Renewing our Vows

Chapter 2: The Vows

Dylan led me through the doors and down the steps onto the grass that was littered with tiny white flowers. Everyone stood from their seats when they saw us coming. It was a small gathering, mostly people from Alex's side. A few of his friends and coworkers were there but overall, neither of us had a lot of close friends so we stuck to a much more intimate crowd.

As soon as I was in view of the altar, I was searching for him. When I finally caught sight of him, a wave of calm took over my whole body. I felt so strong with the love I saw in his eyes and it took everything I had not to run down the aisle towards him. 

When I neared the front row, I glanced to my right and saw Norman standing with Dr. Edwards. When his eyes met mine, he flashed me a boyish grin that brought me back to when he was 5 years old. Instinctually, my hand reached out and grabbed ahold of his. For a brief moment, Dylan and I stopped walking and Norman leaned towards me to whisper, "You look beautiful," into my ear before he kissed my cheek. I couldn't believe it. I stood there frozen for a moment and mouthed, "Thank you," to him before smiling and turning back to my beautiful husband. 

This day could not be more perfect. I was so overwhelmed with love and joy that I couldn't even cry. I didn't want to cry anymore. My life had finally given me a break and allowed me this beautiful moment to spend with the people I love most. 

Dylan led me straight to Alex and pulled my arm out from his to place my hand in Alex's. 

I finally had a chance to focus completely on him and holy hell was he sexy! He was wearing a charcoal suit with a white shirt and dusty rose tie, his facial hair was slightly scruffy, just the way I liked it, and his dark hair was in perfect disarray. He hadn't stopped smiling since he first saw me and now that I could see his eyes more clearly, I noticed he was crying.

He walked us up to the minister while Dylan and Emma took their place beside us. We turned towards each other, holding tightly to one another's hands.

As the minister spoke, we stared lovingly into each others eyes, waiting a little impatiently on my part, to get to the vows. I was dying to know what he wrote. 

"Norma, would you like to read your vows?" the minister asked, breaking me out of the trance that Alex's eyes had me in. I nodded and turned to Emma and she handed me the paper I had written weeks earlier.

"Alex, growing up, I never had a true support system. I didn't have a loving family and I never felt safe. Then when I got married, it was very much the same as my childhood. My whole life, I thought that's what relationships were. I never trusted people and I had a really hard time being vulnerable with people. It took me a long time to learn that I could trust you. That you were different. Even then, it still took a long time for me to open up to you. When I finally did, you accepted every part of me. I'm so glad I decided to let you in because you made me realized that I was worthy of love. From that day, and even from the first day I met you, you have continued to support me, surprise me and love me.  I don't know what I did to deserve a man as good-hearted and caring as you. I love you with every part of me and no amount of time with you will be long enough. You are the one I have been waiting for. I always felt safe when you were here. Those are the words I said to you the day you left my motel and they are still true today. Thank you for everything you do for me and this beautiful life you have given me."

The tears began to fall steadily now as I gave my vows back to Emma and looked into his eyes. He let go of one of my hands to wipe the tears from my cheeks, smiling softly and mouthing "I love you." 

Then he turned to Dylan and took the vows from him. Dylan then patted him on the shoulder as Alex turned back to me. That tiny gesture warmed my heart so much. I never worried about the two of them getting along but I could really see that Dylan thought of Alex as a father and Alex saw him as a son.

"Norma. There aren't enough words to properly express the depth of my love for you. From the moment I first saw you, you lit a fire in my soul. You brought a part of my heart back to life that I truly believed was lost forever. Our love didn't begin traditionally, but then neither of us is what I would call traditional. I think we were bound to find each other. I think all other roads in our lives have led to this moment. This moment where we truly become one. This moment where we decided only to live for each other. Norma, the things I learned about your past didn't push me away. They simply drew me to you further. You are the strongest woman I have ever known and your fire burns for those you love. Your devotion to your children only makes my love for you grow stronger. I am so honored that you have chosen to spend your life with me. I think of all the love I have felt these past 6 months and the years ahead that will only become better as our love grows. I promise that you will never have to face the sorrows of your past and I swear to be your sword and shield in any future battles we may face together. I hope you will always find safety in my arms and trust in your heart. No matter the struggles we face. I love you Norma. I always will."

So much for saving my makeup. I'm fully bawling now. He laughs quietly as a tear falls from his eye and he hands his vows back to Dylan. As he turns back to me, his expression becomes soft and he looks at me in wonder. It's the most open I have ever seen him. His whole heart is on display just through this one look and I swear I fall in love with him all over again. 

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, again," says the minister. "You may now kiss the bride."

And before he even finishes declaring us, Alex has pulled me into him and kissed me with more love and passion than I have ever felt. As his arms wrap around my waist, he turns us slightly and dips me while keeping his lips firmly on mine. My hands reach up and twine into his hair. The audience erupts in applause and it's over too soon. Alex straights up and releases all of me but my hand.

He turns toward the crowd but my eyes are stuck on his face. I am immediately overwhelmed with love for this man.

He begins to lead us back down the aisle when Norman reaches out to stop Alex. We both freeze, terrified of his reaction. As I look closer at Norman, I notice tears on his face. Suddenly he smiles at Alex and reaches for his hand.

"Congratulations, Alex. I really do wish you both all the best. I can see you make my mother happy so I am happy for you both." Norman says. Alex returns his smile and shakes his hand. "Thank you Norman. She makes me happy too," he says, turning back to me to kiss me lightly. Alex turns back to Norman again to smile at him and we continue to walk down the aisle.

When we reach the porch steps, I turn back to see Norman sitting, his expression full of sorrow and my heart sinks..