sat there, looking out the window at the ocean, watching the waves crash into each other and brush up against the beach. I got out of bed, put on the slippers provided, and walked to the door that led to the private beach area. The fresh, crisp smell of the ocean and a slight breeze greeted me.

I leaned against the wall and took in my last moments of being single. I can't lie; I was still nervous. Walking down the aisle with everyone watching me—what if I mess up and say the wrong thing? We wrote our own vows, and I didn't want to mess up.

There was a knock at the door. "Come in," I called out. 

The door opened, and in walked my mother and Gabby. I took a deep breath; it was time. I walked back into the room, and all the preparations began. I grabbed my book and followed Gabby to the room I was to get ready in. Gabby had her crew helping me today. I sat in the chair as someone worked on my hair and someone else did my makeup. I read my book as they worked. I wasn't up for chit-chat, and they could tell. I was afraid to open my mouth and say the wrong thing. 

"Mommy, look at me," Avalon called out.

I looked up from my book and smiled. Avalon wore a yellow dress with white fringes and a massive bow on the back of her dress. "Oh, baby, you look absolutely beautiful." She twirled in her dress and had a huge smile plastered on her face. It made me happy and made me forget about all my worries. Of course, she was our flower girl and the cutest. After my hair was curled and my makeup was done, it was time for the dress.
I honestly decided to wear a gown that hugged my curves. I didn’t like any of the ball gowns I had seen. The dress I picked out was simple yet elegant. It had a long train, and the bottom of the dress flared a bit and had lace from the knees down. It was sleeveless. I put on my heels, and then my mother completed my outfit by putting on the veil. The door opened, and August and my dad walked in.

They both stopped short when they saw me, neither one could find the right thing to say. Then Gabby pushed August, and he walked towards me, smiling broadly.

"Damn, sis, you're so beautiful," August said.

I smiled at him, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Thank you, Auggy." His words meant a lot to me.

"Look at my baby girl," my father's voice cracked. I felt the first tear fall.

"Don't make her cry!" My mother yelled at my father. It made us all laugh and smile. My dad walked over to me and hugged me. I hugged him back, and it felt good. I was so happy I got to have this moment with him.

"You ready for this?" He looked at me. "You can still run."

I loved my father for giving me that option. He knew what I had been through with Odell; we texted a lot.

"I love him, Dad... I can't imagine my life without him," I said, the words finally feeling right to say. I knew them, but I truly believed them more now.

"Let's do this then." He offered his arm, and I slid my arm into his and gave him a smile.

~~~~~

Walking down the aisle was as scary as I thought it would be. There were so many people there, and they all watched as my dad and I walked down together. But when I saw Odell standing there looking so handsome, the crowd became a blur. My dad had to slow me down a couple of times because I was so eager to get to Odell. Once we finally reached him, my dad kissed my cheek and placed my hand in Odell's. My eyes never left Odell's as he helped me up onto the platform, and our eyes met.

He gave me a smile, and I smiled back. After a few moments, it was time for our vows. I went first.

"Odell...I can't believe we're here. All our ups and downs have led us to this exact moment, and I'm so nervous and excited at the same time. You have always been there for me, even at my worst. You're my best friend, and I don't know how to live without you in it. Thank you for being here with me today, thank you for becoming one with me."

Odell kissed my cheek, and it made me blush harder. He looked handsome as hell and smelled so damn good too.

"Ashlyn, when you agreed to marry me, it was the happiest moment of my life. Having you in my life makes me a better father and man. Having you by my side is like having joy by my side. You give me love, happiness, and adventure. I can't imagine my life without you. You look so beautiful, and you have made me the happiest man on Earth."

The minister continued, and after we said, "I do," and exchanged rings, Odell pulled me close and kissed me. Everything melted away, and I kissed him back with so much passion. August cleared his throat, and we reluctantly pulled away from each other. Everyone was smiling, and then they started clapping. I put my arm in Odell's, and we walked back down the aisle—for the first time as a married couple.

About ten minutes later, Odell and I waited in the hallway to be introduced as newlyweds.

"How are you doing?" Odell looked down at me.

I looked at him and smiled. "I'm good with you by my side. Don't leave me."
He nodded, then kissed my lips. I pulled him closer. All I wanted was to pull his clothes off right there. I had to contain myself. I pulled away from the kiss before I did anything more than I should at the moment.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Odell Beckham Jr."
The doors opened, and Odell and I walked into the room to applause. We made our way to the dance floor for our first dance. He held me close as the song "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton played. Odell had requested the song.

It was a beautiful song, and it made me tear up as we danced. He never let me go once during the entire dance, and I loved every moment of it. After the song ended, we pulled away, and everyone clapped again. We then took our seats at the table as the rest of the wedding continued.