Jingle all the Mitchell Way: a holiday novella(26)
Uncle Colt cleared his throat before beginning. “I’m going to start with the renewal of vows from Jax and Amber, and then continue to the nuptials of Jake and Reese. Go on, Jax. Tell your wife how you feel about her.”
I opened my mouth to say something smart, but changed my mind at the last second. Amber deserved something to cherish, and I was going to give her plenty. “Amber, my stunning wife I fell in love with the moment I saw you naked.” I snickered while I let the crowd of people, including Reese’s family, who I might add used to consider me a son, all gasped or laughed.
“I know I’m full of surprises, and I don’t always make the best of choices, but there’s one thing that will never change, and it’s my love for you. Thank you for helping me make beautiful babies, for showing me burnt dinners can be salvaged because they were made by you, and for always going the extra mile under the sheets. You rock, babe.”
She laughed while shaking her head. Nothing surprised her anymore. “Jax, I used to think you were crazy and unpredictable, but as the years go by I’ve learned it’s just how you see the world and life. You don’t expect things to be perfect. You appreciate what we have, even if it’s burnt dinners or leftovers of those burnt dinners turned into a mystery meatloaf.” The room filled with laughter as she said it. “You have always loved me for being myself, and I love you right back.”
From the crowd, I could hear my father’s voice. “Go on and start making out. You know you want to.”
Uncle Colt pronounced us, albeit after I’d already pulled her lips against mine. If the people wanted a show, we were going to give it to them, tongue and all.
Chapter 12
Jake
We were still in shock Jax and Amber had pulled this off, down to the small details Reese was adamant on having. The stressing over the wedding could finally be over, giving us our lives back. On this day I’d promise to love and cherish Reese, the women I think I’d always been in love with from the moment she stepped into my life. Against the odds, forsaking others, nothing could keep us apart. Jax doing this for us, well it made me feel like he’d finally let go of every bit of ill feelings regarding what happened in the past. I had my brother back, my very best friend in the entire world. That’s not to say Reese wasn’t a close second as far as friendship goes, but let’s face it, Jax and I shared DNA. You couldn’t get any closer to another human being than that, not unless you cloned yourself.
In front of our family, before God, I was prepared to say my vows. She’d made me write them down, even though our wedding date had been far away. With Uncle Colt’s blessing, I began to confess my adoration and devotion to the woman I loved.
“Reese. I still can’t believe we’re getting married today. It’s crazy. I know you made me memorize my vows a long time ago, but if it’s okay with you I’d like to just say what’s on my mind.” I waited for her to nod before continuing. “Being with me hasn’t always been easy. Everyone in this room can attest to that.”
Jax stopped kissing Amber to interrupt. “Especially me.”
“Especially him,” I agreed. “But through it all our love has only grown stronger. We, as a couple, have grown stronger. I’ll never regret loving you. You’re my partner, my friend, and one day the mother to our children. Thank you for being patient with me, for growing with me, and for teaching me the meaning of love.” In my defense, the tears were nerves. Reese was the most beautiful thing I’d ever laid eyes on. Being here with her, in front of everyone, it was all too much. I couldn’t control my emotions. Seeing me tearing up only made it more difficult for her to keep it together.
“Jake,” she struggled to say my name. “I’ve dreamed of this day for so long.” She began to bawl, so I pulled her close, her head falling against my chest. The congregation of family waited for her to calm down, a few sniffles could be heard echoing off the high ceilings. “I’m sorry. It’s exactly as I envisioned it to be.”
Amber got her a tissue and then went back to stand next to Jax.
“Jake, our future may be unwritten, but I can already tell it’s going to be filled with magical memories. I’ve never felt more love than when I’m with you. You are my soul mate, and I promise to never take you for granted. For better or worse,” she turned to point to Jax. “Even when you’re under the influence of your crazy brother, up to no good, doing crazy shenanigans, I’ll still be by your side. You have a heart of gold, and I promise to be true to you for the rest of our lives.”
Our nuptials were sealed with a long kiss. It was almost too surreal to believe.
We were officially married.
Mr. and Mrs. Jake Mitchell.
The reception was where the fun began. To start things off, Jax took the microphone from the DJ and announced us into the room. Everyone stood to greet us as husband and wife, all the little cousins ran around the dance floor, ignoring the adults as usual.
Then my brother continued on. “So, my wife and I would like to thank everyone for making the trip out to share in this wedding between Jake and Reese. In honor of you tying the knot, we’ve prepared a number to perform for everyone in celebration. Please clear the dance floor and enjoy the show.
He dropped the microphone, causing a loud blistering sound to fill the room. People covered their ears until the DJ turned it off. When all settled, Jax and Amber were in the center of the dance floor. He’d put on a Santa hat. I took Reese’s hand and squeezed it. “This can’t be good.”