Guarded Heart (The GH Series)

With this ring...

Wedding Day

"Breathe Callie...breathe." I'm nervous as hell. Once I marry Ashley today, we are going to New York then Miami. Mostly funded by the win at work, so no expense for us really. "Breathe..."

"Dork. You are going to be fine. You are marrying the woman of your dreams and she is bursting with excitement to walk down the aisle to you."

"I know I'm marrying the woman of my dreams, doesn't mean I don't or can't be nervous. Is she really that excited?"

"Babe. Ashley would have eloped if you asked her to." I knew Sarah was right.

"Damn it. Should have done it that way." Sarah raised her eyebrow up at me.

"No, you wouldn't have."

"No, probably not. I only see myself getting married once in my lifetime."

"Well, I guess that is good news." Sarah then smirked at me and I let out a chuckle. "Are you ready to get married?"

"I sure am, let's do this."

Sarah walked down the aisle first as Kiss me Slowly by Parachute began to play. Then the door opened up again and I nervously, accompanied by my sister, Kacey we walked down the aisle. Reaching the bottom of the aisle, I let out a huge breath to calm my nerves.

Fiona looked equally stunning in her bridesmaid dress and even flashed a small pose at the top of the aisle. This made both Sarah and I grin from ear to ear. Fiona as we know was always the shy type, but her confidence was soaring as she walked down the aisle and stood at the opposite side and gave Sarah a wink.

Hearing the door open again, Ashley appeared in the doorway and flashed a smile, one that was reserved for Callie to put Callie at ease there and then. With the song playing until Ashley reached me and in turn, I kissed Ashley gently on the cheek and whispered in her ear. "You look absolutely stunning Ashley."

"Thank you..."

The ceremony went by with no hitches and the ladies had written their own words for their speeches at the meal.

***

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I can have your attention please!!" My little sister, who is generally quiet, brought the room to silence. Kacey, with the smallest voice in the room sounded mighty over the microphone.

"For the longest time, I was separated from my sister Callie. Today, I am proud as punch not to only have reconnected with her, walking her down the aisle and watching her marrying the one that no longer made her feel incomplete.

Yes, the incomplete reference is to those who know my sister and my new sister in law." The top table smirked. "But anyway, I would like you all to raise your glasses and wish Callie and Ashley a long and happy marriage!" Loud cheers went around the room and much to my surprise, it wasn't Fiona that stood to stand, but Ashley herself.

"Thank you all! But now I have a few words to say."

I couldn't help but mutter,  "Oh shit... "

"It's not that babe, I promise." Making everyone chuckle. "Now, our journey to this point was anything but plain sailing, but without a doubt, I would be lost without you Callie." Our guests let out awe's and cheers. "Now those who know me, know often that I cannot always get the words out, despite making people talk for a living." Again, more chuckles.

"Callie, you are the air that I breathe, the ying to my yang, the stars that guide me home and the love of my life. I cannot wait to see where our journey goes, and I honestly cannot wait to see where married life takes us. I love you."

My eyes threatened to spill tears as Ashley leaned over and kissed me lovingly on the lips. Once I had managed to compose myself, I stood up with the champagne glass in my hand. "Cheers!" Then I jokingly went to sit back down but quickly stood up again. "Like I'd just say cheers..." I let out a chuckle. "Thank you to each of you that have joined us on this special day, we appreciate each one of you attending and thank you to the guests in advance that are attending tonight to help us party the night away. But mostly, thank you..." I looked directly at my wife.

"To my stunning wife, Ashley." Cheers erupted in the room, causing us both to smile. "My life was a constant roller coaster until I met Ashley. She broke down my walls, allowed me to open up at my own pace and had supported me through the good and the bad. Without you, I wouldn't even want to comprehend what that feels like but if I could match it to something, I'd say a shattered mirror. Once that's broke, it's not repairable is it? You love me unconditionally as do I with you. I can't wait to see what our future holds."

More applause, but I signaled them to be quiet. "One more person I need to thank." My eyes watered as I looked at Ashley and she nodded her head. "Amanda. We thank you. Be seeing you." Ashley stood up next to me and we both blew a kiss mid-air out into the atmosphere hoping that somewhere, Amanda was watching.