Burning Wild

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The wedding reception was held outside in the church's courtyard. The small, grassed expanse had been converted from an area of simplicity to an enchanted, mystical land full of love and wonder.

The sun was beginning to set as we left the cathedral, the bright crimson and amber hues embellishing the San Diego skyline in the distance. As the sky began to darken, dozens of lanterns hanging from nearby trees lit up the night, along with thousands of twinkle lights that were strewn across the veranda, creating a feeling of elegance.

Beneath their effervescent beams, I could see long tables that were beautifully decorated with vibrant tablecloths, and centerpieces made of succulents and water lilies.

Jake and I found our seats at the long table nearest the bride and groom. I felt a little weird being seated at the family table. But when I voiced my concern to Mariana, she shook her head.

"You became a member of this family the day you and Jake got together. You're more of a sister to me than anyone here. Sit, relax, have fun," she encouraged with a smile.

I did as she suggested and quickly found that my paranoia was pointless. People were happy to see Jake after his being gone so long and, by default, were happy to see me. I received more hugs during that time than I had at any other point in my life.

I found myself anxious when I realized that the couple sitting across from us were Jake's parents. Not once, during the entirety of the trip, had I worried about what they might think of me. I had been focused on Jake and making sure the trip wasn't overwhelming for him.

But now, it was my turn to panic. All I could think about was making a good first impression. In the end, all of my worrying was for naught because Jake's parents were, the kindest people I had ever met.

Jake's mother, Ramona, was a plump woman who was quiet and meek. She wore thick glasses and had a smile on her face that never really went away. Jake had inherited her deep brown eyes, and her contagious grin. She made me feel like my stories about the architecture business were the most fascinating things she had ever heard. She reminded me of my Abuelita.

Jake's father, Nicolas, was her opposite in many ways. He was tall and lanky, though his height was diminished slightly by being the wheelchair he was confined to. He was very outspoken and enjoyed being the life of the party, a trait that he had passed down to his daughter. Everything he said was comical, and he soon had me doubled over in laughter, the risk of soda coming out of my nose a very real possibility.

Seeing how Jake acted around his family filled me with joy. I could see a different side of him as he played with his baby cousins, or goofed off with high school friends he'd lost touch with over the years. Despite the trepidations he'd had about returning to San Diego, this was Jake's home. The relief he felt at being here was written all over his face.

Being around Jake's large family was bittersweet, for it reminded me of all of the things that I wish I had as a child. I didn't have both of my parents, or any siblings, or even an extended family to celebrate special occasions with. It was just me and my mom. I was fortunate to have my mother, and I would be forever thankful for her because she made me who I am. Still, I couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like to have cousins to play with or aunts and uncles who could step in for the father who was never there.

I forced the notion from my mind. The past was in the past, and there was no point in dwelling over it. I was here now, in the present, surrounded by people who accepted me as one of their own because Jake loved me. I now had everything that I ever wanted- a man who held my heart, and the family I always longed.

The commentator appeared and introduced the newlyweds. I watched with tears in my eyes as Mariana and Dwayne held each other during their first dance as husband and wife. They looked so happy. I glanced at Jake and saw the joy on his face as he watched his sister having the time of her life. I knew Jake was sad that his best friend would be moving away, but I think his happiness outweighed his sadness. If anything, he and Dwayne would be closer than ever before, now that they were officially brothers.