Charlotte and Callum’s Wedding

Charlotte Parker

“There,” Mama says as she clasps my necklace. “You’re ready.” I take a deep breath in and turn to face her. The photographer left the room to go get my dad, so it’s just us now.

“I’m getting married,” I breathe out. Mama smiles at me, tears sparkling in her red-rimmed eyes.

“You look so beautiful, darlin’. The perfect picture of a bride.” She grabs my hands in hers. “You have become such an incredible young woman. And I’m not just saying that because it’s your wedding day. You are fierce, and passionate, and smart.” She squeezes my hands. “I am proud to be your mother.” I tilt my head back and blink to try and stop my tears from coming.

“Mama, you’re going to make me ruin my makeup!” We laugh together. “I love you. Thank you for supporting me and always telling me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear.” I hug her tight until I hear the door open behind me. I turn to see the photographer poking her head through the doorway.

“Are you ready for your dad?” I sniffle and nod. I wanted to have a ‘first look’ moment with my dad. The photographer leads him in, and he stands in front of me with his eyes closed and his hands clasped together in front of him.

“Whenever you’re ready,” the photographer says, and my dad immediately opens his eyes.

A huge smile breaks out across his face. When I see tears in his eyes, I’m done for. He embraces me and I cry into his shoulder.

“I can’t believe my baby girl is getting married,” he says into my hair.

“Who would have thought there would be someone out there who could handle all of this?” I try to lighten things up with a laugh. We pull apart and he looks down at me.

“I’m so happy you and Callum found each other. You deserve someone who lets you be you and doesn’t try to put a cover over your light.” I smile up at him.

The photographer clears her throat.

“It’s time to make our way down the stairs,” she says. I take in a shaky breath as my dad loops my arm through his.

I know I’ve made the right choice. I know it down to my bones. Now I just have to make it down the aisle without tripping.

***

Callum Sterling

I look at my mama sitting in the front row and smile. She’s grinning ear to ear and fidgeting with excitement. The feeling is mutual. I adjust my tie for what has to be the tenth time. The waiting has been the only bad part of today. I’ve wanted to see Charlotte since I opened my eyes this morning.

Music begins and shortly after the bridal party walks down the aisle. I accept handshakes and shoulder pats from all the groomsmen, then resume waiting anxiously. The music shifts to a soft cover of Can’t Help Falling in Love, and I know that I’m about to see my bride, my future wife.

The tent opens up again and my breath catches. It feels like all the air has been sucked out of the room. Her dress sparkles with each step, catching the light in a mesmerizing way. And her eyes. I wish I had something to lean on because they make me weak in the knees. I pride myself on being a strong man, but strength is futile whenever those blue eyes meet mine.

Frank hugs her and then places her hand in mine. And like every time since we first brushed in the conference room, her touch sends sparks through my whole body. I hold her hands in my own and stare deeply into her eyes. My focus is so intense I almost miss my cue from the pastor to say my vows. I let go of her hands and pull a folded-up paper out of my suit pocket.

“Charlotte,” I begin and clear my throat. “I can’t say I loved you from the moment I met you.” We both laugh, as does everyone watching. “But I fell in love with you quickly after that. I tried to deny it at every turn, because I knew loving you was the biggest risk I’d ever take. I’m so glad I took that risk. You make me a better man.” My voice cracks, but I push through. “And I’m going to spend every day becoming better for you and our future family. I promise to love and cherish you. To get you chocolate frosting when you’re down and play your favorite dance music when you’re happy.” She giggles at my words. “I promise to put God first and love you with everything I’ve got. No holding back.” I put the paper back in my pocket while Charlotte unfolds her own.

“Callum,” she breathes out. “I never thought I’d find someone who I could be myself around. Who would love me as I am. But you do. You’re so different from me.” She laughs and so do I. “And I thought that was why we wouldn’t work, but it turns out we balance each other perfectly. You taught me how to care less about what others think of me and how to love deeper than I’ve ever experienced. I promise to love you through the good and bad and everything in between. To be open with you and have fun with you.” She looks up from her paper straight into my eyes. “I promise to put God first and love you with everything I’ve got. No holding back.”

I wait on pins and needles for the pastor to pronounce us husband and wife. As soon as he does, I wrap her up and kiss her with all that I have. I kiss her like it’s our last day, even though I know it’s the first of forever.