In This Life (Sequel to 'In Another Life')

146

I had stressed over this for weeks, until one day, I just sat down and started writing. It had flowed out of me so easily, that I didn't understand why I was stressed over it in the first place. I was going to read first, so I took the paper that Denise handed me and cleared my throat. "Colby, I didn't think that it was possible to put into the words the way that you make me feel every day of my life, since I first fell into your arms." I looked up, and met his gaze, grinning when his own big smile crossed his face. "I was mortified knowing that you had heard me say that I would take my clothes off for you, and you just made it worse, being the tease that you are. I was an overwhelmed, emotionally unstable girl who had a crush bigger than she had ever had before. I never ever, in my wildest dreams, could've imagined that my dreams of standing this church with you would come true one day. You have stuck by my side through so much. You fought for me, when I didn't fight for you. You fought for me, when I didn't want to fight for myself. You made me feel loved, and taught me that I deserved love. You opened me up to this amazing life that we have now, with so many people that we share it with. You frustrate me to the point of insanity." This earned a light laugh from the guests. "You push me to do my best, to believe in myself. You make me laugh, you make me think, and above all, you make me happy. That was something that I didn't think I would ever truly feel when I was younger. I love you with a passion that can't be expressed with so many words, but only in kisses, glances, and years of adventures by your side. Today, I say "I do" but to me that means, "I will." I will take your hand and stand by your side in the good and the bad. I dedicate myself to your happiness, success, and most of all, your amazing smile. You are my every dream come true, and I can't wait for the reality we get to build together. I will love you forever." I was crying by the time I finished reading, and knew that as soon as I looked back up, I would be crying even harder. My words had broken while I was reading, but I had done my best to make sure my words were clear. I needed him to hear every word. I took a deep breath, and looked up, meeting his eyes. Sure enough, as soon as I saw his watery blue gaze, a trace of tears on his cheeks, I almost broke down. Why did women insist on wearing makeup on the day of their wedding? Waterproof or not, it was going to get messed up. He took my hands and pulled me close, pressing his lips to mine. I didn't resist, even though it wasn't time for this part of the ceremony. There was laughter again, and a few whistles that I was sure had come from the Trap Boys. His hand circled my waist, and rested on my back, pulling me tight against him. I could feel the heat from his hand through the thin, silky material of my dress. "Um..eh ehm," the pastor cleared his throat. I ignored it, and kissed Colby with all of the emotion that I had. "We still need to finish the rest of the ceremony. The kiss comes later," he tried again. Colby broke the kiss, and stared down into my eyes, smiling. "Sorry Pastor. I couldn't wait that long. We can continue now." I blushed as the whistling started again, along with the laughter at his words. "Well...okay then. Colby, would you like to read your vows now?" He nodded and pulled a slip of paper out of his front tux pocket. "Terra, when I first saw your embarrassed face after you fell into my arms that one fateful day in Florida...your blush was the cutest thing that I had ever seen. I wanted to see it more and more, so I did whatever I could to make sure that I saw it as much as possible. You say that Sam and I saved your life, in a way, but you've saved mine every day since you came into it. I will never know why God thought I deserved you but I'm so thankful that he does. You complete me in ways that I never knew possible. Your love and trust makes me a better person. For all of the times that we've been together, all of the memories we have shared, I promise that our future will be just as amazing. You love gives me hope, your smile gives me joy, and every time I look into your eyes, I see my future. Whenever I'm with you, everything else fades into the background. You flood my senses with joy and an overwhelming amount of love. My life before you was full of love from and for my friends and family, adventures with Sam, and so many life experiences that I could never name them all. But something was missing. When I lost you, it hurt, but I eventually went back to how I was before. I realized it was because there was always something missing. You complete me T. I love you more fiercely with every second that slips through our hands. Today, I vow to be here with you and for you, forever and always. You will never have to face the world alone ever again." By the time he had finished, the tears wouldn't stopped, and my heart ached with how much love I had for this man. It was like my heart wasn't big enough to hold it all. We exchanged rings, and the Pastor laughed and told us that now, Colby could kiss his bride. I took his name and became Terra Rayne Brock. We spent our honeymoon in two separate places. A week in Hawaii for Colby and a week in the Ireland countryside for me. While I still did shoots for Sam and Colby, and the rest of the friend group, I was now my own boss with my own photography company.