Timing is Everything

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

       I continue to repeat to myself don’t look over at Jamison, but my heart and my head don't seem to want to listen to me. He looks more handsome and sexy than I remember. His tux is tailored to perfection. The black jacket and slacks really make the dark blue shirt stand out. Gosh, I really want to touch him right now.

I close my eyes for a second and then open them again. Remember Lorelei, he doesn't feel the same way. You spend the night with him and you two didn't talk about the huge issue at all. He didn't even attempt to bring it up. It hurts to know that that's the truth. But it is and I cannot change it, no matter how much I want to.

The bridal march begins to play and everybody stands up and turns to face the back of the room. All of eyes are on the goddess that is Meredith. I take a second to look at Hudson. The love and true emotion on his face makes my smile bigger. I want somebody to look at me like that. Scratch that. I want Jamison to look at me like that.

Meredith has tears running down her cheeks by the time she makes it down the aisle. She hands me her bouquet of flowers and then faces Hudson. Both of them are smiling like fools. It's beautiful to witness.

The priest begins welcoming everybody. I repeatedly tell myself not to look over at Jamison. Look at Meredith and Hudson! Pay attention to this! Don't miss the vows! But I slip up again and look over at him. He's already looking at me. He smiles and I feel a tightening in my stomach. I smile too. I can't help it.

Before I know it, the vows begin. This is what I've been waiting for. All of the stress and planning is totally worth this. When Meredith told me her and Hudson were writing their own vows I honestly got a lot more excited for the wedding.

       "Meredith, I love you. So much. I know I'm not the most romantic guy in the world, but I vow to try. I vow to love you every day of my life. And with that, I vow to love you more and more as the days go on. I vow to make you laugh all the time--even during the most awkward of moments with the dumbest of jokes. You know how cheesy I can be, babe. I vow to sit through each season of The Bachelor you watch, even though I'd rather watch anything else. I vow to buy you flowers and chocolate whenever I mess up. I vow to attempt to stop singing along to the radio whenever we go for a drive, but I do enjoy seeing and hearing you laugh, so I'm not sure on that one. I vow to be the one who is always by your side no matter what and if you're sick I'll risk getting infected too, just to make sure you get better. I vow to love you forever. I love you, Meredith."

Hudson's words make me smile and weep like a fool. I hand Meredith a tissue to wipe away her tears. Hudson's vows make me wish for a guy who loves me like that. All of those promises, silly and serious.

Meredith takes the microphone and takes out the piece of paper she wrote her vows on. I can tell she is trying her hardest not to start crying again. Hudson squeezes her hand for support and she begins.

       "Hudson, I love you, too. So much. How did I know that you would begin by telling all of our friends and family that you're 'not the most romantic guy in the world'? I personally don't think you give yourself enough credit. Actually, I think you're the most romantic guy ever and I'm the luckiest girl in the world. You have no idea how happy I am standing here with you today on this beautiful evening. Gosh, I love you. I should start my vows now. Okay, I vow to love you unconditionally, even when you drop the turkey I spent all day cooking. I vow to make you laugh everyday that we're together because there is no sound as beautiful as your laugh. Okay, I lied. There is, but I can't say it outloud. I vow to watch more sports with you and I'll try to stop asking the same questions every game. I vow to love you no matter what, babe. No. Matter. What. I love you, Hudson. Our love will grow stronger each and every day and that's why I vow to love you forever."