Love In the O.R •Jackson Avery•

Chapter 16

Samantha's POV

The sound of my heels can be heard against the tiled floor as I pace back and forth. I had just finished getting my wedding ensemble on and now I'm waiting for Alex because he's supposed to be walking me down the aisle.

There have been a lot of major events in my life, some of the most terrifying, emotional, and nerve-wracking...but I think this one takes the cake. Don't get me wrong, I would never back out of marrying Jackson, but having all our guests staring at me as I walk down the aisle makes me nervous. I pray to God that I don't trip and fall.

"Knock, knock," I hear someone say as they knock on the door before it opens to reveal Alex, Aaron, and Amber. "I come bearing gifts," Aaron grins as he holds out 4 shooters in his hands and I quickly snatch one. "Thank god," I tell him before downing the drink, "I'm so nervous," I admit to my siblings which results in my sister wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. "Sam you have nothing to be nervous about, everything is going to go smoothly," Alex tells me, then informs me that Meredith and Derek have the twins.

"Plus I've seen the way Jackson looks at you! It's like you're his sun and he lives and breathes because of you," I smile at just the mere thought of seeing Jackson waiting at the altar, clad in whatever designer suit he chose. His intensely bright and beautiful blue eyes stare at me as I walk down the aisle.

"Okay, I'm ready," I shake my hands and nod my head at my siblings. "We'll see you out there slugger," Aaron says as he gives me a quick but firm hug before heading out with my sister.

"Ready?" Alex asks, his arm out and waiting for mine. "As I'll ever be...just don't let me fall," I say as I fix the train of my dress with the help of the workers who have been scheduled to work my wedding. There are two girls at the door to open it for me and Alex a few seconds after the music starts playing.

On cue, the music that we chose begins. We didn't want anything too traditional, but we wanted something soft yet catchy so we chose 'How Long Will I Love You' by Ellie Goulding.

As soon as the first lyrics are sung, the door opens. My breath catches in my throat, and my eyes cast down towards my feet but I quickly look up when I feel Alex gently tug my arm in his to begin walking.

My eyes first look at all the guests, immediately spotting Richard and Miranda, Derek and Meredith, Teddy, Christina and Owen, April and Justin, Arizona and Callie, Aaron, and Amber, Catherine, and then finally Jackson. I can feel a big smile form on my lips as I see him. His eyes look a lot brighter due to the redness surrounding them from tears forming. The closer we get I can see his bottom lip tremble as he is quick to wipe away some fallen tears. When we finally reach Jackson, I can feel the tears in my eyes...which I will most definitely not let fall because there is no way in hell I'm ruining my makeup already.

The music quietly ends and runs on repeat but at a much softer tone as Alex places my hand in Jackson's and I watch them shake hands. I could tell that my brother's eyes were a little misty, but he's not one to be vulnerable in front of people. Alex joins Aaron who sat next to Meredith and Derek, who also had Zola and Bailey, and takes the twins on his lap.

"Welcome family, friends, and loved ones. We are gathered today to celebrate the union of Jackson and Samantha. We are all here to support this commitment of love and to share the joy as they choose to spend their lives together." As the minister begins I feel Jackson squeeze my hand, my eyes meet him, and I see the softest smile on his face as he looks at me. "Thank you Catherine and Alex for your presence here today. Your love and unwavering support throughout their lives have given them the confidence and tools necessary to enter into this new chapter together."

"Jackson and Samantha, your marriage will be a lifelong promise to love, respect, trust, and honor each other through the good, the bad, and the unexpected. This union represents your commitment to support one another as individual beings but share your joys, sorrows, and dreams as one. A strong bond works in unison not only to nurture the best parts of your personality but also to understand each other's differences and flaws. You are committing to learn how to grow alongside one another while remembering to keep an open mind throughout your journey. Today, you gain an equal partner who will be your confidant, your defender, and your motivator through all of your aspirations and goals. You will celebrate each accomplishment, provide peace through every setback, and most importantly, give love in life's both big and little moments. You are creating a new home where love, trust, and loyalty are the foundation. No matter what the future throws your way, rely on those foundations and you shall only see your bond grow stronger and your soul grow wiser. Marriage is not easy, but from what I've seen in the two of you, I know your relationship will be an example to follow. You show care and compassion, you trust one another, and most importantly, you are each other's best friend."