Chapter 49
<Callie Stevens>
I am standing in the back room of the Baptist church in Everington as my mom fusses over my hair and Abigail fixes my lipstick for the fifteenth time. Jasper's mom is standing in the corner, helping Sophie with her flower basket and making sure Henry is protecting the rings on the pillow. I stare at my reflection in the mirror and exhale a deep breath.
The sunshine is streaming in through the window, light bouncing off the sparkling thread sewn into the lace of my dress. I twirl a little, admiring how the lace balloons around me. I brush some tendrils of hair away from my face and I turn around to ask my mom to hairspray some of the flyaway hairs into place next to my low bun. Once my hair is glued in place, my mom takes the veil out of its box and helps me put it on, the tulle cascading down my back. She slides a gold tiara into my hair and spins me back to face the mirror. I begin to fan my face as I try not to cry.
"You look beautiful, sweetheart." My dad says, catching my eye in the mirror. "Pastor Tate is ready whenever you are."
"I guess it's time," I reply, excitement bubbling in my stomach.
The bridesmaids begin to clear out of the room. My mom kisses me on the cheek and Ms. Delilah gives me a wave as she corrals Henry and Sophie out of the room. Soon enough, it's me and my dad. He pulls a black jewelry box from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and hands it me. I open it and find an aquamarine bracelet.
"It's your something blue. I know you were freaking out about not having anything last night."
"It's beautiful, dad." I cover my mouth as he helps me put it on.
"I can't believe how grown up you are, sweetheart." My dad's eyes mist over as I pull him into a hug.
"I'll always be your little girl." I whisper and kiss his cheek.
"I know," He says as we release. "We should go stand out by the back door. I need to walk you down the aisle before I start crying like a baby."
I nod and grab my bouquet of sunflowers, lacing my arm with his as we walk out of the room and down the hallway towards the back door that leads to the courtyard. I exhale a deep breath as an organ begins to play. My dad looks at me and I nod as he pushes the door and we begin to walk down the rose petal aisle toward Jasper and Pastor Tate. My eyes meet Jasper's and we both begin to tear up. We stop at the end of the aisle as the organ ceases. I blow a kiss to my mom and Henry as I turn to Pastor Tate.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Jasper Coven and Callie Stevens in holy matrimony." Pastor Tate says to the sound of cheers from our guests. "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"We do. She has our blessing." My dad says as he kisses my cheek.
Jasper walks towards my father and shakes his hand before taking my hand, intertwining our fingers. I smile at him as we both walk towards pastor Tate and join our other hands.
"A reading from 1st Corinthians. Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight with evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Pastor Tate closes his Bible and looks at Jasper.
"Do you, Jasper Coven, take Callie Stevens to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love, honor, and cherish her from today onward, forsaking all others as long as you both shall live?"
YOU ARE READING
A Girl Named Callie
Spiritual*sequel to A Boy Named Jasper* ~~~~~ When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6) ~~~~~~ Jasper has been in L.A. for almost five years. Not a day w...
