Chapter 16: I Choose You
Owen planned to leave for the Rose Gardens early to handle any last-minute details and to ensure that the wedding would begin the moment Amelia arrived. Before he headed there, he eyed Amelia who was standing at the bathroom mirror in a robe. She had no makeup on and was just beginning to style her hair. He approached her from behind, kissed her cheek, and leaned his chest against her back as he wrapped his arms around her. "I," he emphasized, "will see you shortly." Together, they gazed at their reflection.
"We are getting married," Amelia beamed and giggled as she spoke to the mirror. "Just look at that happy couple. They must really be in love. I'd even dare to say they look giddy."
Leaning down and resting his chin on her shoulder, Owen whispered in her ear, "And I'm the luckiest, most blessed man in the world who is marrying the most brilliant, beautiful, compelling brain surgeon on the planet."
"I've got you beat, pal, because I'm marrying a ginger who is both gentle and bold. He's kind and brave, he loves to surprise me, and, oh my, he is great in bed," Amelia proclaimed with a wink.
Owen laughed and blushed, burying his face in Amelia's shoulder. "I'd better get going before this gets any sillier," he suggested as he offered a final peck on her cheek. Owen realized that the next time he saw Amelia, he'd be gazing at his bride. They would be surrounded by loved ones and budding roses, promising their undying love to one another.
When he arrived at the Rose Gardens, Owen spotted Bob and his wife sitting on a bench chatting and laughing. He greeted them with giant hugs and thanked Bob profusely for presiding. Surrounded by roses in every color imaginable, Bob and Owen planned where each person would stand during the ceremony. The musician, a classical guitar player, tuned his guitar and chatted with the duo. He was a friend of Bob's who loved the concept of an impromptu wedding.
The florist arrived and delivered an amazing array of blossoms. One boutonnière, featuring a sprig of lilac with a tiny dark purple orchid, for Owen and another boutonnière, with just lilac, for Derek. A small cluster of lilacs were bundled together with a gray ribbon for the Maid of Honor. The small bouquet created for Amelia was unique and stunning. Dark purple lilacs, purple and white hyacinths, and purple orchids created a breathtaking arrangement. The stems were tied together with a flowing ribbon matching the color of Owen's tie. The lilacs were chosen for their beauty and because they were Amelia's favorite flower. The hyacinths represented fertility. The orchids held the deepest and most fitting meanings of love, beauty, many children, fertility, thoughtfulness, and mature charm. Mrs. Shepherd and Nancy succeeded in their task. Their floral choices were boldly creative and deeply meaningful.
Before long, family members began to arrive. Debra Hunt, Owen's mother, and her friend John arrived at the same time as Meredith and the kids. Zola and Bailey were fascinated by the trails that ran throughout the gardens. With Meredith following close behind, the children began to explore the pathways between rose bushes. Bob's wife snapped some adorable candid photos of Meredith, Zola, and Bailey as they played follow the leader and smelled the roses. The Shepherd ladies arrived next and enthusiastically hugged and kissed Zola and Bailey before greeting the adults. The last guest to arrive would be a complete surprise to Amelia. Owen had discussed the possibility of Addison's attendance and participation with Derek and Meredith, and he had assured them both that he would not invite her unless they were comfortable with her presence. Both Derek and Meredith knew that Amelia and Addison were very close and insisted that Addie attend if she was able.
As they waited for the bride and her brother, Bob was pointing toward Mt. Hood and describing various points of Portland trivia to Owen. The men stood with their backs to the family as they admired the view. Amelia and Derek arrived and paused at the top of the stone steps built in the early 1900s. Zola and Bailey, spotting their daddy and auntie, bound up the steps with Meredith trailing behind. With wide open arms, the kids offered energetic hugs and kisses. Derek knelt down to explain Zola's role as flower girl to her. He pointed to various points along the path and encouraged her to hold Bailey's hand as the two walked to Uncle Owen and then to Mommy.
Addison walked up the stairs and handed Amelia the bridal bouquet, extending an enormous hug to the breathtaking bride. Amelia's eyes pooled with tears as she hugged the woman who was more like a sister to her than her own flesh and blood. "Amelia…" Addison sighed with awe and delight.
"Addison! Can you believe all this?" Amelia exclaimed as she hugged Addison. "Owen has basically been orchestrating all the details behind the scenes for weeks. A surprise wedding! Perfect for me, huh?"
Addison fussed over Amelia, brushing off her dress and fixing a small strand of stray hair, "Yes, perfect. And look at you…you are radiating happiness, Aims."
"You are going to be my Maid of Honor, right?" Amelia asked Addie.
Addison smiled and nodded as she grasped Amelia's hand, "Absolutely."
Derek stood up and kissed Addison on the cheek, "Addison, I'm so glad you made it." He gazed at her for an extended second as Meredith approached and warmly hugged her. Derek grinned before introducing his children, "This is our daughter, Zola, and our son, Bailey. Zozo, Bailey, this is Addison." Zola approached Addison and wrapped her arms around Addie's legs. Playing shy, Bailey hid behind Derek's legs and grinned.
Meredith left the children in Derek's care as she descended the steps and approached Owen. She softly tapped him on the back and shared with a smile, "I think we're ready." As he turned, Owen grinned at Meredith, then gazed toward the top of the stairs at his lovely bride. He lowered his chin and his eyes peeked just under his eyebrows toward Amelia. Pulling his suitcoat flat, Owen proudly stood tall. He smiled at her confidently and tapped his right hand over his heart. Amelia smiled back at him as her eyes softened and locked their gaze toward Owen.
The guitarist began to play and sing his own ballad version of Ryan Leslie's I Choose You. The musician chose the song because he had recently played it at another wedding. Little did he know how well the lyrics fit the couple being married amidst the roses.
Since the walk to Owen would be brief, Derek and Amelia waited for the song to progress before descending the stairs. First, Zola walked holding Bailey's hand. Both of the kids ensured that rose pedals were strewn along the path. Bailey threw toddler-sized handfuls in clumps while Zola diligently aimed individual petals into the empty spaces remaining from Bailey's efforts. When the siblings reached Owen and Bob, Owen knelt down and hugged them both before they proceeded over to stand by Meredith. Addison walked on her own, her beautiful red hair flowing around her shoulders.
Derek looked at Amelia and whispered, "Here we go." He looked up at the sky and then at Amelia before offering, "We know you're right here with us, Dad." Amelia leaned her head on Derek's shoulder and gently pursed her lips. The brother and sister descended the stairs and walked toward the groom. Once they reached him, Derek switched from one role to another and became Owen's best man.
The ceremony itself was brief yet precious. Bob skipped the normal welcome, opening prayer and preambles. He began, "Here we are on an April afternoon surprisingly filled with sunshine, admiring a couple about to marry because they are filled with love. For their vows, the couple has chosen to speak from their hearts to one another. Owen?"
Owen and Amelia faced each other and grasped hands. Taking in the moment, Owen beheld the scene briefly before proclaiming and promising, "Amelia, from the moment our paths crossed, you've amazed me, distracted me, and captivated me in a way that no human being ever has. I've fallen in love with you again and again, countless times, without reservation. I admire your bold honesty and your stunning brilliance. I stand in awe as you courageously face each day with fervor and verve. Together, starting today, we are a family…our family, a family I look forward to growing and tending with you. Over the years, surprises will undoubtedly come our way, some will be wonderful, and some will be difficult, but I will be with you through them all. I promise to comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you, be open and honest with you, and cherish you forever. I love you, Mia Jane."
Amelia turned to Addison for a tissue to wipe the tears from her eyes. Nobody was surprised that Amelia hadn't thought of bringing a tissue nor were they surprised that Addie had Amelia's back. Soft laughter emerged from the assembly as Amelia scanned the assembled group with a silly grin.
Amelia cleared her throat, smiled broadly and began, "I love you, Owen Patrick. I love you so deeply. I promise to encourage you, inspire you, and laugh with you. I will comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to invest in us when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple and when it is an effort. I promise to hold you in highest regard and respect you as a whole person with your own interests, desires, and needs. I will strive to give you the best of myself and to keep connected to you. I promise to grow along with you, to keep our relationship alive and exciting, and to be willing to face the challenges and changes life brings our way. Alongside you, I'll do all I can to conceive or adopt or somehow acquire a brood of miniature Owens and Amelia's and grow our family. Finally, I promise to love you with all I have to give and all that I am, completely and forever."
The couple exchanged rings without words following their vows. Offering a brief blessing, Bob prayed, "May God Almighty send you light and truth to keep you all the days of your life. May the hand of God protect you and accompany you. May the blessing of our loving and gracious God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever."
Concluding the ceremony, Bob shared, "Owen and Amelia have brought tears to our eyes with words that have poured from the depths of their souls. They have declared their love and dedication to one another and their intentions to be united. In the sight of God and in the midst of family, they have made profound, heartfelt promises to one another. We have gathered here not only to witness this union, but also to offer our support, encouragement, and love to this new family. Owen…Amelia…with that in mind and with great joy, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Owen dipped Amelia as they engaged in an extended kiss followed by three additional short kisses and whispered I love you's. Derek and Addison unintentionally caught each other's eyes and quickly looked away from one another. Family members hugged one another and applauded as Zola spontaneously reached into her basket and threw the remaining rose pedals up in the air. As the couple returned to standing, they were surrounded by hugs and congratulations from all who were present.
How did you guys feel able the wedding?