E verything is in place,” Ariannah said. Her peach bridesmaid dress complimented her skin tone and slender figure. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. So do you.” Catherine hugged her. Now that Ariannah had found a guy her own age, she’d given up her schoolgirl crush on Jaidon. It allowed peace to settle between them, which budded into a fast-growing friendship, one Catherine deeply treasured. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“I’m glad I could help.” Ariannah moved behind Catherine to straighten her fish-tail train. Catherine loved the wedding dress Ariannah had helped her choose. The sleeveless peach bodice added a flare of elegance yet remained simple in design. She’d opted not to wear a veil but allowed Ariannah to apply makeup, something she normally didn’t wear.
Catherine fanned her face with her hand as they lined up in the order they would walk down the aisle. She placed a delicate, manicured hand in the crook of Alex’s arm and smiled. “Thank you for giving me away.”
“My pleasure.” He kissed her cheek and patted her hand. The wedding march began to play. Catherine lifted her flowers, white stephanotis with peach spray rose bouquet, to her chest and breathed deeply. Ariannah, and then her other bridesmaid, a friend from work, walked slowly down the aisle. Catherine’s stomach fluttered like hummingbird wings. She straightened, squared her shoulders, and smiled as they slowly made their way to the front of the church.
A flurry of excitement coursed through her when she glanced at Jaidon. He looked dashing in his black tuxedo with coordinating peach tie and vest. Kacey and Roberto stood next to him.
She winked at her mother and smiled at Jaidon’s parents. Jaidon stepped forward as she approached him.
“Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?” Thomas asked.
“Her mother and I do.” Alex took her hand and gave it to Jaidon, who kissed it, placed it in the crook of his arm, and walked with her the few remaining feet to stand before the pastor.
As they faced each other, Catherine looked into the depths of Jaidon’s sea-blue eyes, drawn by the purity and love shining in them. The pastor allowed them to exchange the vows they’d written.
“I, Jaidon Taylor, promise to live each day serving Him, so that I can better serve you. I promise to be faithful and love you all the days of our lives. May God grant us many,” he said and smiled, “because forever could never be long enough with you.”
She desired nothing more than to enter into marriage in the sight of God with the man she loved with all of her heart… surrounded by family and friends.