Sanctuary - Side 2

The day I have been waiting for... more like anticipating for is finally here. It’s the day that I’m set to marry the woman of my dreams and I could not be more impatient.

“How you feelin’?” Jack asked.

I was standing in front of the mirror trying to get my hair perfect.

“Good, for the most part. My heart is racing and I need my hair to be perfect.”

“Dude, you’ve been focusing on your hair for the past fifteen minutes. You really think Abby cares about how your hair looks? She’s not marrying you for your looks.”

I sighed. He was right, but this is the woman I plan on spending the rest of my life with; I need to look my best.

“Still.”

“I’ve said this more than once, but I have never seen you happier.”

Turning around, I smiled and hugged my best man.

“I seriously needed to hear that. Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

“So, how much longer?”

“Ten minutes. A few minutes more till you get to see her.”

“That’s too long.”

The time passed faster than I expected it to and soon I was at the altar waiting for Abby. The second I saw her, I stood proudly and smiled, but on the inside, I knew that it wouldn’t be too long till I would become emotional. Once she stood next to me, I wiped the tears that had already started running down her face.

"Thank you." she mouthed.

"Anytime."

I intertwined our fingers and couldn't be happier.

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

I continued to focus on Abby.

"Would the groom like recite his vows?"

I remembered what I said at the airport when we left her hometown earlier than expected, but I definitely had more to say.

"...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...

I noticed that she was on the verge of tears again; I really hate it when she cries.

"...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, I placed the ring on her finger.

"Would the bride like to recite her vows?"

I couldn't even imagine what she was going to say.

"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...

I was tearing up, but I couldn't keep my eyes off her.

"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."

She placed the ring on my finger and looked up at me.

Just say it.

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

I kissed her like there was no tomorrow.

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

We waved to the crowd before I dipped her and I pressed my lips to hers again.

"I love you." she said.

"I love you, too."

The second she faced forward, we were bombarded by a hug from her mom.

"Congratulations you two."

She was overjoyed and the fact that I had a genuine smile on my face was amazing considering the cruel and insensitive words she said to Abby the day after Christmas; Abby was over the moon when she heard that I resolved with her mom, and quite honestly, I never thought I'd be able to do it; it's all a blessing.

"Thank you so much, Mom." she said.

After us being congratulated by both Miranda and Jack, we went off to take pictures which I was absolutely looking forward to. 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 beautiful. When it was just us, I noticed that she was in awe as she leaned against me.

"What is it?" I asked.

"It's absolutely beautiful."

"It has nothing on you." I whispered into her ear.

She turned to face me and kissed me, wrapping her arms around my neck with mine wrapping around her waist. I heard a clearing of the throat.

“Ready, you two?” the photographer asked.

“Yeah.” she said blushing.

There were typical pictures with us looking lovingly into each other’s eyes and her standing in front of me while I wrapped my arms around her with her hands on top of mine. There was also one of us kissing, unsurprisingly; I loved every last one of them.

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

She 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.” she said.

“Me too.”

“I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

I laughed.

“I don’t know if I’m that hungry.”

She laughed and leaned into me.

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

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

“So’s mine.”

I chose 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 Abby.

“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!”

She kissed me quite passionately.

"We have the greatest friends." she said.

"I agree."

When it came to our first dance, I was looking forward to her reaction since she left that duty of picking our song to me. We stepped onto the dance floor and once we were in the middle of it, she placed her arms around my neck while I did the same to her waist. She smiled up at me as she heard the first couple notes.

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

She kissed me and kept her eyes on me. Once the first chorus played and then the second verse, tears began to fall down her face.

“Please don’t cry.” I whispered.

“I can’t help it.”

The last time the chorus played, she buried her head into my chest.

“I love you.” I said after the song ended.

She quickly brought her lips to mine.

“I love you, too.”

We walked back to the table afterward to get something to drink. Half an hour later along with plenty of dancing, it was time to cut our cake. We had settled on a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing and chocolate ganache; we almost went with red velvet, but this is an extra special occasion. Together, we cut the first couple of slices and fed them to each other which seemed to complete the thought that Abby had at my birthday party last year.

“How’s it?” I asked.

“Yummy.”

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

She shrugged.

“Why not? It’s an adjective.”

I laughed and kissed her cheek.

“You’re silly.”

She blushed.

“Thank you.”

I was in complete bliss, but I never thought it’d be this amazing. I married the woman of my dreams and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with her.

Notes