Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or anything else you might recognize from the works of Sarah Dessen.

Chapter Two: Wedding and Honeymoon Part One

Macy's POV

Caroline came into the foyer of the beach house, and we were all standing there waiting for her instructions. By now, everybody knew her enough to know that she is very controlling and when she is given a responsibility, she takes it extremely seriously. In most cases, this is a good thing. In others… well, there are many stories that could be told to describe this, but this is not the time for those.

"Macy, are you ready for me to line everybody up?" Caroline looked at me, and I nodded, trying to calm my nerves. The time for Wes and I to be married was fast approaching, and I was excited. I smiled as she paired Isabel and Morgan up at the front. Then, Colie went up to stand behind them; Norman would join her at the end of the aisle as she stepped onto the beach. Monica, who would meet Wes' uncle Pete there as well, was placed behind her. Kristy was one step ahead of Caroline, walking up to stand behind Monica before she was even asked. She was eager to walk down the aisle with her husband Nicholas again, even if it was just as my maid-of-honor. Avery stood in front of me, and William would already be at the altar with Wes, Burt, and Wally. Wes had asked Burt and Wally to be his best men; Burt, obviously, because he was his brother, and Wally because he and Wally had become good friends in the past five years. Observing this, I have found new appreciation for my brother-in-law as well. Burt's fiancée Lisa Jo couldn't make it to the wedding, due to having to work.

My mother stood next to me, as she would be giving me away in place of my dad. I wouldn't have it any other way with him gone. She and I have become much closer with each passing year since that fateful summer. She whispered in my ear, saying, "You look beautiful. I am so proud of you and Wes and the life you are about to share together. I know that we all miss your father, and he wishes he could be here, but I know he is in spirit. I also know that he is very proud as well." This brought tears to my eyes.

As if sensing this, Kristy turned to me and exclaimed, "Macy! Don't you dare mess up your makeup. We are about to start!" I nodded, and then turned to my mother and said, "Thank you, Mom. That means so much to me." She squeezed me lightly and I could hear the soft music starting down on the beach through the open front door. Isabel and Morgan took one last glance back at everyone and waved as they walked down toward the beach together, and soon after Colie followed. A few minutes later, there was only my mother and I left, and Caroline stepped behind me to carry my short train behind me. We glanced at each other, smiled, and started our way out the door, down the steps of the beach house, and then down the slope of the pathway toward the beach.

As we approached the spot of the beach where the ceremony was to be held, and the end of the aisle way, I looked at all of my extended family and friends waiting for me. I smiled at them, holding my bouquet of white roses and orchids, and finally laid eyes on Wes. He was so incredibly handsome in his all white tuxedo with black vest and black bowtie. I concentrated on him as I got closer, and closer still, until finally, we were at the end of the aisle.

The minister we had asked to officiate our wedding had officiated my parents'. He cleared his throat and began the ceremony.

Both POVs

Minister: Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God—and in the face of the people held dearly by this man and this woman—to join them together in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all; and therefore—is not by either of them—to be entered into lightly—but tastefully and respectfully. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together—let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

This is the part in all weddings where I hold my breath… Wes thought.

Please let there be no Gotchas today… Macy thought at the same time.

After a few seconds, the minister went on.

Minister: Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy—and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly—it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

Through marriage, Wesley Keith Baker and Macy Marie Queen make a commitment together to face their disappointments—embrace their dreams—realize their hopes—and accept each other's failures. Wesley Keith Baker and Macy Marie Queen will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together—through mutual understanding—openness—and sensitivity to each other.

We are here today—before God—because Marriage is one of His most sacred wishes—to witness the joining in marriage of Wesley Keith Baker and Macy Marie Queen. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now—through me—He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.

Wes and Macy smiles softly at one another, silently awaiting what was to come.

Minister: Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?

Deborah Queen: Her family and friends gathered here today, both in body and spirit, do.

Minister: This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship—the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives.

By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Wesley Keith Baker and Macy Marie Queen from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.

This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.

Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a lifelong consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last.

Wesley and Macy have written their own vows and will speak them now. Wesley?

Wes: Macy…

Some things are meant to be imperfect and chaotic.

The way we were brought together wasn't the perfect, happily ever after type of union as we would have hoped. There were misunderstandings and difficulties. However, in the end, we were together, like it should have been all along.

As I have said before, I like flaws. I think they make things interesting.

Everyone has flaws, and we should be proud of them. These flaws are what make us who we are today, and they are what shape us into the two people who mold together as well as any two people could.

The truth about forever is that I will be by your side, whether you are suffering through the most unbearable illness, or whether you are waking up at the crack of dawn ready to run a few miles, whether we are poor and living in a box on the side of the road, or whether we are filthy rich and living out our dreams as we see fit.

The truth about forever is that I will be faithful to you, the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.

The truth about forever is that it is happening now.

Minister: Macy?

Tears were silently streaming down Macy's face. "Oh, Wes," she breathed. Everyone chuckled a bit as she gathered herself.

Macy: Wes…

Wherever my path in life leads me, it has led me to you, and that is the way it will always be. I know that my dad is looking down on us from wherever he is, and smiling the biggest smile he has ever been able to give; he wants to give you one of his breathtaking, bone crushing bear hugs to welcome you into our family. I am telling you this, because every girl's first love is her father, and that was certainly true for me. My dad was everything to me, as he was to Caroline, and my mom. I know that he would want to be here, but because he can't, I want to take a moment of silence at this joyous and momentous event to remember him and to send thoughts of love his way.

After a moment passed, Macy went on…

We love you dad. Wes, I was very fortunate to grow up watching two very loving, faithful, caring people as my parents. I know that we will act as they did in their marriage to each other. I will never stray from you, not even for a minute. I will be by your side every minute of every sickness you ever have. I will love you every second of every minute of every day of every week of every month of every year.—Again, everyone chuckled a bit.—You are my everything, and you will always be my forever.

Wes' eyes filled with tears for a moment; then, as the minister cleared his throat once again, he composed himself.

Minister: It is time for the exchange of the rings.

Wes and Macy reached down to retrieve our rings from little William, who was standing so obediently at the altar with his little ring pillow. As we slipped them onto each other's ring fingers, the minister spoke once again.

Minister: May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go—may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many want to enjoy with them.

I now pronounce you husband and wife. Wesley, you may now kiss the bride!

Macy's POV

And under a setting sun of beautiful hues, my new husband and I had our first kiss as man and wife. There was thundering applause in the background. The minister then spoke the last words of the ceremony.

Minister: It is now my pleasure to announce to you Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Baker!

This was the moment that fireworks burst into the sky, and applause again ensued.