Sanctuary

The past nine days drug, but the day I have anticipated for nearly six months has finally arrived. It’s Alex and I’s wedding day and I'm feeling all sorts of emotions. The ceremony is being held outside while the reception will be indoors due to the fact that is there’s a huge chance of rain.

“How’s my lovely daughter?” my mom asked.

My hair was almost done and I had a flower brooch in it to add decoration.

“Anxious but good. I just wanna be married to the man already. You know?”

“Yes. I do. It won’t be too long.”

“Half hour, but that seems like an eternity.”

“It’ll be worth it though.”

“You can say that again.”

She then turned to Miranda who had just gotten her hair done and was standing in a mirror.

“How is everything, honey?”

“Wonderful, minus the morning sickness, of course. I have a loving boyfriend and I’m gonna be a mom sometime in November.”

She was over the moon.

“I hope you want me to be there whenever the baby’s born.”

“Of course! You’re family.”

My mom hugged her in response and I smiled.

Twenty minutes later, I was in my dress and ready to walk down the aisle to marry my Prince Charming.

“How much longer?”

“Five minutes.” my mom replied.

“Impatient much?” Brielle asked.

“Yeah. I just want to see him.”

“You’re adorable.” Kendra said.

I shook my head and smiled while Miranda hugged me. I stood there with my heart pounding while I continued to wait. When it was time for the bridesmaids to head out, I took a few more breaths before I walked down the aisle.

“I’ll see you out there in a minute, hun.” Miranda said a few seconds later.

“Ok.” I nodded.

“Ready, Abby?” Tyler asked.

Over the past eight months, I have taken such a liking to my mom’s fiancée that I decided I wanted him to walk me down the aisle. I never thought I’d have anyone other than my mom have that honor, so when I saw how much he loved her that was enough for me.

“Absolutely.” I said with a smile.

I took his arm and off we went. When I saw Alex the second I reached the top of the aisle, tears threatened to fall. I could see him down there standing proudly, but I knew it was only a matter of time till he would start to get emotional. Once I was able to stand next to him, those tears escaped onto my face as they couldn't stay put any longer; he gladly wiped them away for me.

"Thank you." I mouthed.

"Anytime."

He intertwined our fingers and I couldn't have been happier.

"We are gathered here to unite Alexander William Gaskarth and Abigail Marie Shaw in holy matrimony..."

I kept my focus on Alex.

"Would the groom like recite his vows?"

What else could he possibly say that I haven't heard? He practically said his vows at the airport when we left my hometown prematurely.

"...it’s because you’re the most amazing person I've ever met. It’s because when you fall, you get right back up again which means you are also the strongest person I know. You have a wonderful spirit about you and always make me smile when I need it the most and you’re hands down the most beautiful woman on this earth. The fact that you chose me is one of the greatest things to ever happen to me. I love you, Abigail Shaw. I love you more than anything in the world.”

"Abby, you caught my eye that day we met in the grocery store. Our hands touched as we reached for the same container of rocky road and when we turned to look at each other, that was it for me. I was infatuated and we hadn't even spoken a word to one another. From then on, it didn't take long for me to fall madly and deeply in love with you...

The tears were rising to the surface again.

"...and I fall more and more in love with you each and every day. Despite all of the struggles you have gone through in your life, you always come out the other side better and stronger and I hope to continue on this tough and wonderful journey with you. I love you more than anything."

Then, he placed the ring on my finger. I was shocked that I wasn't shaking at this point.

"Would the bride like to recite her vows?"

Breathe, Abby.

"Alex, you were the last thing I expected. You came in like a tornado and turned my world upside down and nothing has ever been the same. I wasn't in the best of places when I met you by chance that day and even though my life didn't instantly get better, you were the catalyst to that happening. The way you said it didn't even matter the way I grew up, you still were interested in me. I blushed and it gave chills up and down my body...

He was tearing up, but his eyes were still focused on me.

"You've heard me say this before, but I'll say it again, you're my anchor and you always will be. This past year has been hell and you've been there for me every step of the way and I have never been more thankful. I love you and I can't imagine what my life would be like without you."

I placed the ring on his finger and looked up at him.

Say the words.

"By the power vested in me in the State of California, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Finally.

He kissed me and I didn't want to let go of his lips.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce Mr. and Mrs. Alexander and Abigail Gaskarth."

We waved to the crowd before he dipped me and I felt his lips on mine again.

“I love you.” I said.

“I love you, too.”

I faced forward and was... we were bombarded with a hug from my mom.

“Congratulations, you two.”

She was clearly overjoyed and the fact that Alex had a genuine smile on his face when she hugged us just shows that things between them are good again which couldn’t have been more of a blessing.

“Thank you so much, Mom.”

After us being congratulated by both Miranda and Jack, we went off to take pictures which I was ecstatic about. We held hands the entire way to where they were to be shot. The spot we picked for pictures of just the two of us was absolutely beautiful. When it was just us, I was in awe as I leaned against Alex.

“What is it?” he asked.

“It’s absolutely beautiful.”

“It has nothing on you.” he whispered into my ear.

I turned to face him and kissed him, wrapping my arms around his neck with his wrapping around my waist. I heard a clearing of the throat.

“Ready, you two?” the photographer asked.

“Yeah.” I said blushing.

There were typical pictures with us looking lovingly into each other’s eyes and me standing in front of him while he wraps his arms around me with his hands on top of mine. There was also one of us kissing, unsurprisingly; I loved them all.

“I am beyond ready for the reception.” I said.

“You ready to dance, I’m assuming?”

“Yes. Very much so.”

“The one and only, Abby Gaskarth is gonna hit the dance floor tonight and blow everyone’s mind.”

Abby Gaskarth. That’s gonna take a while to get used to.

I laughed and looked at the ground while we walked to our table. We sat in the middle of the table and took a look across the massive hall.

“I’m hungry.” I said.

“Me too.”

“I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

He laughed.

“I don’t know if I’m that hungry.”

I laughed and leaned into him.

Ten minutes later, everyone was situated and it was time for the evening to start. I was glad that it started out with food. There was the option of filet mignon or chicken marsala which was obviously my idea.

“This is delicious.” I said, taking a bite of my chicken.

“So’s mine.”

He had gotten the filet, so we could split. After we ate, it was time for a few toasts which I was not prepared for.

“Hi everyone, I’m Miranda, the bride’s best friend. I have known her for over twenty years and the only thing that has changed is the fact that she’s never been happier. I’m proud to say that’s primarily because of Alex and therefore I feel honored to know him. Thank you for always being there for her when she needs it most. You’re amazing. Cheers!”

I smiled and clinked glasses with Alex.

“I’m Jack and I’ve known Alex for about fifteen years now and I gotta say that I’ve never seen him happier since I’ve known him. Shortly after meeting her, I knew she was perfect for him and that this day would come. I’m honored to say that she’s family. I wish you two the best! Cheers!”

I kissed him for the millionth time.

“We have the greatest friends.” I said.

“I agree.”

When it came to our first dance, I wondered what song was gonna play; I left that task up to him. We stepped onto the dance floor and once we were in the middle of it, I placed my arms around his neck while he did the same to my waist. I recognized the song after the first two notes and smiled up at him.

What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in and you kicking me out
Got my head spinning
No kidding, I can’t pin you down
What’s going on in that beautiful mind?
I’m on your magical mystery ride
And I’m so dizzy
Don’t know what hit me, but I’ll be alright

My head’s underwater, but I’m breathing fine
You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind

‘Cause all of me loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You’re my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I’m winning
‘Cause I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you

How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you’re crying, you’re beautiful too?
The world is beating you down
And I’m around for every mood
You’re my downfall, you’re my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can’t stop singing
It’s ringing in my head for you

My head’s underwater, but I’m breathing fine
You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind

‘Cause all of me loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I’ll give my all to you
You’re the end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I’m winning
‘Cause I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you

Cards on the table, we’re both showing hearts
Risking it all though it’s hard

‘Cause all of me loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I’ll give my all to you
You’re the end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I’m winning
‘Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you

I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you

I kissed him and kept my eyes on Alex. The chorus and the second verse hit me hard while tears began to fall.

“Please don’t cry.” he whispered.

“I can’t help it.”

The last time the chorus played, I buried my head into his chest.

“I love you.” he said after the song ended, bringing his lips to mine.

“I love you, too.”

We walked back to the table as I wanted something to drink. Half an hour later along with lots of dancing, it was time to cut our cake. We had settled on a chocolate cake with peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache; I almost went with red velvet, but this is an extra special occasion. Together, we cut the first couple slices and fed them to each other which completed the thought I had at Alex’s birthday party.

“How’s it?” he asked.

“Yummy.”

“You’re a sous chef and you’re going with yummy?”

I shrugged.

“Why not? It’s an adjective.”

He laughed and kissed my cheek.

“You’re silly.”

I blushed.

“Thank you.”

I was on cloud nine, but I never thought it’d be this amazing. It’s like something out of a dream and after all I’ve been through in my life and this past year, I cannot imagine how my life is gonna go from here; life can only get better.

Notes

Hope you guys loved this and I hope you'll stick around for the sequel!