Your Lost Boy

My nerves were absolutely spinning out of control. For one, I was worried about Jules. She'd only been away from me for two days, but already I feel my protective instincts getting the best of me. All night I had Rian texting Cassadee to make sure Julie was okay. I needed to know that her back wasn't hurting her too badly, and if the babies would allow her to get a good night of rest. It just didn't seem right to fall alseep without her in my arms, feeling Tom and Stella kick my hand as their mother drifted into her slumber.

Next to that, I was nervous about the wedding. I was afraid my brain would forget my vows and my tongue would speak the wrong words. This day was supposed to be perfect for Jules, but as I stood in front of that mirror staring at my reflection, I wondered if I looked good enough to match her beauty. I wondered if she'd like the words I had written. I wondered if I'd make her, and our children, proud.

"Are you ready to go?" Jack appeared in the mirror behind me. "Juli's orders, I have to make sure you're waiting on her before we're allowed to meet and bring the girls in."

I stared at Jack, questioning whether or not I was, in fact, ready. But when I thought of Jules walking towards me, perfect as ever, joy began to swell in my heart.

"Oh yeah," I grinned. "I'm beyond ready."

"Let's do it, then!"

Jack led me to the side door, where I would be making my appearance before the wedding officially began. He pulled me into a tight bear hug and wished me luck. I nodded my head, tearing myself away from his grip so I could slip through the door. The random chit-chat of those in the Country Club came to an end. Some people started to smile while a few had decided to give me a small clap. I beamed, waiting for the doors to open so my best friend's could bring in the bridesmaids.

Two-by-two, they came and took their rightful spots, until there was only one empty place. The music began to play and the door were pulled open all the way, my almost-wife standing there in all of her pregnant glory, clinging tightly to Micah's arm. Everyone stood one que and turned their attention to Julie, but she was only looking at me. My heart was beating quickly, my eyes soaking in every inch of her flawless body. Her face, lightly painted, but glowing nonetheless. Her skin, soft and kissable, right along with her lips. The dress, showing off her curves and her bump; she'd never been more perfect than she was in this very moment. That beautiful girl who was taking everyone's breath away, she was all mine, and I swore in that moment that I would never lose her again.

Micah stopped a few inches away from where Julie was supposed to stand. He kissed her cheek gently and told her that he loved her before he let her go to stand in front of me and took his rightful chair with everyone else. Julie's eyes locked on my own and I could feel my knees growing weak. Never in my life had I ever felt so much love for one person than I did at that moment on my wedding day.

"The couple had decided to share their own vows. Mr. Gaskarth?"

I nodded, reaching for the piece of paper buried in my tux, but decided against it. The words I'd written wouldn't do my heart justice right now. Everything I wanted to say to Jules would come straight from my feelings at that moment in time.

"Jules, I love you so much. I know you hear that every single day, but it's true. You are the light of my life. There's not a thing about you I would change, not even the way you get angry or how emotional you've been since you got pregnant. You are the most beautiful, most amazing girl on the face of this Earth, and I still don't understand how someone like you could go for someone like me. I count my blessings each day that I wake up to your face. I thank my lucky stars for bringing us together, and Micah, of course." She laughed gently, her eyes never leaving my own. "It has been such an honor to watch you come so far from your struggles. I know you were scared you wouldn't turn out all right, but you have, and in that process, you made me a better person. In just a few short moments, you will be my wife. In just a few short weeks, you will be a mother, a mother to my children. You are flawless, perfection, all my hopes and dreams wrapped into one tiny person. My love for you is never ending, Julie. I would give everything I have just to see you smile. You will never understand just how deep for you my love runs, porcelain. Thank you for making me the luckiest man alive."

Those big, brown eyes stared at me through glistening tears. My words successfully touched her soul, exactly what I'd set out to do. I smiled lightly and let my hand grab her own, but only for a second, to encourage her speak her own vows.

"Alex, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would meet you before you saved my life from my dad. I never imagined that I would fall in love with a man as great as you are. I definitely couldn't imagine myself getting married to you or have a family with you. Today is the start of the rest of our lives. And I'm not running away this time. I'm staying where I belong, at your side and in your heart. I love you so much, I can't put it to words. Thank you for saving my life and giving a life that is so full of light and love. I could never ask for anything more."


A small tear trickled down my face. I brushed it away the moment the liquid hit my cheek bone, smiling brightly at the beautiful girl in front of me. My eyes stayed focused on her as the minister continued the rest of the ceremony. When finally, it was time to exchange rings. I held tightly to the tiny ring, grabbing her left hand.


"With this ring, I thee wed. Our love will be the strongest bond." I repeated the minister's words, sliding the ring on her finger, joy pumping through my veins. It was her turn now.


"With this ring, I thee wed. Our love will be the strongest bond."


The ring slid on my finger with ease. I was smiling so hard it nearly hurt my face. This was, hands down, the happinest moment of my life.


"With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," he smiled in my direction. "You may now kiss the bride."


That was all I needed. I stepped closer to Julie and wrapped my arms around her growing body. With my right hand on her belly and my left hand behind her neck, I laid her back in my arms in an almost-dip and kissed her deeply, letting this moment consume us entirely. It nearly killed me to break away from her, but I did, holding her small hands tightly in my own.


"Ladies and Gentlement, I introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Gaskarth!"


Our friends and family all stood up, their hands clapping loudly as a few whistles and yells echoed throuht the club. I held tightly to Julie, glancing back at my best friends to see the look of approval on their faces. Kissing my new bride on the cheek, I led her back down the aisle.


"I love you, Mrs. Gaskarth," I whispered. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Notes