Giving Up

Chapter 11 part 2

James was so excited to go to the races that he was ready an hour before they needed to leave. Lillie convinced him to go to Jackson's house and leave from there. She had so much to do to prepare for the rest of the day that she thought that she would go crazy. Once James dragged Seth out of the house to go meet with his brother, Lillie allowed herself to get to work.

She never knew how much work it was going to be to plan Jamie's surprise, especially at 26 weeks pregnant. She prepared three huge pans of her chicken enchiladas to go in the oven, two crock pots full of her favorite homemade vegetable soup, and she got to working on her four-tier cake that she was baking and decorating on her own. She had Kay running errands while she cooked. Finally, she was able to slow down and take a shower.

James was so happy to be at the races, but he could tell something was up by the way that Jackson and Seth were acting. Neither one of them would say anything, so he tried to brush off his weird feeling and change the subject. "So guys, we set a date. We decided to just do a court house wedding and then have a big wedding later. We got our marriage license yesterday. Lillie is afraid she will look fat in a wedding dress." He rolled his eyes and chuckled. "She obviously doesn't see just how beautiful she is."

Jackson rolled his eyes at his brother. He loved making fun of him for the way he doted on Lillie all the time. He would seriously wait on her hand and foot if she asked. Jackson was so glad that his brother found Lillie, because most women would take advantage of the sweet gestures his brother had to offer. He felt bad that Lillie had to go through what she did, but he knew that she was perfect for James. Jackson often wished he would find a love like that. He started to let his mind wander to Kay.

After the races were over, Seth was relieved. He was starving and had strict orders from Lillie to take the guys out for a light lunch, but not to spoil their appetites. He also had to find a way to trick James into a suit before going to meet his fiancée. How the hell was he going to do that? He was trying all day to figure it out. He thought he had a plan.

Lunch cruised by and Seth was able to talk to Jackson when James was calling Lillie to check in with her. He called her every two hours to check on her, just in case she went into early labor and he wasn't there. He was so protective of her. When he got back to the table, his brother was smiling a smile that he only had on his face when he was up to something. "What's going on with you guys? You've been acting weird all day."

"Well little brother, I know it's your birthday, and I hate to rain on your parade and all, but I was wondering if you would possibly help me out with something. Lillie told me that if I was going to ask Kay to go on a date with me, I would have to be super romantic. I want you and Seth to help me out. I need you both to wear a suit, and I will tell you the rest of the details when we get where we are going. I am going to have Lillie bring Kay somewhere special to meet me." He bought it hook, line, and sinker. These guys were good.

James couldn't figure out what was going on. His brother was being so secretive. Seth and Jackson took him to this park that had a beautiful pavilion, and there were so many people that were dressed up. Something funny was going on. Jackson took him to stand in front of the crowd and right when it hit him what happened, music started and everyone sat down in the lined up chairs. He looked at his brother, then at Seth. Kay started walking down the path between the chairs, and stopped to stand across from Jackson. Then his sister Kari came down to stand across from Seth. That's when he saw her.

The wedding march started, and Lillie came around the corner wearing an off white sleeveless dress that was very fitting to her chest, and then flowed down to her feet, lightly clinging to her pregnancy belly. Jamie's birthday surprise was marrying the love of his life. When he saw her coming toward him, he got tears in his eyes. She looked like an angel. As far as he was concerned, she was his angel.

James didn't notice the pastor standing behind him until he spoke, which caused James to jump. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two in holy matrimony." James didn't hear half of what he said, because he was too focused on Lillie. His dreams were coming true. James did his part, repeated his lines, and looked to Lillie to hear the words from her, but then the pastor said something about reading her own vows, and he got more tears.

"James Lucas Michaels, our love has conquered many battles. I know that it will conquer more. When I look into your eyes, I see your soul and I also see our future. I stand here before our family and friends and promise you that although life may get tough, I will never walk away. I will love you through our trials and tribulations. I will love you through brutal attacks and car accidents as I have already. I will stand by your side for the rest of my life and proudly announce that I am the girl so crazy in love with you that I will go to any extreme to make you happy. I will be so proud to be Mrs. Michaels. Happy birthday Jamie."

James smiled and cried at the same time. He knew Lillie meant every word that she said. They exchanged rings, which James didn't even know existed until his brother pulled them out of his pocket. The pastor said a verse from the Bible, and finished off the ceremony with the best part. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." James put his hand behind Lillie's neck and pulled her in the kiss her. No matter how many times he felt his lips on her, it felt like his world froze in place just for him to kiss her forever. They turned to face the crowd, and James smiled proudly when he heard. "I NOW INTRODUCE TO YOU, MR. AND MRS. JAMES MICHAELS!"

Kay helped Lillie change into a casual sundress for the party, and she went to join her husband. James took her by the hand and kissed it. He was out of words. He was so happy, so proud, and so thankful to Lillie that he could only look at her and smile. She hugged him, and then pointed him toward the food. "I've been cooking all day baby, and I made all your favorites. I even baked you a big ol' cake." Lillie smiled and pulled him over to the food line. After everyone ate in the park, Jackson announced that the dance/reception was going on at "JACKSONS" and that everyone was welcome to help the bride and groom celebrate by shaking their booties. Lillie just rolled her eyes at her new brother-in-law and laughed.

As the night came to an end, James noticed that he and his bride had not taken a break since the first song began. He knew she had to be tired, so he asked her if she wanted to go sit. "Actually baby, I do have something I need to do. Wait for me at our table?" She smiled and kissed him on the tip of his nose. He could tell she had something up her sleeve again, but didn't know just what.

"I don't like to be alone in the night, and I don't like to hear I'm wrong when I'm right. I don't like to have the rain on my shoes but I do love you." James looked up to see Lillie sitting on the bar with the microphone. He loved when she sang for him, and he couldn't wait for her to sing to their baby. He watched her intently as she finished the song with a tear in her eye. She ended with telling Jamie once again that she loved him unconditionally. He couldn't wait to get her home so he could proudly make love to his wife.