The Fifteenth and Final Chapter of "Hold On"
Chapter Fifteen: Another turning point
Chapter Note: Chapter title was inspired by Green Day's "Good Riddance."
His palms were sweaty, butterflies were fluttering uneasily in his gut, and his hands were shaking. To put it plainly, Lucas Scott was a wreck. The one day he had to be a nervous and anxious of all days had to be this day, his wedding day. Of course people get cold feet and the whole nine yards, but just the wait and the euphoria of what lies ahead of both of you is breathtaking enough.
Lucas was staring at himself in the mirror, checking over himself for the thousandth time that day and reciting his vows he wrote for his one true love. He felt hot in his tuxedo, literally. Maybe it was because of nervousness or maybe it was because he was so excited. The only thing he knew about for certain was burning up.
"Could, ugh, someone turn up the air conditioning in here?" Lucas called out as he straightened his black silk tie and tucked it back into the vest.
Nathan came back into the room looking irritated. "Luke," he paused as he walked over to the thermostat, "it's already 55 degrees in here."
Lucas turned around and sat down carefully on the wooden chair he place right next to the mirror. "I know; I'm just really hot for some reason."
"It's called cold feet, except your feet are actually the exact opposite." Nathan said as turned around, crossed his arms, and leaned against the wall.
Lucas nodded in agreement, his mind full of 'what ifs' and a bunch of lists to check and double check so he could look perfect for her. He wanted this day to be perfect for Peyton because so many days were hard, unmerciful, and ugly towards her. Recently her father had passed away because of a sudden heart attack and that had ripped Peyton apart in so many different ways. She had lost both of her parents under the age of twenty-five and this day was probably much harder on her than it was on him.
He leaned forward on his knees and rubbed his temples. Luke knew Nathan was studying him and also understanding what he was going through.
"I've been there, Luke, it will get better when you actually see her walking down the aisle," Nathan said as he walked over to the mirror Lucas perfected his tux, hair, and vows. "Except in my case, it was an aisle, it was a beach."
Lucas only listened, he was afraid that he was going to be sick if he opened his mouth. He stood up abruptly and started to pace as he wrenched his hands. After a few minutes of pacing he finally felt okay to speak again.
"D-do you think she's alright?" Lucas asked as he looked at the burgundy carpet.
Nathan didn't answer immediately; he was too busy fixing his own tie. "Of course, she's too excited about finally saying 'I do' and eating you alive," Nathan joked, trying to ease Lucas' tension.
Lucas didn't laugh and stopped in his tracks. "Nate, she's probably thinking about how her dad can't walk her down the aisle or that her mom won't be able to see her married." He paused trying to calm himself down, but that was hopeless, "She's probably grieving a little right now and I'm not there able to support her."
Nathan turned around and put his hands in his pocket. "I'm sure you're right about everything; you know her the best and you love her so much. But she has Haley and Brooke to help her through this transition, too. She even has Whitey there and they're practically like father-daughter. So the only thing you need to do right now is to calm down and remember this is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, not the most incontrollable one. Alright?"
"O-okay," Lucas said softly as he took a seat back in his wooden chair. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths as Nathan walked out of the room. Nate came back a couple of minutes later to check in on him.
"Hey Luke," Nathan said a little bit louder than needed. "Well, um, I just wanted to tell you that I'm proud to have you as a brother and I'm sorry for being a little rough on you earlier."
Lucas shook his head, "You don't need to apologize, after all, you did get me to take it easy and relax." He got up from his chair and walked over and hugged Nathan, "You're the best little brother I could ask for, man."
They slapped each other on the back to show their masculinity and to make it less affectionate. When they broke away from each other, they shook one another's hands.
"Well," Nathan began, "you ready for the time of your life?"
"Do you really think you needed to ask?" Lucas replied as he finally smiled for the first time that day.
"I don't know," Nathan smiled as he led towards the groomsmen little hide out, "you were kinda acting like a pansy in there."
Lucas laughed, "Right."
Nathan rounded all of the groomsmen which were Mouth and Jake and they started to head down the small hallway which led to the sanctuary. With each passing step, Lucas' nerves started to succumb him once again. All of his friends said words of encouragement and some of them joked playfully to try to get him loosened up.
"Even though I kinda had a thing for Peyton, Luke, she chose the better man." Jake said as he walked beside Lucas before they emerged from the hallway and into the actual church. "Good luck, Luke, but you don't really need any because you already got the girl."
Lucas smiled and patted Jake on the back, "Thanks man, I really appreciate it."
He headed over to the second row where his mom was sitting already with Keith. His mother looked like she was ready to cry and Keith was smiling brightly.
Keith stood up and offered his hand to Lucas, which he took graciously. "Lucas, I'm damn proud of you."
Lucas smiled and looked down humbly at the floor. "Uncle Keith, I'm-"
"No, don't thank me or say anything about me. This is your special day and you shouldn't be giving thank you-s out to people," Keith said seriously with that playful look in his eye.
Luke nodded, "You were always like a father to me, Keith," he said anyway.
Keith brought Lucas into a hug and Luke knew his fatherly figure was crying, but that didn't make him any less of a man only a better one. When they broke apart, his mom was in tears and was barely able to control herself. Lucas bent down and kissed him mom on the cheek.
"I love you mom; you were such an amazing asset to my life," he whispered in her ear.
She then lost it completely and cried even harder making Lucas laugh slightly. He told them he would see them at the party afterwards and went back up to the pulpit and stood next to Nathan, his best man.
Lucas' nerves were now getting the better of him as he waited for the doors to finally open revealing all of the bridesmaids and lastly his soon-to-be wife and Whitey who was standing in for her father. Thinking about this, Lucas closed his eyes tightly hoping his jitters would pass over.
Nathan leaned towards Lucas and said, "Luke, you're about to experience an amazing sight so if I were you I'd open my eyes."
Lucas slowly opened his eyes just as the music began to play and the doors opened revealing Anna, Peyton had kept in touch with her ever since she had moved back to her old town. She smiled at Luke as she passed by him and stood on the opposite side of the stage where Peyton would soon be standing. The next bridesmaid that followed was Haley, Lucas' longtime childhood friend and Peyton's closest confidante over the years. She connected eyes with Nathan first and smiled at him happily and then she looked at Lucas and winked playfully at him, which in turn made him smile. And the last bridesmaid which was actually the Maid of Honor, Brooke Davis. She had put aside her grudges and differences with Peyton just this year and she had been there for Peyton many years so she would naturally be the Maid of Honor at their wedding.
Finally the wedding march began to play and Lucas' heart started to race very quickly. A second later Peyton came into view with Whitey right beside her escorting Peyton up the aisle. She looked amazing; Lucas hadn't been so captivated by her before that it was so breathtaking. Tears started to form in Lucas' eyes and his vision was blurred so he fought through the tears so he could be able to look at her. She was so angelic and beautiful; he didn't want to miss a moment of it.
Their eyes at last connected and he could tell that she was about to cry, too. Her intense and passionate eyes were so mesmerizing alone; Lucas couldn't tear his eyes from then. Soon she was at the end of the aisle with Whitey awaiting for the pastor to begin.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Lucas Scott and Peyton Sawyer in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and solemnly. 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." The pastor began as he smiled brightly.
No one stood to speak openly against the marriage and Lucas doubted anyone would.
"Who supports this woman in her marriage to this man?" The pastor
Whitey cleared his throat, "I do, sir."
At this Lucas stepped down towards her to offer his hand to her. Peyton let go of Whitey's and smiled brightly at him and kissed him on the cheek. Then she took his hand softly and chills went up and down Lucas' spine. By just her touch alone, his nerves vanished and yet his heart still sped with excitement and love. He helped her up to the pulpit where the pastor was standing in wait and a soft smile on.
Lucas looked at Peyton and smiled at her lovingly. Her eyes were full of tears that had not yet fallen and he gently rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb.
The pastor smiled at them both standing before him. "Today is a special day for these two adults this day will be show a symbol of their love, commitment, and solidarity towards each other." He paused as he opened his worn Bible, "Both Lucas and Peyton asked me to read a couple of verses from 1 Corinthians 13."
Peyton and Lucas looked at each other and a compassionate veil envelops them that no one would be able to penetrate.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
At that moment, Peyton mouthed the words 'I love you' and Lucas almost started to cry again. Then a moment later as he recovered his frantic and out of control emotions Luke mouthed back 'I love you, too.'
"Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." The pastor looked at both of them then at everyone else in the church.
Lucas squeezed Peyton's hand as he looked back up at the pastor and listened intently.
The pastor began again, "Marriage should not be taken lightly, it is a solemn and holy act in which it shows your spouse your genuine and pure love for them. Together you will plan your future, together you will love your children, and together you will support one another till death do you part. My friends, marriage is a symbol of love and unity between two people who care affectionately for one another. Act gently and compassionately towards one another and don't take the other for granted because then you'll truly be missing out on love." He paused and motioned towards Lucas and Peyton. "Please face each other to recite your wedding vows."
Lucas smiled and took both of Peyton's hands, "I, Lucas Scott, take you, Peyton Sawyer, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children and my wife. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow," tears started to well up in Lucas' eyes again, but this time he didn't stop himself from crying. "In times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity."
Peyton squeezed his hands out of comfort as she too began to cry.
"Peyton, you may now recite your vows," the pastor announced.
Her hazel eyes connected with his, "I Peyton Sawyer, take you Lucas Scott to be my husband, my partner in life, and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live." She smiled as she said all of her vows causing Lucas to smile as well.
"Lovely," the pastor began again, "may I have the rings now?"
Lucas let go of one of Peyton's hands and turned around to look at Nathan, who had the rings. Nathan quickly took them out of his vest pocket and handed them carefully to Lucas and in turn, Luke winked at him.
When Lucas turned back around towards Peyton, he handed the two rings to the pastor.
"Before we witness the exchange of rings between these two people," he smiled at them both, "I would like to read another passage from the Bible, Solomon's Song 8." He placed the rings on the Bible as he read. "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot wash it away."
At this, the pastor picked up the smaller rings of the two and gave it to Lucas. "Repeat after me, Lucas."
Lucas took the ring and with is left hand he held on to hers, ready to place her wedding ring on her finger.
"I Lucas Scott," the pastor stated.
Lucas smiled at Peyton, "I Lucas Scott."
"Give you Peyton Sawyer this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you," the pastor finished as he watched on.
Lucas slowly slipped the wedding ring on to her left ring finger. "Give you Peyton Sawyer this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."
When he finished, the pastor handed Peyton Lucas' wedding ring. "Repeat after me, Peyton."
Peyton now took the wedding ring and did exactly what Lucas had done earlier. She smiled at him, her eyes still teary.
"I Peyton Sawyer," the pastor declared.
"I Peyton Sawyer," Peyton repeated, her eyes lighting up.
The pastor continued, "Give you Lucas Scott this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."
"Give you Lucas Scott this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." She said this as she placed Lucas' ring on his left ring finger. They both smiled softly at one another.
Then the pastor motioned that they turn towards him now. "By the power vested in me by the State of North Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He paused causing Lucas to become edgy; he wanted to kiss Peyton so badly. "You may now kiss the bride."
Luke didn't have to be told twice, he turned towards Peyton and gently, affectionately kissed his wife. So many joyful and exhilarating feelings were flying throughout his whole body at that moment; he couldn't fathom how much happiness he was going to have with his one true love, Peyton. He couldn't wait seeing her each morning, raising their children together, and falling asleep next to her every night. The feeling was so intoxicating.
Finally, the leisurely pulled apart from each other and turned back towards their friends who were sitting in the pews. All of their family and friends were smiling and some of the ladies were crying.
"Friends, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Scott," the pastor voice reigned out.
Lucas and Peyton looked at each and smiled brightly. Everybody in the packed church stood up and clapped, cheered, and rooted them on. Lucas took Peyton's hand gently and they walked down the aisle waving at people as they went down it.
The few thoughts that were going through both of their heads were mirror to one another. They couldn't believe how lucky they were to be marrying the love of their lives and that they loved them back just as much. All of the elating feelings they were experiencing couldn't elaborate how much this meant to them or how seriously that they were going to treat their promised and sacred vows. Like so many of their friends and family members had promised them, this day was so special and perfect. Neither of them would trade it for the world. Their love was so pure and true and untainted; they were perfect for each other.
When they emerged from the church, Lucas stopped Peyton and gently cradled her face. "I love you, beautiful."
Well, that's the end of my story "Hold on." It's my first story that was longer than three chapters that I finished so I'm especially amped right now. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to read my story. I can elaborate how much it means to me to know that people actually liked it. I'm so grateful and in awe that you all stuck around and supported throughout this story and my other two as well. So I thank you all again so much. You all rock!