Unspoken Vows (The Unspoken Love Series) Read online

“You retuned them? When? Will these work with my dress?”

  Morgan shrugs her shoulders. “I came here a few weeks back and took them. We knew you wanted these, but you didn’t want to spend the money on them. So, this is our something blue to you. And yes, they will work with your dress. I measured the heels on the ones you picked out. They were the same height.”

  Karsen chimes in, “And a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity. At least that’s what I read online on some wedding website.”

  “Take them out of the box,” Lindsey says as she bounces excitedly on the couch next to me.

  There is writing on the bottom of the shoes.

  “Happy Wedding Day to the most beautiful bride and my best friend. I love you!” – Karsen

  “Happy Wedding Day to the best friend a girl could ask for… EVER… since I was five years old.” – Morgan

  “Happy Wedding Day to my sweet, beautiful friend. I wish you two all the happiness in the world. I love you!” – Lindsey

  By the time, I read the last one my eyes are filled with tears. Each of my girls wrote something special. I am blessed to be surrounded by such amazingly generous and thoughtful friends and family.

  I hug each one of my friends and walk over to the doorway and hug my mom and Michelle.

  “Where did you get this idea from? I’ve heard of the something Old, Borrowed, Blue, and New concept, but the cards that you each wrote were beautiful.”

  Karsen laughs, “Duh, Pinterest. Did you think we were that creative?” Everyone laughs and all I can do is shake my head.

  We spend the next hour at the nail salon getting our nails and feet done. We make it to the country club at two o’clock on the dot as the make-up artist and the girl who is doing our hair are setting up.

  “Are you ready to get this day started?” I ask as I take in the room.

  I’m getting married in a few hours. I can’t believe it. Today is the day. I’m marrying my prince and I’ve never been happier than I am right now.

  The image staring back at me as I take in my appearance in the full-length mirror is surreal. How much I’ve changed in a year. My life is filled with joy. My reflection shows a woman who is truly happy where she is in life. My eyes are bright and shine like the stars in the sky on a dark night. The permanent smile I have on my face today radiates with excitement.

  Rubbing my palms on my dress to ensure there are no wrinkles, I think that the tiara and attached veil that rests on my head makes me look like a real-life princess.

  I always heard you know this dress is ‘the one’ the second you try it on. The saying is true. The moment I slipped it on and stood in front of the mirror, I just knew. This was my dress. It doesn’t have any beading; it’s simply lace over satin with intricate shoulder straps. The back dips low with a zipper closure, and a train that goes on for what seems to be miles. I love how the lace embroidered bodice hugs my curves, while the V neckline accentuates my frame.

  My dress isn’t the standard white. I chose an ivory lace over café-colored satin. I absolutely love it.

  Since I was a little girl, I have always imagined what my wedding would be like. I never thought the man of my dreams would have been by my side my entire life. He was there to wipe my tears when I skinned my knee. He was there to help me learn how to catch a ball. He was there for all of my firsts. My heart belongs to him…it always has.

  All of my girls are here in the room with me. Each of them promising not to make me cry. There is a soft knock at the door. Lindsey opens the door to find my brother standing there in his black tuxedo, looking as handsome as ever.

  “Hot damn, you look fine,” Lindsey says with a whistle.

  I hear my brother’s hearty laugh. “Thanks, you look beautiful, too.”

  Morgan quickly walks to the door, trying to block his view of me in the room.

  “You know the rules, no seeing the bride until she walks down the aisle with your dad,” Morgan says firmly.

  “Relax, Maidzilla. I’m not trying to sneak a peek. I came bearing a gift from the groom.” Lindsey takes the box from Christian, while Morgan shuts the door in his face.

  “Men…” Morgan mutters hastily.

  I unfold the letter that Christian delivered from Jamie.

  To my soon-to-be wife, Camryn,

  Wow… Wife. Did you hear that? You’re going to be my wife today. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing that.

  You are the light in my darkness, the wind in my sails. I couldn’t imagine going through life without you by my side. You’ve always been there, never wavering far.

  I can’t wait to see you. I will be the man waiting for you at the end of the brick walkway. I will be the man who will take your hand and promise to love you forever.

  You asked me the other day why do I love you? Here are just a few of the many reasons:

  You are my best friend

  You make me laugh every day

  You are the strongest person I know

  You are the kindest person I know

  You accept me for who I am

  You are beautiful inside and out and last but not least,

  You are my other half. You complete me.

  I know you are probably crying, and cursing me under your breath. Wipe your tears and have your make-up fixed. I wanted you to know that you are the love of my life.

  By now you have your something borrowed, something old, and something blue. This is your something NEW. Something new offers optimism for the future. Something NEW is our marriage… the union of two becoming one. I hope you love it.

  Love always,

  Your soon-to-be husband, Jamie.

  P.S. I love you.

  I try to keep the tears away, but I fail… miserably. Tears slide down my cheeks.

  I open the box and my hand flies to my mouth. A diamond necklace sits there and a pair of solitaire diamond earrings. I notice something written on the inside of the lid of the box. A soft laugh escapes me. I recognize the handwriting. “Tink, you have my whole heart. Love always, Jamie.”

  I sniffle a few times. Morgan turns me around and fastens the necklace around my neck while I put the earrings on. My fingers glide over the bracelet on my wrist. I know you’re here with me.

  The dark streaks of mascara are quickly removed from my face and my make-up is fixed.

  There is another soft knock at the door. My mom makes her way over to open it. My dad stands there in a black tux, looking just as I’d always envisioned he’d look on my wedding day.

  He makes his way toward me. He takes my hands in his, leaning in to place a kiss on my cheek. “You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart,” he says with unshed tears in his eyes. I am sure this is tough on him. But I will always be his little girl. No matter how old I am.

  “Thank you.”

  “Are you ready to become Mrs. Banks?”

  “You better believe it.”

  My dad extends his arm to me. I lace my hand through his elbow and we walk out of my bridal suite in silence.

  We make our way down the hallway to the double wooden doors leading to the wedding

  pavilion. Jamie and I had opted for an outdoor ceremony and what cemented our decision was when we saw this beautiful venue. With its outside area and the incredible landscaping that almost transports you to another time, to the quaint pergola covered with wisteria, the feeling you get when you see it all come together is almost breathtaking. To cap it all off, there’s a winding brick walkway that leads from the clubhouse to an enchanting gazebo where guests can mingle after the wedding.

  The violinist begins to play “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. The first time I heard her play, it was beautiful and I knew it had to be a part of our special day.

  Christian escorts my mom down the brick walkway. My bridesmaids stand in front of the wooden doors, which open out to the patio directly in front of the garden. My stomach tightens and butterflies swirl like a wicked tornado. Jamie is waiting for me at the e
nd of this path.

  Each of my bridesmaids slowly walk to the front of the garden and stand near the gazebo.

  I didn’t select the traditional song to walk down the aisle. I wanted something that expressed how I felt today. The violinist stops and “Longing to Belong” by Eddie Vedder begins to play softly in the background.

  “Are you ready, sweetheart,” my father asks with tears in his eyes.

  A knot forms in my throat, I can’t form any words. I simply nod my head, my eyes focusing solely on the man waiting at the end of the brick walkway.

  I inhale a deep breath. My father and I start our journey to the altar, step by step. My father was the first man I ever loved and he plans to give me to Jamie, the last man I will ever love, and I couldn’t be more in love with either of them in this moment.

  Jamie

  It’s a perfect spring evening for a wedding. White chairs are placed on both sides of the aisle. Our family and friends both mixed together. There are two pink roses resting on two empty seats in the front row where her parents will be sitting. Camryn asked for those to be there in memory of her grandparents.

  Flower petals are scattered down the brick walkway which will lead her to where I wait patiently for my bride. Flowers cascade across the archway of the gazebo and elegant baskets of flowers hang from each side of the posts.

  The pastor stands at the front, his hands clasped at his waist.

  I stroll apprehensively to take my place in front of our guests at the gazebo.

  The woman we’ve met with several times from the venue approaches me and attaches the microphone to my jacket. “We’ll be starting in a few minutes. The bridal party is lining up now.”

  I nod my head, no words needed.

  My nerves are starting to get the best of me. My palms are sweaty and I have wiped them on my pants about fifty times.

  A hand appears on my shoulder.

  “How you holding up, man?” Christian asks.

  I take a deep breath. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

  “Take a few deep breaths now, cause when you see your bride, she is going to take your breath away.”

  The sun is setting behind us and there is a slight breeze here in the garden. Thank God, because the sweat is running down my back. Not particularly from the heat, I’m anxious to get this show on the road.

  I’ve waited a long time for this moment. I can’t wait another minute to make it official and call her my wife.

  “I have to get back there before my sister strangles me. Look for the stunning brunette in the fancy dress. The one who only has eyes for you,” Christian says as he walks backwards down the aisle and winks at me.

  The processional music starts, Karsen and Parker appear. They are the first to walk down the aisle. When they reach the front, Parker leans in and places a kiss on Karsen’s cheek, then pats my shoulder.

  “Take a deep breath, man. She looks perfect.”

  I nod my head, a knot forming in my throat.

  Lindsey and Lincoln continue after them, Lincoln kissing Lindsey’s cheek when they reach the front. He stands in front of Parker. Lincoln laughs. I turn and shoot him a look.

  “Dude, relax. It’s going to be okay,” Lincoln says.

  My eyebrows shoot into my hairline. “Coming from the man who is afraid of marriage. You’re really giving me advice?” I whisper.

  Lincoln’s fist nudges me in the back. “Not cool, dude. Low blow.”

  The pastor gives us a look, the glare on his face telling us to shut up.

  Christian takes Morgan’s elbow. Christian kisses her cheek and winks at her when they reach the front. “Such a charmer,” Morgan whispers. He guides her to where Lindsey stands quietly with unshed tears in her eyes.

  Christian then takes his place next to me. He clears his throat. “This is it, dude.”

  My eyes meet his quickly and he has tears in his eyes. His jaw twitches.

  I take several deep breaths to help steady myself and turn back and see Mark, Camryn’s dad, step out.

  The music changes in that moment and I realize I had no idea Camryn chose to walk down the aisle to “Longing to Belong” by Eddie Vedder.

  Mark turns and holds his hand out. Camryn steps out of the doorway and takes his hand. Tears well in my eyes.

  I blink a few times, trying to keep my tears at bay and fail. Camryn is stunning. Absolutely fucking stunning. I can’t take my eyes off of her.

  Camryn’s hair is curled loosely and lays freely over her shoulders. Some of her hair is pulled back from her face and a tiara sits on top of her head with her lace veil trailing down her back. Her wedding dress fits her body perfectly. Hugging all the places that my hands love to roam.

  I know it only takes a handful of seconds for Camryn to join me, but it seems like it takes hours. My gaze never falters. Camryn’s grin sets the tone of the ceremony.

  I take a few deep breaths, and for the first time today air fills my lungs. A weight lifts off my chest. We got this. I say to myself in my head.

  When Camryn stands before me, I take the handkerchief from my back pocket and wipe away my tears.

  She steps closer to me. Mark leans down and kisses his daughter’s cheek. Tears are visible in both their eyes.

  “Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he says as he wipes his daughter’s tears from her face. Something he’s probably done dozens of times over the years.

  “Who gives away this bride today?” The pastor asks.

  Mark clears his throat. “Her mother and I do, sir.”

  Camryn leans up and kisses her father on the cheek. “I love you, Daddy,” she whispers. Only those close to her can hear.

  “I love you too, baby girl,” he whispers back and looks at me.

  “I couldn’t have picked a better man for her, son.”

  I reach out and shake Mark’s hand. “Thank you. I promise to love her till my last breath.”

  “I know you will.”

  Mark places his daughter’s hand in mine. He takes his seat next to Gwen, who is crying and has a handful of tissues in her hands.

  My parents sit on the other side of the aisle holding hands, next to my grandparents.

  My hand goes to her low back right above where her dress lays. My hand touches bare skin and I suck in a breath.

  She is sexy, sleek, and sophisticated in this dress.

  “You are beautiful,” I whisper and I lean in to kiss her shoulder.

  A throat clears. “I don’t think we are ready for a kiss yet,” the pastor says and our guests laugh.

  Camryn bites her lip to stifle a grin.

  I take Camryn’s hand in mine and my body relaxes for the first time today. Morgan steps forward and straightens out the train to Camryn’s dress. She stands and accepts Camryn’s flowers from her. We both stand facing each other, our fingers intertwined.

  I lean down and kiss her lips softly. “I love you.”

  The pastor clears his throat again. “I promise, we’ll get to that point in just a few moments.”

  Our guests laugh and Camryn’s cheeks flush a vibrant pink.

  The pastor welcomes everyone and proceeds.

  Camryn’s eyes sparkle with unshed tears. She mouths, “I love you.”

  I nod my head.

  Camryn’s thumb rubs against my hand. I’m lost in her eyes as I see visions of our future. Children running around the house, maybe even a dog or two.

  Camryn squeezes my hand and nods her head toward the pastor.

  I shake my head and mutter, “Sorry.”

  Camryn smiles.

  “Did I lose you there for a second, Mr. Banks?” the pastor asks.

  “No, sir.”

  Christian places his hand on my shoulder.

  “You got this, bro.”

  I turn to face him. “Thanks.”

  “Today, Jamieson and Camryn have chosen to say their own wedding vows.” He looks at me, so I begin.

  I take a deep breath. “You have been there for me my entire life. Every m
onumental moment, you have been there by my side. You are my best friend.”

  Christian clears his throat behind me. “What about me, dude?”

  Everyone laughs, including Camryn.

  I turn and shake my head at Christian. “Really?” I ask with raised eyebrows.

  I turn back to Camryn. “Where was I?”

  Our guests laugh again.

  I pause and rotate to look at Christian. “You, and Christian,” I smirk and turn back to face Camryn, “have been my best friends my entire life. I plan to honor that friendship with Christian by promising to protect, encourage and cherish his twin sister till the day I die. One thing has never changed…my love for you. I will always love you and honor you. I plan to kiss one woman for the rest of my life. And that’s you. You drive me to be a better man. I will be honored to be your partner in parenthood. I vow to be faithful and supportive and to always make our family my priority. I promise you forever. Hand in hand we’ll walk the journey of life together. Last, but definitely not least,” I say with a hint of humor in my voice and wiggle my brows at Camryn, “I promise never to let us lose our spark."

  I cup Camryn’s face between my hands and wipe her tears. “I love you.” I lean in, capturing her lips.

  Camryn places small, soft kisses against mine and pulls back, taking my hands in hers.

  “Ever since I was a little girl, you’ve always been by my side. Always there to pick me up when I fell, to hold my hand when I needed a friend. You are the light when at times there was only darkness. Because of you, every day I laugh, and I smile. Thank you for taking a chance on us. For blurring the lines between friendship and lovers. I don’t think I would have ever had the courage to risk our friendship.”

  Camryn gulps hard, tears slipping down her cheeks.

  I squeeze her hand, encouraging her to continue. “No matter what obstacles we face in life, I will always be by your side. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, caring for you. I vow to be faithful and true to you for as long as we both shall live. Today, I promise you this. I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sorrow. Together, let us build a home filled with love, and laughter… even little beautiful babies.”