"Hey! Here they are, the newly-weds!" Eric exclaimed as we entered. the guests clapped at their tables, some laughed, some cried. Jamie and I sat at our reserved seats in the front of the large reception area, at the head of the table where our closest guests sat. before us was a large podium for our loved ones to share their feelings and express their contrast, and Jamie was amazed by this. "Landon.. this is so beautiful. It's exactly what I dreamed of.. and wished for in our wedding. Thank you, I love you." she said, before kissing my cheek. A loud "Awe" was released from the crowd, and we blushed. Jamie giggled a little.. but I just had a crooked smile on my face. all the attention was on us.. and I was not exactly used to it all. But it felt good, and I'm sure Jamie shared the feeling. It was then, for the first time since we were at the church, that her hand was released from mine. she brushed her hair away from her face and sipped her wine.. and I wasn't even aware that I was staring at her stunning beauty. My mother touched my hand. "Landon. I'm so proud of you. You've become the responsible man I never thought you could be." A tear streamed down her cheek. I wiped it away for her. "Mom, thank you. It may have been Jamie that changed me for the better.. but who would I be without you?" I kissed her cheek and smiled as I heard a tap on the podium microphone. We all glanced up to see my father there, holding his drink. He looked worried and nervous, as if I would not like the fact that he was there.. or even at my wedding. But I had sent him an invitation.. "Everyone.. um, I'd just like to share with you all how I feel about this.." he glanced to me. "Especially you, Landon." I nodded slightly, and he looked into the crowd again. "I haven't been the father I should.. or could have been to Landon, and I'm well aware that I'm not at all responsible for his drastic change in maturity. I'm sorry for not being there, and for not spending enough time with you. And after those years.. you just suddenly started to realize I wasn't a good parent. Even when I tried to change that, like coming to your school play, you still couldn't call me your father. But, I want you, and everyone else to know, that I care about you, and I'm proud of you, for the man that you are and have become. I wouldn't change anything about you for the world, and I love you, but I'm asking for a second chance at fatherhood." He stepped down with his drink and stood next to me at my table. "I'd like to propose a toast to my brilliant son, and his amazing wife. Congratulations, Landon." They toasted, and I looked to Jamie. she smiled slightly and nodded at me. I stood to meet my father's eyes. "You don't need a second chance, dad. I now, and always, consider you my father." We hugged. He nodded, and sat by us at the table. Jamie squeezed my hand and smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back. It was then Jamie's father took the podium. "Thank you for that, Mr. Carter. I'm sure we're all very touched and relieved by that, because I am. I'd now like to share how I feel about this, being Jamie's father." he sighed. "I've known Landon since he was a young troublesome boy, and I could never imagine my Jamie having anything to do with him. But that one day when he showed up at my house to rehearse their lines, I found myself angry. I thought I was at Jamie, or even Landon.. but now I realize that I was angry because I knew I would lose my daughter to this young man. I don't know how I knew, but I sensed it early on. It was hard, and I worried for her, especially with her condition.. but I can see that Landon is what keeps Jamie well. And, I saw how Jamie changed Landon into the wonderful person he is now. Landon, there is not another in this world who I'd rather see as Jamie's husband. and Jamie, I'm proud of your maturity. I'm upset to see you're not my little Jamie Sullivan, but the grown Jamie Carter. But I'm not upset that you are as happy as you can be. Thank you." He said, and stepped down. He sat back at our table and smiled at us, and Jamie cried softly with happiness. "Landon, " Jamie started, "Go up there and say something." I really didn't know what I was going to say, but I did as she told me anyway. I found myself standing in front of all my guests, friends and family, silent. I scoffed. "... I really don't know what to say, but I feel as though I should at least make an appearance up here." my audience giggled. " I guess I should tell you all my opinion of this day. And to tell you the truth, I'm really nervous. Just being here, on this day, is a true rush. But, it's the best day of my life. I'm now married to the only girl I have ever, and always will, love. I thank God for every day.. every moment I spent with her. and I look forward to the rest. To be in love is amazing, and I feel more in love than anybody has ever been before. Thank you for everything you've done for me, all the ways you have changed my life. I'm in love with you, Jamie, and I always will be." It was then the audience turned from freakishly silent to whimpers and awe's. I stepped down and sat back in my seat, to see my crying Jamie. We wrapped our arms around each other and we kissed, our guests consumed by our undying love. about an hour later, Eric looked to his watch. "Hey, Landon, don't you have a plane to catch in 40 minutes?" My eyes widened. "Yes!" Jamie, we have to go." she smiled ecstatically, anticipating our honeymoon, and we said our good- bye's and hugged. we would be gone for 5 days, just the two of us. we hurried out the door, waving, and got into our limo. he took off to the airport, Jamie and I laughing in the back seat, kissing like teenagers. .. well, we were 18.