A Different Divergent: A Better Tomorrow

~thirty-three~

Chapter 33

When I hear the acoustic guitar at the top of a song I've never heard before, I start walking up the packed pea gravel path, which is scattered with ivory-colored rose petals and lined on both sides with mason jars hanging on little shepherd's hooks every so often at a measured pace. It is covered by a thick canopy of massive, ancient oak trees, which is blocking out the sun making it seem closer to sundown than it actually is. Half the mason jars are filled with lit ivory votive candles submerged in ivory-colored sand, and the other half have fresh ivory roses and greenery in them. The path winds through about 25 feet of woods before it curves, and I'm able to see the rustic-looking gazebo and all the wedding guests.

When I reach the seating area, my eyes meet Tobias', and I'm suddenly transported back in time to my wedding day when I was walking slowly on the arm of my father toward my soon-to-be husband. When I reach the alter, the judge inconspicuously points to where I should stand, and I quickly look around at the once white-painted gazebo, which is mostly raw wood now. It has rope lighting tacked along the rafters, illuminating the ivory rose-petal-covered dirt floor, and there is live green garland embellished with ivory, black, and silver roses casually draped along the railings. It's absolutely beautiful in a very simple and understated way. I look back at Tobias and smile warmly, and he mouths I love you, which I return immediately.

The audience rises as one when Christina comes around the bend in the path just as the second chorus starts. What timing! She walks slowly toward us, her eyes focused on Will alone. They both look happy, excited, and very much in love. She reaches the alter just as the song comes to an end, and all the guests sit at once. It's only now that I notice Liam in Stephanie's arms, looking all around. He is so cute in a suit identical to Tyler's. Will and Alicia have thought of absolutely everything.

"Let us begin," Judge Baxter says. "Welcome friends and family. Will and Christina have chosen you, those special and important to them, to witness and celebrate the beginning of their life together. Today, as we create this marriage, we also create a new bond and new sense of family, one that will undoubtedly include all who are present here today." I know I should be paying close attention to the ceremony but Tobias looks so handsome. His attire and the setting reminds me of my wedding day, and I'm having a hard time concentrating on anything but him.

"Will and Christina, true marriage is more than the joining of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love.

"May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding." The judge looks toward Will.

"Do you Will, accept Christina as your wife and one true love, promising to share in all that life offers and suffers, to be there for her in times of need, to soothe her in times of pain, and to support her in all endeavors big and small?"

"I do," Will says, his voice ringing out proudly for all to hear.

"Do you Christina, accept Will as your husband and one true love, promising to share in all that life offers and suffers, to be there for him in times of need, to soothe him in times of pain, and to support him in all endeavors big and small?"

"I do," Christina says, emotion thick in her voice.

"Will, please take Christina's hands and repeat after me," the judge says and he immediately complies after I shift Tessa in my arms and take her bouquet from her. "I, Will, take you, Christina, to be my wife, loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not yet know."