I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.
Your eyes met. You gulped but didn't look away. He cupped your cheeks and slowly brought you closer to him. He gently kissed your forehead as you close your eyes and inhaled deeply. You also noticed he stopping breathing for a second before letting you go and face the crowd.
A round of applause followed.
You were first hugged by your dad, who tried to hide his tears. Next is your best friend, Cindy. You glanced at your new husband who's also being congratulated by his Papa, your new father-in-law, and your parents' closest friend. His best friend also offered a congratulatory hug before he glanced back and started walking towards you. You looked away trying to hide your blush, but your nosy best friend noticed your reaction. She tugged your arm and whispered in your ear.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah," You pretend to straighten your dress and dared not look in her eyes. She would immediately know that you're lying.
"Cassandra Andrea don't you dare lie to me. I know something's --" she was cut off by a familiar voice.
"Is everything okay?" he's standing by your side but you can still feel the distance. You tried to keep still for them not to notice that your knees are trembling.
"We should head to the reception. They might be starving," You turned to see your fathers talking together.
"Yeah, let's go. I'm starving, too." his best friend, Justin put his arm on his best friend's shoulder.
"Come on, Justin. Let's head there first," Cindy pulled Justin away from your husband, and you two were left alone. His hands are both in his pocket but his eyes are glued on you. Your eyes are fixed on the floor.
"Is something wrong?" He tried to sound sincere but you know that he isn't so happy about your arrangement as much as you would like to. You cleared your throat before facing him.
"I'm good. Let's go, they're waiting for us," You walked past him and he followed you closely.
Your fathers made sure that the wedding and reception are kept as private as possible per Caleb and your Tito Dean's request. You just agreed to everything they say. You don't want to upset anyone, as you always do, even if it means getting hurt in the process. You don't want people to get disappointed especially your Dad. He suffered so much since you lost Mom so you try your best to always make him happy.
You scanned the room and can see that they're all enjoying the lunch and you can't help but smile. You tried to focus on the food when your best friend stood up with a glass of champagne in her hand and gently clinked it with a spoon to get everyone's attention. You started to feel nervous again.
"I want to offer this toast the newlyweds. May you both take care of each other and be in love forever! Cheers!"
Justin stood next.
"I wish you both the best of luck and work on the cute babies, soon! Cheers!" everybody laughed except you of course, who's face is burning red. Caleb chuckled. Then, your dad stood next.
"Cassie, my baby. I know wherever your mom is, she's very happy for you. Caleb, I trust you would never hurt my princess and support her all the way." Instead of offering a toast, he hugged both of you while holding back his tears.
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll take care of her," his eyes are fixed on you again. I felt my heart skipped. If only those were true.
Lastly is your father-in-law, who kissed you in the cheek while he offered a handshake to your husband.
"I trust that you'll both get along well and to be there for each other no matter what happens. I'm sure both your mothers are smiling down at us." He smiled.
YOU ARE READING
Destined Since Birth (Caleb & Cassie)
RomanceCassandra Andrea Mercado and Caleb Andrew Silverio are childhood friends. They grew up together and their parents are the best of friends. When tragedy struck your families, you drifted apart. You met again after a few years on the day of your engag...