“That you are.” Mom paused with an intake of breath. “Dad told me to hurry. He’s waiting where he was instructed to wait. Well, I’d better get going.” After a kiss on my cheek, Mom left.

The sound of music made my heart thump faster. That song was Max’s cue to stand in front with Matthew. It was almost time. Suddenly, my muscles became tight and nervous, and my body was going haywire. Blood was pumping through me so fast that I could hardly breathe. All of those people out there were going to stare at me. What if I fell? What if I started crying? I was an emotional wreck.

“Deep breaths, Jenna,” Becky reminded. “Inhale...exhale. There you go.”

When the wedding coordinator appeared at the door with my dad and the photographer, I knew it was time. “Max and Matthew are at their position,” she said. “When you hear the harp that will be Becky’s cue. Then it will be your turn. But don’t worry. I’m here to guide you.”

“Okay.” I nodded. “Thanks.”

“You girls look beautiful,” Dad said proudly, giving Becky and I awkward hugs. The veil was in the way. “I can’t believe my little girl is getting married today. Just look at you.”

I blushed and smiled. “And look at you, Dad. You’re so handsome in that tuxedo.”

My dad’s cheeks turned red. “You think so? Mom liked it, too.” He gave me a nervous laugh. He was too cute acting all shy around me.

The first harp rang.

“Becky,” I squealed as my stomach dropped to the floor.

Becky gave me a one last hug. After picking up both of our bouquets from the table, she handed me mine. Hers were a mixture of white orchids with purple roses, and mine were just plain white orchids.

“You’ve got this,” Becky reminded me. “I need to walk down first. Keep your head up and smile. Don’t look at the audience. Keep your eyes on Max. I already know what you’re thinking. Hold onto your dad tightly. Take baby steps so you won’t fall flat on your face.” Then she turned and was out of my sight. Becky made me laugh. She knew exactly what I was thinking. She knew me too well.

I snuck a peek to see Becky walk down the white runway. Rows and rows of white chairs filled with our family and friends were an overwhelming sight. My heart started hammering faster again...so fast that I was almost certain I was having an anxiety attack. Since the view was limited from where I was standing, I couldn’t see Max, but I could see how clear and beautiful the sky was with scattered white puffy clouds. Since it was late in the afternoon, the position of the sun gave a nice shade over us. The weather was perfect, not too cold and not too hot.

“Time to go, Jenna,” my dad said, linking his arm around mine. “I’ve got you kiddo.”

Max

When the harpist played the “Wedding March”, my heart was filled with powerful bliss, pounding against my chest. It wasn’t that I was nervous about getting married, it was the anticipation of seeing Jenna in her wedding dress and finally making her Mrs. Knight. At any minute, I would see my Jenna walking to me. And...there she was with her dad. Just like a thief, she stole my heart and my breath. At that moment, I inhaled the most delicious air, so refreshing and refined. She looked like the perfect angel sent from above in all white. I knew she would look beautiful, but she’d exceeded my expectations. Taking tiny steps, ensuring she wouldn’t trip—because that was my Jenna—she looked like a vision of splendor.

Jenna stared straight ahead and caught my eyes. Her smile was sweet and somewhat shy. She also seemed a bit scared. I didn’t blame her. Everyone was standing, staring at her with the “aww” and “oo” sounds. Finally, she was there. With glistening eyes, she swallowed and bit her bottom lip to stop herself from sobbing. I, too, found myself a little damp in the eyes, so I could only imagine how much she was holding back.

After the pastor said a few words, Jenna’s father gave me Jenna’s hand, and then everyone took their seats. With a nod from the pastor to confirm we were ready, he began, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man, Maxwell Knight, and this woman, Jenna Mefferd, in matrimony.”

After those words, everything else seemed to be a blur as I gazed deeply into Jenna’s eyes. She looked so content. I was more than happy to be able to put that huge angelic smile on her face. Now it was time to exchange our vows. We had told the pastor that we would make our own.

Jenna handed her bouquet to Becky, then we both faced each other with our hands together in front. With a big intake of breath, and setting my eyes on her, I began, “My dearest Jenna. Where do I start telling you how much you mean to me? It’s been a long journey in a short amount of time. When I first met you, I knew you were the one. It hit me so hard, I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t breathe. But everything fell into place. What I did and said came naturally, because that is how I feel when I’m with you, like I’m home. I feel so blessed to have found you. Many search their whole life for their soul mate, but I found you when least expected. Every second, every minute, every moment, you are on my mind. My heart beats only for you, babe. My life was like a blank canvas, but you painted it with your love. You...made me a perfect painting. I promise, from this day forward, in front of all these witnesses, and under the heavenly sky, that I will honor, respect, and take care of you and our future family with my life. You are everything to me. You are my something great, forever.”

Jenna’s lips quivered and she gazed down for a moment. When she looked back at me, a teardrop came down from the corner of her eye. Blinking rapidly, I could see her effort in holding her tears at bay. I quickly wiped them with a smile and held her hands again. From my peripheral vision, I could see Jenna’s mom and my mom in tears.