Wild Ride - The Alternative Version (Book 2)

Chapter 80~I Won't Give Up

Abbie's POV

I was waiting behind the big doors of a church with my sister right beside me, waiting for the moment that those doors would open and we'd make our way down the aisle together. Behind us, Mom and Papa stood together, quietly talking. He'd had tears in eyes when he saw Mom, not being able to have been here for the actual wedding, so this was the first time he'd get to walk her down the aisle. He was so happy that he was going to get to walk her down the aisle, too.

Throughout the week since Tuesday when Dustin left to visit that family member, we've been texting and calling each other to stay in touch. I couldn't wait until tomorrow when he came back, I missed him so much. Yeah, we get to talk over the phone and stuff, but that doesn't substitute for a big, warm hug. In the meantime, I've been passing the time by hanging out with Kaylee and going out with friends. 

Kaylee and I both had our hair curled for the event today, and we were all dressed up in our matching white and black dresses. We each had a small bouquet of flowers of the same colors. Kaylee looked so cute, it wasn't even funny. 

Pretty soon, the music started and before the doors could be opened, I held my hand out to Kaylee and she looked up at me and smiled before placing her hand in mine. Two men that were on the inside pulled back the doors to reveal Kaylee and I, and both of us wore grins on our faces as we stepped forward and started on our journey down the aisle. 

Dad was waiting at the end, his hands clasped in front of him. A big, happy smile was on his face, projecting just how truly happy he was. A while ago, this didn't seem to have any chance of happening. We all thought that a divorce was the end for certain, but things turned around and now this acts as a complete assurance that we're all going to be together as one happy family for a long time. I don't think anyone understands how relieved I am that we're back to the family we'd been before I left California.

The guests smiled at us as we made our way down the aisle, and when we reached the end, Dad winked at us. We separated then, me going to stand behind Dad and Kaylee went on the other side, so that when Mom gets here she'll be standing behind Mom.

In the front row, I saw Grandma and Grandpa, my uncles and my aunts, along with the kids. As I scanned out through the crowd of people, there wasn't one face that was not smiling. I spotted Camryn among all the people here, too, and she was quite ecstatic. Uncle Eric and Aunt Stacy had made it out for the event, and they had big grins on their faces. 

Mom and Papa stepped into view at the other end of the aisle just then, and everybody's smiles widened as they stood up, including mine and especially Dad's. As Mom walked down the aisle with her arm linked through Papa's, it seemed as though they only saw each other. They were staring straight at each other and it was like they were totally oblivious to anyone else being here with them except for the officiant. You just knew when you looked at them that they loved each other and they always would. 

When they stopped, Papa and Mom turned towards each other and she smiled at him as he kissed her cheek. He whispered to her that he loved her and she whispered it back, smiling back at him before she stepped up beside Dad. The music stopped, and they turned towards the officiant as everyone sat back down. With a smile, the officiant began speaking.

"We are gathered here today to witness the reaffirmation of the wedding vows of James and Elise. After four years of marriage they have learned that happiness is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things... it's never being too old to hold hands. It's remembering to say "I love you" at least once each day. It's never going to sleep angry with each other. It's at no time taking the other for granted. It's having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It's standing together and facing the world. It's forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family. It's doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It's speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It's not looking for perfection in each other. It's cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor. It's establishing a relationship in which independence is equal, dependence is mutual; and the obligation is reciprocal." He paused.