User:NicholasKnows/sandbox

The Wedding

She was the most beautiful woman in the world, and she was walking straight toward him. This is it he thought while meeting her eyes, suddenly feeling the knot of nerves in his stomach disappear, like so many butterflies taking off. Month's of planning were finally paying off, and with his nerves gone he embraced the moment, taking in every detail so as to cement this day in memory. The church was small, but easily held the few dozen guests in attendance, all dressed in their Sunday best, seated comfortably on the padded pews. Early summer sunlight filtered lazily through stained glass windows; warming the room a little too much but lighting it up in a perfectly picture esque fashion. Stepping up to the altar it was easy to see the nerves his bride was feeling; although unnoticed by their family and friends, he could see the small tightening in the corners of her mouth, and the way those gorgeous green eyes were blinking just a little too often. Leaning in a little, a whispered “ You're so beautiful” was all that was needed as she visibly relaxed, smiling up at him. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Jackson Roberts and Miss Amber Green in Holy Matrimony.....” the priest began, a surprisingly strong and deep voice coming from his elderly and fragile looking frame. This is really it Jackson thought again, resisting the urge to shuffle his feet and instead growing ever more confident while looking down at the beaming bride. He could only vaguely hear the priest as he performed the ceremony. A cue from Father Greg signaled to Jackson it was time for vows, and he began after customarily having the old man lead him. “ I, Jackson Donald Roberts, take you, Amber Elizabeth Green...to be my lawfully wedded wife, .....to have and to hold... from this day forward....for better or for worse....for richer or poorer...in sickness and in health...until death do us part.” When Amber too had finished reciting the vows it was the clergyman's time to address those gathered. “ You have declared your consent before the Church” He declared with the easy grace of those accustomed to public speaking. “ May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings.” and with a short breath he boomed the remainder “ What God has joined, men must not divide, Amen!”. Directly following the speech came the rings, which the Best Man and childhood friend Riley Scott was happy to provide. A smile and a wink for his friend, Jackson turned to his new bride, gently slipping the ring on her finger with her quickly following suit. Looking from first the bride then to the groom pure unmasked curiosity poured over the old mans face. Father Gregory March, the man who had married Jacksons parents and had whom had baptized him as a baby, had the sudden look like he was about to ask a question than thought better of it, and concluded the ceremony. “ You may now kiss the bride”. Which he did, and felt the love and warmth from her lips as he did so. Applause roared from the small crowd, resonating throughout the small church. Once the cheering died down a bit the guest started making their way outside, eagerly escaping the now humid house of God. Pictures were the last real formality to be taken care of, and they were done on the large lawn that wrapped around the building allowing the surrounding woods to provide a picture perfect backdrop, which the bridesmaids were sure too coo about. Cell phones flashed away as the bride and groom posed, until the hired photographer had to shoo them away. With his eyes now sufficiently strained from staring down dozens of camera barrels, Jackson indicated to the band ( a local group by the name of Charging Bulls) to begin, and they did.. Taking his wife in hand, they slow danced to Snow Patrol's “Chasing Cars”, guest first looking on, then pairing up to join in. “Was it everything you wanted it to be?” Jackson asked as the two danced. “Everything and more” came her not-quite breathless reply. “Good, cause' now we have the rest of our lives together” the promise had barely left his lips before the new Mrs. Roberts kissed him, with all the passion and love the two shared. The rest of the day seemed to pass by in a blur; from dinner to speeches to dancing, which all got steadily sloppier as everyone “celebrated” the young couple with glass after glass of wine or bottle after bottle of beer. This Small Apartment

The wedding, which had only been a week ago, now seemed like a distant memory. Jack would have never considered Amber and himself poor, but planning for a future when your only earning slightly more then the what the State of California called minimum wage was...stressful, to say the least. “You're a godsend babe”  sudden smell caught his attention, a fantastic, rich aroma that called longingly to him.