The wedding is here! This chapter comes with a tissue warning...or two...or three. So be prepared. Thanks for reading and please, if you can, leave a review and let me know what you think about Stolen Hearts. I hope you enjoy the nuptuals of our favorite couple!
Don't forget to check out the When Calls the Heart ~ Fan Fiction Facebook page...there will be several visuals to this chapter.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
It was the morning of September 16th, and I woke up not remembering where I was for a moment. As my eyes adjusted to the light and scanned the room, I recognized it as Rosemary's new home. Max and Alex had stayed with Jack's parents, while Jack had the guys over to our house for poker, beers, and barbeque, and my bridesmaids and I had gotten our nails done and went out for drinks and dinner. After staying up entirely too late, I crashed at Rosie's for the evening, but we had so much fun during our spur-of-the-moment bachelorette party.
My head ached from drinking one too many daiquiris, and I quickly reached for the bottle of pain reliever and the glass of water I had sat out the night before. I stood from the bed and stretched as I crossed the room to the condo window overlooking a large lake. I stepped onto the balcony of the second-floor bedroom, watching a gaggle of Canadian geese float across the water. A dog was being walked and began barking at them, sending the geese running across the surface of the lake as they caught enough speed to move through the air gracefully. I remained there, watching them as they formed the familiar "V" as they headed to their next destination.
I breathed in the fresh Iowan air of a morning beginning as the ideal day for a wedding. Curious about the weather, I rushed inside and turned the news on to find that the temperature was expected to be 74 degrees, with zero chance of rain and partly cloudy. Perfect!
"Beth?" Rosie whispered through the door.
"I'm awake. Come in."
"Are you ready to start your day?" she asked as she entered the room.
"Absolutely," I answered, smiling ear to ear.
...
I was alone in my dressing room for a few minutes while my bridesmaids rushed to the restroom. I was standing in front of the mirror, admiring my perfectly fitted mermaid-style dress as my fingers grazed along the white lace when there was a faint knock at the door.
"Sweetie?" My mother's voice carried through the small space as she opened it slightly.
"Come on in, Mom."
The door opened, and my mom and dad entered the room. Instantly, both of their eyes welled up, causing mine to as well, and my mother covered her mouth with her hand.
"Beth, you look amazing," my father said.
"Yes, dear, you look beautiful," my mother added.
"Thank you," I said as I hugged my dad.
"Someone wants to see you, sweetheart," my mother informed me after she embraced me.
"Okay."
Joy and Steve stepped in, and we crossed the room toward each other.
"Elizabeth, you look absolutely gorgeous," Joy said as she hugged me.
I moved to Steve and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Yes, Beth, you look beautiful."
"Thank you. I'm so glad you guys came," I told them as I stepped back and held one hand of each of them.
"Do you have a few minutes?" Joy asked me.
"Of course. Come and sit down."
"We'll be outside," my mother informed me as she and my father left the room, closing the door behind them.
"First, we'd like to start by letting you know how happy we are for you," Joy began.
"Thank you. That means a lot."
Steve sat in a chair across from the loveseat Joy, and I were on and rested his arms on his knees. "Maxwell asked us to give you a message if you were ever to remarry."
My heart must have lodged in my throat because I suddenly couldn't swallow or breathe. Joy took my hand in hers and held it tightly as Steve continued.
"Three weeks before Maxwell passed, we were visiting with him while you had to run a few errands. He took that opportunity to ask us to do something very important to him and made us promise to carry it through. I wrote this as he dictated his thoughts because he was too weak to write by that point. But he was very adamant that you know how he felt."
I tried to swallow against the lump, unsuccessfully, and could feel my eyes begin to burn against the stinging tears that were starting to spill over. Joy squeezed my hand a little harder, then laid her free hand on top.
"So, this message is from Maxwell." Steve unfolded a yellowed piece of paper, then began to read. "My Dearest Elizabeth. If my parents carry through with my wishes, you are about to get married to a very special man. I know he's special because you have chosen him to live the rest of your life with. I want you to know I am so happy you have found love again. When I first got my diagnosis, I feared you would have difficulty moving on. I hope that my son has gained the father I was unable to be and that you have found that person who will be there for many years to come. I wish every day that this wasn't our reality, but these are the cards we were dealt, and there's nothing I can do to change it. I loved you from the moment I saw you across the school lawn, and I will love you for eternity.
I wish I could see you today, looking gorgeous in a magnificent wedding dress, your hair partially up with some curls hanging down, and those deep red roses in your hand. I always felt terrible that I couldn't give you the wedding you deserved, and I hope you are getting one now. Give my son a big hug and kiss from me, and go meet your groom at the end of the aisle. He's waiting for you – impatiently, I'm sure.
I love you, Beth. I always will. Congratulations on finding another man that could steal your heart, as I'm certain it wasn't easy for him to do.
Love forever, Max."
Steve folded the letter as I glanced over at my bouquet of deep red roses and touched my hand to a lock of hair that cascaded down my shoulder. He had known me so well. I pulled a tissue from the box on the table before me and dabbed the tears from my cheek, trying not to remove all my makeup.
"Max loved you so much, honey," Joy said as she patted her hand on the top of mine. "He wants you to be happy. That's all he ever wanted."
"I know," I stammered between sobs. "I know he did. Can I have that?" I asked, pointing at the letter.
"Of course." Steve leaned forward and handed me the paper, and I held it to my chest.
"I'm sorry we messed up your makeup," Joy remarked, wiping my cheeks with her thumbs. "You look so beautiful."
"Thank you. And thank you for this," I added, holding up the letter.
"Of course," Steve said.
"Well, we'll go find our seats and let you finish getting ready. We love you, Elizabeth," Joy said as she put her arms around me again.
"I love you, too."
I remained on the loveseat as they left the room, and my parents returned. I handed the letter to my mother, and they read it together as I watched. By the end, my mom was crying, and my dad moved to sit beside me, holding me in his arms. I was a mess and had cried all my makeup away by the time the bridesmaids returned. Once filled in and their own tears shed, they were on a mission to get us back to camera ready before the ceremony began.
I picked out the color of the dresses – deep red, of course - but I let each bridesmaid choose the style. One sweetheart neckline, two spaghetti straps, one halter, and one off-shoulder straps made up their choices, all long and reaching the floor. They looked amazing, and I was quite pleased with the final looks of everyone together. Alex looked beautiful in her red dress, matching the others perfectly, with a satin band around her waist and wide straps over her shoulders. Her long blonde hair was pulled back and hung down in curls, and her smile from the excitement of the day lit up the room.
With our makeup reapplied, our gowns checked over once more, and our flowers in hand, we began our short trek to the ceremony area. Just before leaving the room, I picked up the letter and tucked it into my bouquet next to my vows so I could have a small piece of Maxwell with me on this special day.
"You're absolutely glowing," Rosemary said as she stopped me outside the door. "I just want to take a quick moment and tell you I love you."
"Well, I love you, too, Rosie. What's going on?"
"You just look amazing, and I'm so happy to be a part of this day. We didn't get this time together when you and Maxwell married, and I didn't realize how much we missed. Thank you for allowing me to witness this new chapter of your life."
"Of course, Rosie. I wouldn't have it any other way." We hugged, wiped each other's tears away, and walked down the hall to join the others.
My sisters were waiting at the end of the hallway, and we spent a few short minutes together. They told me how amazing I looked and how happy they were for me, and we embraced and teared up again. I was so thankful they were both with me on my wedding day. We didn't get to spend as much time together as I'd liked, so moments like this were not taken for granted. We made our way to the doorway that opened into the ceremony area, and Alex stepped in beside me, pressing against me to get as close as she could.
Viola, Julie, Allison, and Faith were making their way down the aisle toward their designated spots at the front. I looked down at Alex, who was holding my hand as she nervously peered around the door frame to the room full of people. Rosemary was walking toward the aisle now, and as a junior bridesmaid, Alex knew she was next.
"You'll do great," I assured her, trying to calm her nervousness.
"There're so many people," she whispered.
"But you know most of them, right?"
She looked up at me, grinned, and nodded.
"Okay, then. Just think of this as a big family get-together. I'll be right behind you."
"Okay." She peered into the room once more, pulled her hand from mine, and began walking toward her father.
My dad moved in beside me, took my hand, pulled my arm through his, then curled my fingers over his arm as he laid his hand on mine. "Are you ready to see your groom?"
"Yes, Daddy."
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to keep the tears at bay. We stepped into the room, but everyone was already standing, so I couldn't see Jack, and my dad guided me toward the aisle created by rows of bamboo chairs. My heart raced as we neared the path that would lead to my future, and as we turned and Jack came into view, my eyes instantly released the ocean of tears they had been holding captive. Jack's dam must have broken at the sight of his daughter because his cheeks were already glistening with moisture as our eyes locked. He blew a harsh breath through his lips and dropped his eyes, then raised his gaze back to me. Mimicking him, I lowered mine to the floor, and concentrated on the decorations on either side of me, trying to keep my emotions in check.
Glass cylinders of varying heights were placed on the floor at the end of every other row, each filled with water with floating candles flickering and reflecting against the glass. White rose petals were scattered on the floor along the edge of the chairs, mingled with the cylinders. Rosemary had outdone herself with her ideas and help.
I slowly lifted my eyes back to Jack as he wiped his fresh tears away. Lee laid his hand on Jack's shoulder and squeezed it as they looked at one another. When he moved his eyes to me again, I was dabbing my cheeks in a feeble attempt to save my makeup. God bless whoever invented waterproof mascara! My breathing quickened, and my heart raced as we neared the front and closer to Jack. His breathing seemed to match mine as we locked eyes. He mouthed the words "I love you" as we stopped a few feet away. I knew the judge was speaking, but I couldn't take my attention off Jack to listen to him. I did hear my father say, "her mother and I do," and then he placed my hand in Jack's after kissing my cheek.
I stepped forward, moving into my position beside my groom and in front of Judge Jacob Wilson, while handing my bouquet to Rosemary. My eyes moved just past Jack as I looked at each of the men behind him, smiles on their faces, staring at me. Lee, Bill, Jeff, Sawyer, and Ethan, all fellow officers, looked terrific in their black tuxedos and red bowties. My eyes dropped to Max, who was beside Lee, and I winked at him. He looked so grown up in his black tux and tie, matching Jack's and the others'. I moved my gaze back to Jack, who never stopped looking at me, and my heart pounded in my chest again. His thumbs brushed across my hands as he held them in his. His smile and his dimples on full display made my heart skip. I stared at his soft lips and licked mine, then a squeeze of his hands brought me back to the fact we were in front of a room full of people, and I tried to focus on Judge Wilson's deep voice.
He said all the usual things you'd hear at a wedding, but since he'd known Jack for years, he personalized it just slightly. When it came time for our vows, I was thankful to read mine first, as I knew once Jack read his, I'd be an even bigger mess. I reached back, and Rosemary placed a folded piece of paper in my hand, one I'd had tucked in my bouquet, but when I opened it, it was the letter from Max. I smiled, glanced up at Jack, then back at the letter before folding it and returning it to Rosie. "The other one," I whispered to her, and she looked to find my vows and handed them to me. I breathed deeply through my nose, slowly released it through my lips, then began.
"Jack, I wasn't looking for a man when I met you. I thought I was done with love and didn't need it again, and I was certain I had found my only true love in life. But I thank God you were persistent enough to look past my rudeness of ignoring you and never gave up trying. You have added a new meaning to my life, a beautiful daughter, and more excitement than I knew was possible. I also thank God daily for blessing me with two great loves, and I know how lucky I am to have found them – or should I say, they found me. You are a man of integrity, loyalty, and our great protector. You have opened my eyes to adventures I didn't know I was missing, my heart to love again, and you are the father that Max has always yearned for."
I had to stop momentarily and recompose myself by taking several deep breaths as Jack wiped a few tears from his cheeks. "I know you will always be there for us, no matter the need. I know you will be a wonderful father to my son because I've seen your love and patience for your daughter.
"Jack Alexander Thornton, today, I take you as my husband. To become one and begin this marvelous adventure we call life. I choose you today and every day for eternity. I promise to honor you in my actions. I promise to love you in new ways as much as possible, and I will strive to do my best never to allow a day to go by without a kiss, a glance, or a touch to show you how much. I promise to cherish you each and every moment, and I give you my whole heart and soul for every day up to and beyond forever."
Jack squeezed my hand as I folded the paper with the other and returned it to Rosemary. He reached up and wiped the tears from my cheeks, then took hold of my other hand. What? He memorized his? Of course, he did.
"Elizabeth Anne with an 'E' Cooper, I thought I knew what happiness meant. I thought I knew what love looked like. I thought I knew where my life was going. But the moment I met you, even though you wouldn't give me the time of day, I learned that everything I thought to be true was nothing but fabricated ideals that my mind had conjured up." Chuckles filled the room, as most had heard the story of when we met.
"You have shown me what love should look like, what it's truly like to be happy, and my life is the richest it's ever been. You have shown my daughter what a real mother is, and you stepped in and loved her as your own from day one. You are my every dream come true and my new dream creator." He stopped for a moment, gently shook my hands, and took a long, slow breath before continuing. "I love you, Beth, with every ounce of my being. Thank you for revitalizing my view of life and happiness. And thank you for allowing me to be a father to your son." Jack stopped again and looked at his feet. He shook my hands and his arms out while taking several deep breaths. Lee laid his hand on Jack's back and held it there briefly. When he finally looked up, he silently mouthed, "I love you," before swallowing hard and continuing.
"I promise to let you win the occasional argument. I promise never to keep score, even if I'm clearly winning. I promise to always put you first, even during baseball season, and to take the dog out when it's too cold." By the end of this, everyone in the room was laughing, including me. Jack smiled, clearly trying to compose himself once more. "In all seriousness, I promise to be your light in the darkness of life and your shoulder to lean on when it's too much to handle alone. Give me your hand, and I'll give you forever."
I pinched my eyes shut, inhaled as much air as possible, and slowly blew it out. When I opened my eyes, Jack was reaching up to clear my tears away, then brushed away his own.
Judge Wilson continued the ceremony, and as we reached the ring exchange, I turned to Alex while Jack turned to Max to retrieve the rings. I had kept Jack's a secret from him, as I found the perfect band that I knew without a doubt he would love. He had gone in to get his finger measured, but I wouldn't allow him to see it. After Jack repeated the necessary words and slid my diamond wedding band on, I took his hand in mine, still keeping his ring hidden. I held it at the tip of his finger as I repeated the words Judge Wilson recited. As I slid the ring on, I removed my hand, revealing the black titanium ring with a blue stripe through the middle. I knew this denoted law enforcement in some way but hadn't known the significance of each line until I met Jack. The top black line represents society, order, and peace, while the bottom black section is crime, anarchy, and chaos. The thin blue line in the middle represents law enforcement, protecting law-abiding society from crime.
The look on Jack's face was priceless as he inspected his ring. I knew immediately that he loved it. Without waiting for the judge, Jack wrapped his arms around me and kissed me – very hard.
"Not yet, you two," Judge Wilson laughed, along with the guests.
"Sorry," Jack stated and stepped back, gripping my hands.
He finished the necessary proclamation and announcement, then informed Jack that he could kiss me. Jack wrapped me in his arms again, but this time, he dipped me as his lips covered mine. Several whistles, yells, and a room full of applause filled the air as Jack returned me to my feet.
Now, at a typical wedding, this would be the moment I would take my bouquet, and we'd begin down the aisle, but this event wasn't over.
"We have another little treat for everyone," Judge Wilson began.
He motioned to Lee and Rosie, the only other people that knew what was going on, and Lee moved to the side to retrieve a small table while Rosie stepped behind the sheer curtain that hung as our backdrop. She returned with a manilla envelope and two pens and handed them to the judge.
"Now, for any of you that don't know who I am, I am Judge Jacob Wilson. When Jack and Elizabeth approached me with this idea, I was more than happy to do everything possible to ensure it happened. "Jack...Elizabeth."
Jack and I moved to either side of the table, then Jack spoke. "Max and Alex, please come here." The kids moved in beside us, confused as this was not included in the rehearsal.
"Before we move forward, Jack and Elizabeth, please sign your marriage license," he said and handed us the pens.
We signed on the designated lines, then Lee and Rosemary stepped forward and signed as witnesses. Once the judge signed it, he tucked it safely into the envelope and pulled out the next set of papers. I glanced around the room and noticed confusing looks on everyone's faces as they whispered back and forth, trying to guess what was happening. Even my parents looked at me as if they were trying to read my mind, and I just smiled in return.
"Now that that's taken care of, we can proceed. Max, Alex, your parents informed me that you'd all like to be one family."
"Yes, sir," Max exclaimed, his eyes widening.
"Good. What I have here in my hands are adoption papers. Max, Jack would like to adopt you. Is this something you want?"
"Oh, yes, sir. Yes," Max answered as a few gasps filled the quiet room.
I looked at my parents and Jack's, though I shouldn't have. Both were already wiping their eyes, which triggered my tears to spill over again.
"And Alex, Elizabeth asked me if she could adopt you. Is this something you would like?"
"Really?" the young girl asked me, her eyes welling with tears.
"Yes, Alex," I answered her. "Would that be okay?"
"Yes, Mom! Yes!" she jumped into my arms and tightly put hers around my neck. After a long hug, I lowered her to the floor so we could continue.
"Okay, it sounds like each party wants to do this, so we'll continue. Max, please state your full name."
"Maxwell Liam Cooper."
"And we'll be changing your last name to Thornton?"
"Yes, please, sir," Max replied.
"Yes, Jacob," Jack answered.
"By signing these papers, you agree to the adoption of Maxwell Liam Cooper by Jack Alexander Thornton," Jacob told me.
I clicked my pen and signed on the line, then looked up at Jack with a huge smile, and I could see a tear trailing down his cheek.
"Okay, Jack, sign here, please. Good, Max, sign here."
Max was so excited that he was also allowed to sign the papers. Judge Wilson had them include a line for the kids to add to the significance of the day.
"Alright, Alex, it's your turn."
Alex was shaking and crying, constantly wiping her cheeks.
"Alex, can you please state your full name?"
"Alexandria Lynn Thornton." It was hard to understand her through her sobs, and I laid my arm across her shoulders.
"By signing these papers, you agree to the adoption of Alexandria Lynn Thornton by Elizabeth Anne Thornton."
That was the first time I'd heard my new name, which felt incredible. I watched with blurred vision as Jack signed the papers, then the judge slid the page in front of me. I signed on my line, and he showed Alex where to sign.
"That's it. Congratulations, kids. Alexandria, you have a new mother, and Max Thornton, you have a father." The judge looked out across the room and added, "I am pleased to announce, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thornton, Alexandria Thornton, and Max Thornton are one family by law."
Max turned to Jack, Alex turned to me, and each jumped into our arms as we hugged. Jack and I moved closer to each other, and the four of us embraced and cried as we were truly one family now. The volume of the cheers that filled the room this time was leaps and bounds louder than the first round.
Our parents and close family members flooded in, taking turns hugging the kids and us. It was the best wedding ceremony I have ever attended, though I may be biased.
"How could you keep this a secret?" my mom asked.
"The kids didn't even know about it. We wanted to surprise everyone."
"Well, you succeeded. This is marvelous, Beth. Just wonderful."
As everyone crowded around us, I noticed Joy and Steve at the back of the room. I looked at Jack and got his attention and motioned toward them. Jack took my hand, and we pushed our way through the crowd and went to where they stood.
"Congratulations, Jack and Elizabeth, that was a wonderful wedding," Steve commented as we neared them.
"Thank you," Jack replied.
"I should have told you guys before the ceremony," I told them.
"No, Elizabeth. You didn't need to. This is your life," Joy stated.
"But I could have warned you. To be honest, I was so shocked by Max's letter that I forgot."
"Beth, it's okay. Really," Steve assured me. "We know that you're a great man, Jack. We know that you're a wonderful father. Max has talked to us and informed us he wanted you to adopt him. He loves you and has craved someone to be his father his whole life." Steve laid his hand on Jack's shoulder. "We're more than okay about this. This is what Max wanted."
"Thank you, Steve," Jack said and shook his hand. "And we're both very happy that you came today."
"Grandpa! Grandma! Did you see that? Jack's my dad now. I mean, Dad...Dad is my dad now." He started giggling. "That sounded funny."
"We saw that, kiddo. That's wonderful," Steve said and hugged his grandson.
"Yes, Max. You deserve a father, and Jack will do a wonderful job," Joy added.
I could see that she was fighting back the tears, saddened that her son had never met his son. Sad that she never got to see her baby hold his own in his arms.
Joy and Steve took Max and joined the rest of the guests as they moved into the area of the tables. Jack took my hand and pulled me aside into a private corner, out of view of everyone. He cupped my face and captured my lips with his, kissing me as he had never kissed me before. There was definitely a different feeling with kissing Jack as my husband versus even yesterday. We finally separated, and he stepped back as we caught our breath. "What were you talking about, a letter from Max?"
I reached into my bouquet, removed the letter, and handed it to Jack. I waited as he read it, and once he finished, he looked up at me.
"You read this before the ceremony?"
"Yes."
"And you're okay?"
"Yes. I thought it was very sweet of Max to do that. And it had to have been so hard for Steve and Joy to carry it through."
"I'm sure it was." Jack took a step toward me and placed his hands on my hips. "This dress is amazing on you." He moved his arms around me, and his hand slid across my bare back. "What?" he asked and turned me around, inspecting the open area of my dress that scooped low on my back. "Whoa, Beth." He put his arms around me again, this time letting his hands wander along my bare skin. "This is going to make it very difficult to get through the reception."
"That was the plan," I teased. I gripped onto his lapel, pulled him closer, and kissed him. "You clean up good."
"Oh, do I?" he laughed.
"Hey! You two in here somewhere?" Lee called out.
Jack peeked around the short wall that kept us hidden.
"Everyone's waiting. You guys about done making out yet?"
I looked around the wall to see Lee grinning ear to ear. "On our way," I answered.
Jack pulled me back and pressed me against the wall, kissing me one more time before joining our guests. He took my hand in his, and we walked to the reception room as the DJ announced us.
We sat in the middle of the bridal party table as everyone got their food and mingled. Jack and I sat, his head against mine, as we talked in the privacy of our own little world.
"I love this ring so much. Where on earth did you find it?"
"At the same jewelry store you purchased mine. I saw it in the catalog and ordered it."
"It's just perfect," he said, twisting it around his finger. "And your vows were wonderful."
"So were yours," I said. "I was a mess."
"I meant every single word."
"Even that you'll put me first during baseball season?"
Jack laughed and took my hand, kissing the top of it. "You're first before everything."
"I think the kids loved the adoption."
"Most definitely," he agreed. "That was a great idea to include it." He turned in his seat, moving one leg over and straddling my chair. "And now we're one family."
"Mom, Dad," Max exclaimed as he ran up to the front of the table.
"Hey, Max-a-Million. What's up?"
"Did you try those chocolate gonochee cupcakes?"
"You mean ganache?" I giggled.
"Yeah, those. They are delicious."
"We haven't had any yet, but we'll be sure to try them," Jack answered. "Where's Alex?" he asked as he scanned the room.
"She's with Grandma Thornton picking up rose petals on the floor in there," Max answered, pointing to the room where the ceremony had been. "She wanted to take some home."
"Oh, okay. Did you get enough to eat?" Jack asked his son.
"Yes, Dad. I had some of that beef stuff, some of those potatoes, some bread, some beans, and a cupcake."
"Wow, you ate a lot," I remarked.
"I was hungry," he grinned.
"Have you been spending time with Grandma and Grandpa Cooper?"
"Yes. Can I go to their house tonight? They asked if Alex could come, too."
"Sure, that should be okay. I'll let Grandma Thatcher know, and they can pick you up tomorrow."
"Okay. I'm going to tell my sister. Hey, I have a sister!" he shouted as he turned and ran from the room.
Jack put his arm around me as we laughed and watched our son search for Alex. Jack tipped his head against mine, and I laid my hand on his thigh. Very slowly, under the protection of the table and linens, I slid my hand to the inside of his thigh and gradually moved up his leg.
"Beth."
"Jack."
"You're going to make it so I can't stand up, and our first dance is coming up soon."
"And you, too, apparently," I grinned as I rubbed my hand across him.
"Apparently," he said as his breath rushed from his lungs. "Mrs. Thornton, you really need to stop doing that."
I squeezed the inside of his leg and leaned closer. "Say it again."
"Mrs. Thornton."
I leaned a little closer. "Again."
"Mrs. Thornton," he said in a whisper before kissing me embarrassingly hard in front of everyone.
A few whistles and whoops pulled us apart as we glanced around the room at observing eyes.
"We should mingle," I suggested as I slid my hand across his inner thigh once more.
"Do we have to?" he asked as his lips brushed across my neck.
"Yes, we do," I said, followed by a quiet moan.
"Okay, he said as he pushed his chair back swiftly. "But I need a minute." He adjusted his tuxedo jacket to cover a particular area while I laughed and kept my hands to myself.
As we passed the cake, Jack noticed the cake topper for the first time and busted out in laughter. "Where did you find that?"
"I had it custom-made," I grinned as I looked at the cop groom handcuffed to the bride.
"This is amazing." He turned to face me and gripped both my wrists. "But now everyone will know," he said as he lifted my arms like I had when I asked him to arrest me.
"They won't think of that," I blushed.
"Oh, no? You don't think so?" he grinned, deepening his dimples, then kissed the insides of my wrists. Turning back to the cake, he added, "Even the tattoos."
"I sent her a photo of you, along with my request, and she went all out."
"It's perfect."
We made our way through the room, greeting and chatting with each guest until the DJ announced it was time for the cake cutting. After a lengthy discussion of how we would handle the feeding of the cake, we both agreed to be nice and not make a mess. Jack followed through with it, but at the last minute, I shoved the frosting-covered piece across his cheek.
"You're going to get it later," he whispered in my ear, then wiped his face.
"I hope so," I whispered back.
Jack shook his head and eyed me, and I knew exactly what was going through his mind because it was playing out in mine as well. This was going to be a very long night.
The DJ announced the first dance, and Jack took my hand, pulling me outside to the center of the dance floor. A large section of window lined the wall had been slid open, connecting the reception area to a large patio outside. We stood beneath the stars as Jack moved one hand to the small of my back and lifted the other in preparation for the music to begin. We'd been practicing at home as he taught me some of his dance moves so that we could impress our guests, and I was excited to do this dance with him. Everyone moved outside; some sat on benches while others stood, encircling the painted concrete. It was dark out, only lit by a few strands of tiny white lights and a full moon, and Jack pressed his hand against my skin, drawing me in as tightly as he could. A wisp of air couldn't have moved between us as Jack covered my lips with his. He moved his mouth to my ear and whispered, "I love you, my wife," just as the song began.
The wave of chills that ravaged my body sent every hair on end with goosebumps from his breath and words across my ear. The music floated through the night as Jack began to lead me across the dance floor. Every movement and step was signaled by the slightest pressure of his fingers on my back or his hand that held mine. From an onlooker, the tiny motions went unseen, but I could feel them as plain as day as he guided us into the beginning of our new life together. He was the leader of this family, and I would go anywhere with him.
Our gazes were locked on one another as we glided across the floor to "When I Look At You" by Miley Cyrus. With twirls and spins, dips and kisses, and his hand constantly sliding across the bare skin of my back, we were the only ones on the patio in the dark of the night beneath a canopy of stars as we danced our first dance as husband and wife.
Everybody needs inspiration
Everybody needs a song
A beautiful melody
When the night's so long
'Cause there is no guarantee
That this life is easy
Yeah, when my world is falling apart
When there's no light to break up the dark
That's when I, I
I look at you
When the waves
Are flooding the shore and I can't
Find my way home anymore
That's when I, I
I look at you
When I look at you, I see forgiveness
I see the truth
You love me for who I am
Like the stars hold the moon
Right there where they belong
And I know I'm not alone
Yeah, when my world is falling apart
When there's no light to break up the dark
That's when I, I
I look at you
When the waves
Are flooding the shore and I can't
Find my way home anymore
That's when I, I
I look at you
You appear just like a dream to me
Just like Kaleidoscope colors that
Cover me, all I need
Every breath that I breathe
Don't you know you're beautiful?
Yeah, yeah, yeah
When the waves
Are flooding the shore and I can't
Find my way home anymore
That's when I, I
I look at you
I look at you
You appear just like a dream
To me
The occasional whistle or shout would bring us back, only for the guests to fade away again, leaving us alone once more to enjoy this private moment together. As the song ended, Jack slowly laid me back into a dip and kissed me with an urgency that would normally pull us away to a secluded area to tame the flames that burned within. But this was our wedding reception, and certain activities would have to wait.
The father-daughter dance was next, followed by the mother-son. As I danced with my father, Jack took Alex's hand and brought her onto the floor. She stood on his feet as they swayed back and forth. Her eyes shined with admiration that she held for Jack, and his expression mirrored hers. Not a single outsider could argue with the love that was evident between these two.
Max and I joined Jack and Charlotte on the floor during the mother-son dance. Max had been so excited waiting for this moment over the past week, and it was almost all he could talk about. Jack had worked with him, and my little man held my hand out like a gentleman and led the way across the patio.
As the night continued, a few more surprises popped up. Jack took my hand and led me to a chair at the edge of the dance floor. He and his groomsmen were a few beers in by now, and their chuckles could be heard throughout the area. "Forever" by Chris Brown began as the guys, along with Max, moved out onto the floor and began clapping and dancing. Oh my God, I couldn't believe he did this and talked the guys into it. Even Max was all smiles and dancing right along with them. At certain moments, Jack pointed at me, then they formed into a line and shuffled across the floor in my direction.
The song morphed into "Sexy and I Know It," and Jack removed his tuxedo jacket and tossed it to someone in the crowd that had gathered around the floor. He ran his fingers through his hair, spun around in front of the guys, then all of them began their choreographed moves again. At the lyrics "Girl, look at that body," the guys took turns moving to Jack and running their hands down his torso, and at the moment in the song "I work out," Lee and Bill each grabbed one of Jack's sleeves of his dress shirt and ripped them off. I was crying with laughter now as Jack lifted his arms and flexed his muscles.
The guys formed a line again and began dancing, moving toward me, then turned around and crossed the floor. As they did, "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys began, and when they turned around, they were all wearing sunglasses. As the mashup of songs continued with "Baby One More Time," Jack and the guys were on the floor crawling in my direction, then back to their feet for some more synchronized moves. The music flowed through three more small sections of songs, including the famous Titanic bit as the guys held Jack while he leaned forward, his arms outstretched as if he was at the front of a ship like Rose. He looked ridiculous, but the whole bit was hilarious, and I held my stomach from pains of laughter.
And then the final song from Dirty Dancing began, and Lee jumped and danced around the entire outer edge of the patio. The rest of the guys gathered at one end while Jack moved to the other. Oh my God, they're going to do the lift. And that they did. Jack ran and jumped as the guys caught him and held him up. They moved around, keeping Jack lifted while he lip-synced the lyrics, and Max ran around and jumped, pretending to try to reach Jack's leg to help hold him up.
As the final song began, "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, Jack dropped to his knees in front of me, laid his hands on my legs, and as he sang the repeated line, he moved his hands up my thighs and to my hips as I cupped his face. After the final lyric, Jack's lips met mine, and we gave the guests another view of one of our heated kisses.
"You're so crazy," I told him as he returned to his feet and pulled me to mine.
As he'd done all evening, Jack's hands were quickly on my back again as he wrapped his arms around me. "Crazy for you," he said through a silly grin. "So, you liked the show?"
"I loved it. That was some...spectacular dancing," I giggled.
"That was all for you, Baby," he said before kissing me once more. A slow song was playing, and we naturally began dancing. "Lee and I did all the choreography, and Ethan and Sawyer picked the songs."
"Well, it was amazing, and Max looked like he was having so much fun."
"He was so excited about it. I thought for sure he was going to spill the beans sometime over the past two weeks."
"He didn't. I had no idea you had this planned."
"Good."
"I can't believe you did that in front of everyone. Half your station is here."
"Not the first time I've done something embarrassing in front of the men," he grinned.
We danced and partied with our friends and family, spent some time with Max and Alex, and made certain to get in several private moments to ourselves. As the reception ended and we prepared to leave, we began the long task of telling each and every guest goodbye. Knowing today was bittersweet for Joy and Steve, and we paused multiple times throughout the evening to ensure they were okay. They appeared to be enjoying themselves with lots of time with their grandson, visiting with my parents, and getting to know Jack's. We thanked them for coming and promised to visit them as soon as we returned from our honeymoon, then said our goodbyes.
Once getting through all of our guests, we walked out the awaiting limo, which had been decorated by the kids. "Just Married" was written on the back window, "Mr." and "Mrs." were written on the side windows, and streamers were attached to the bumper and dragged along the ground. Jack assisted me into the car by holding my hand, then gathered my dress and pushed it inside. We leaned out the window as the driver began to pull away, calling out to everyone and waving goodbye to the kids.
"Are you ready, Mrs. Thornton?" he asked as the limo turned onto the highway.
"I'm ready, Mr. Thornton," I replied, laying my hand in his.