I Think I Love You

Well, here we are. It's June eighth, our wedding day. I was in the dressing room of MountainGate Country Club with Abby, Quellie and my mom. Daddy and the other guys were outside of the room waiting for us. "Well, this is it. The day we've all been waiting for," I said. My dress was tight, due to my growing baby bump, but I was able to move in it. That's all that matters. Abby was finishing my hair and Quellie was applying my lip gloss. Once they were finished making me look beautiful, Abby handed me my bouquet of red roses and daisies. "Lets go get married," I said, a huge grin plastered on my face. I stepped out of the room and daddy immediately teared up. "Don't cry, you'll make me cry!" He laughed and said,

"You look beautiful, Nikolette."

"Thanks, dad." Peter linked his arm with Quellie and they walked out. Abby linked arms with Stefan and they walked out. It was my turn now. I began the walk out to the altar. To my future.

When I came around the last corner, I saw Ez at the altar grinning. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo. I could tell he was getting impatient with the pace of the walk, and I was too. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, I was at the altar with my almost-husband. Everyone took a seat and the pastor began. "Please join hands," he told us. We were more than glad to do so. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy 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." Thankfully, no one spoke up. Not that I expected anyone to. "Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained." The pastor took a breath and continued. "Through marriage, Ezekiel and Nikolette make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. Ezekiel and Nikolette will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other. We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of Ezekiel and Nikolette. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds." He took another breath and asked, "Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?" Daddy stood and said,

"Her family and friends gathered here today do." The pastor continued.

"This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one’s own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship – the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives. By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Ezekiel and Nikolette from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for “what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness. This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you. Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is amoral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last." The pastor turned to Ez. "Do you Ezekiel take Nikolette to be your wife – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? To love & comfort her? To have and to hold her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?" Ez looked from the pastor to me and with tears in his eyes, he said,

"I do." The pastor turned to me next.

"Do you Nikolette take Ezekiel to be your husband – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? To love him & comfort him? To have and hold him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?" Tears were streaming from my eyes. Thank God for waterproof makeup!

"I do."

"What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand?" Quellie handed the pastor our wedding bands. "May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will visit. Ezekiel, please place this ring on Nikolette's left ring finger." He slid a halo band on above my engagement ring. "Nikolette, please place this ring on Ezekiel's left ring finger." I slid a stainless steel ring on his hand. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Man and Wife. Ezekiel, you may now kiss the bride." Ez grinned and said,

"Finally!" I giggled as he took me in his arms. He dipped me back, and planted a firm, tender kiss on my lips.

"Ladies and gentleman, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Spencer!" the pastor said. That was it. The moment I had been dreading for so long until I met him. The moment I couldn't wait for as we fell in love. I was officially Misses Nikolette Amanda Spencer.