Infallible?
Disclaimer: Janet Evanovich owns the Plum Universe. I'm just playing around with her creations for my amusement and hopefully yours, too.
A/N: This is my first FF ever. I'm fairly new to the FF world and I would love everyone's thoughts on my writing, this story, or writing advice in general. The idea for this story has been on my mind for some time now and I have finally decided that I would like to do more than just day-dream about it. I sent a PM to a beta a little over a week ago and haven't heard back and now I'm in an impatient mood. Too impatient to take the time to go through all the beta names listed. There are too many that I've never read a story from and the ones I have, I know that they're writing their own stories or betaing another. If anyone would like to beta this story, please PM me. It would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Prologue
As I walk towards my future, my happily ever after, I can't help but think about the turn of events that have led us here. I knew if he would just give into his feelings for me, we could be happy. It seems so long ago, that first night we spent together, that he told me he didn't do relationships; but look at us now. We're about to embrace a lifetime together as husband and wife.
As I reach him, I look into his eyes only to find his 'blank' face. I smile at him, hoping to convey that he doesn't have to hide his feelings for me in front of people. I guess old habits die hard. All that matters anyway is that we're going to be a family. With that thought, we both look down at my blossoming, rounded belly.
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"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony… "
When envisioning my future, I did not picture this. The last few years I had been fighting my feelings for a beautiful, blue-eyed, curly, brown-haired, tenacious, free-spirited wonder of a woman. I had obstinately fought those feelings and just look where that had gotten me. I had told countless women over the years I didn't do relationships! Hell, I had claimed for years that I wasn't marriage material but here I am. Fuck, I need to stop my bitching, and just accept this. I am just having a hard time understanding how my hypocrisy could have led me here. I'd give anything to turn back time so that I could just be honest with myself, with her; let alone, undoing these past few months. How did it get so FUBAR?!
"Do you take this woman to be your lawfully, wedded wife; to love her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and to forsake all others until death do you part?"
With the minister's question, I know that the real question I have to ask myself is if I can forget about the one woman who had changed me irrevocably down to my forlorn soul. Trying to focus, I shake those memories—no matter how unforgettable—commanding myself to think of the reason for this 'mission'. I need to think of the circumstances that brought me to this decision: I had to do the right thing. I can't make the same mistake twice.
I look into her eyes and see the joy and love that radiates through her, and even though this wasn't in my plan, I pray I can find a way to make this work. After all, she is a friend. She understands my boundaries. She knows what I am offering her and what I can't. I am willing to take responsibility. Taking responsibility, fixing things, finding a solution, being the hero is what I do and this situation is no different. No matter how selfish I wish I could be it just isn't in me. Anyways, it isn't like that is an option anymore. I destroyed any hopes of the life I had dreamed of.
Clearing my throat, an unusual feat for me, I utter the words, "I do." I know there will be no turning back now. I made my choice and I will push forward. I am a soldier and I have an undertaking that I'm not going to fail at, not again.
"If anyone has just cause as to why these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
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TBC
So, how'd I do? Should anyone speak up or should they just hold their tongues and let Ranger suffer the consequences? I'm hoping I didn't confuse anyone. I was trying to be vague in hopes to make readers want to know what's going on here and how it all came to this. Again, advice is welcome.
