Forever Love (Now & Forever) Page 14

  As the pastor talked, Emily was so happy to finally be here. She loved this man and couldn't imagine her life with anyone else.

  "Let's all join together and watch as Emily and Eric exchange their vows." The pastor said as Emily and Eric faced each other. "Emily and Eric if it is your intention to share with each other your joys and sorrows and all that the years will bring, with your promises bind yourselves to each other as husband and wife, Eric."

  Eric took a deep breath, "I take you, Emily, to by my wife, I promise before God and these witnesses to be your faithful husband, to share with you in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, to forgive and strengthen you, and to join with you so that together we may serve God and others as long as we both shall live."

  Eric squeezed her hands that were joined together with his and winked at her but Emily couldn't stop the tears, hearing Eric take his vows with her was music to her ears but she knew she was next as she took a deep breath.

  "I take you, Eric, to by my husband." She took a deep breath again trying to hold the tears back. "I promise before God and these witnesses to be your faithful wife, to share with you in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health." She watched Eric as he tried to smile and keep her calm to get through it. "To forgive and strengthen you and to join with you so that together we may serve God and others as long as we both shall live."

  Eric smiled at her as she finished. She managed to get through it somehow. She turned to look at her mom who was still crying in her pew.

  The pastor brought Eric and Emily towards the altar as Sam and Rob handed her the rings to bless. Eric leaned over to Emily and whispered, "We are almost there, Gorgeous." Emily smiled hearing him.

  "Bless these rings that they who give and wear them may abide forever in your peace and love and continue in your favor. Amen." She said as she gave the rings to each of them, "Eric and Emily?"

  They smiled as they slipped their wedding bands onto each other’s fingers. "I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness."

  Emily smiled from ear to ear as Eric winked at her. "Almost."

  The pastor continued, "As we finish today, let us keep Eric and Emily in our thoughts and prayers as they begin their lives together, that they may fulfill the vows they have made this day and reflect their steadfast love in their life long faithfulness to each other. As members of your family, use us to support your life together. Show them power and patience, affection and understanding, courage, and love towards each other and towards the world. Amen."

  Sam gave Emily her bouquet back as the pastor told them to turn around and faced their family and friends. "Eric and Emily by their promises before God and in the presence of this congregation have bound themselves to one another as husband and wife. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Eric, you may kiss your bride."

  Emily smiled as Eric turned her towards him and whispered, "I've been dreaming of this moment." Eric leaned down and softly took his wife's lips. The kiss was perfect, Emily softly sighed trying to remember that they were still in church.

  As the wedding recessional began, Eric reached out and grabbed Emma's hand as they walked down the aisle as a family.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  They were married. It was that simple. The man she fell in love with over six years ago was finally hers. As they finished up the reception line, Eric bent down and picked up Emma.

  “Mommy and Daddy are married, Sweetheart! Does that make you happy?”

  “Yes!” She smiled as she hugged Eric. They were so happy being with each other and Emma loved her new school and friends in Denver.

  “I finally have your last name, Emma!” She said as she leaned in and kissed her cheeks.

  Emma giggled as Eric’s mom came over and grabbed her. “I will watch her as you guys start all the pictures. Just so you know there are some photographers outside, Eric. I wanted you guys to be careful.”

  Eric nodded as he turned towards his bride. “Hey Baby.”

  Emily blushed. “Hey.”

  “We did it. Now, our life really begins. You look so beautiful today.”

  “Thank you.” She said smiling at him, “Are you ready for some pictures?”

  “Let’s do it!” He said grabbing her hand and walking back into the church with her.

  Emily was sick of the camera flashes already and it was only the beginning. Eric scooped up Emma as the photographer worked on keeping Emily in place. Sam was by her side talking to her husband, Rob.

  “Emily! Earth to Emily!” Sam hit her arm.

  “Ouch, what is it?”

  “People are trying to take pictures of you and you keep staring off into la la land.”

  “Sorry, lost my train of thought for a moment. I’m good now.” Emily smiled.

  Sam smiled back at her as she stood next to her for the wedding party pose. Emma was at her feet and Eric by her side.

  “So, any plans tonight, Eric?” Emily said laughing.

  Eric smirked at her. “Yeah, I thought I would check out this expensive party downtown. Did you want to join me?”

  Emily laughed. “Can I wear this?” She said pointing to her dress. “I paid a lot for it and I don’t think I will ever wear it again.”

  Eric chuckled. “Of course you can but please let me be the one who takes it off of you later, ok?”

  “Deal!”

  Sam laughed. “You guys crack me up.”

  After all the church pictures were done, the happy couple headed outside to the waiting limo. Eric picked up Emma and hugged her. “You are going with Grandma for awhile but Mommy and Daddy will see you tonight, ok?”

  “Ok.” Emma said as Emily leaned in and kissed her. Eric handed her over to his Mom.

  Eric looked at Emily. “I’m all yours Baby, now and forever.” He leaned down and kissed her lips fully. His fingers traced the side of her face as she moaned softly.

  Eric stopped and slowly released her lips. “We are in the church, behave yourself.”

  Emily blushed. “Just don’t want you to ever leave me again.”

  Eric smiled, moved closer to her face and whispered, “Not today, not ever, Emily. You are my finally my wife and we are going to one big happy family.”

  Sam came into the room. “There you are, the limo is waiting, they pulled around the back because more photographers showed up and we figured it was safer.”

  They smiled at each other. “I never thought it would be like this,” Emily laughed as Eric grabbed her hand and walked her down the back steps of the church and into the waiting limo.

  Once inside, everyone was laughing and having a great time. They headed to Henry’s art gallery for more photographs with family and friends. Henry allowed them access to his gorgeous view of Lake Erie.

  Eric grabbed his glass of champagne and held it up for a toast. “Six years ago, this quiet girl entered my world like a whirlwind. She didn’t know at the time how much I needed her. She let me be myself. I didn’t have to talk sports or stats. I could just be a teenage boy. Of course, our story hasn’t been perfect,” Eric sighed and looked at Emily, “But I have never loved another person as much as I loved her. Emily, you are my partner in life. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for giving me our perfect daughter, Emma. You will always be my world,” Eric smiled as he lifted his glass to hers.

  “I love you too, Eric, happy wedding day, Baby.”

  He smiled as he kissed her again listening to their friends whistle at them.

  As they arrived at the art gallery, the photographer was busy setting up the shots and making sure every picture was properly lit. The sun was starting to set and providing them incredible wedding pictures.

  Henry and his wife, Barbara attended the wedding but rushed back to be there for the pictures. They watched from inside the gallery as the pictures were being taken.

  Once the photographer was happy, they headed down the path and around to the front of the gallery. Henry was waiting
for them. “Congratulations again, Emily, I’m so happy that you found happiness.”

  Emily hugged Henry. “Thank you for allowing us access today. You have always been so wonderful to me.”

  Henry smiled at her. “I look forward to seeing more of your paintings. Your last few sold extremely fast. Barbara can see the difference in your work since you found happiness. Your work is pure joy.”

  Emily kissed his cheek. “I will keep them coming. I hope to see you tonight at the reception.”

  “We will be there. Barbara loves to dance.”

  As the evening progressed, Eric and Emily couldn’t be happier. They shared dances with their family, friends and each other. The cake was beautiful, sharing their passion of art and football. The reception hall was alive as everyone danced, drank and laughed.

  Eric grabbed Emily’s hand and pulled her off into the corner. “Thank you for making me the happiest guy in the world today.”

  Emily kissed his lips softly. “Thank you for sticking with me until I found my way back to you.”

  Eric looked deep into her eyes and lowered his lips to hers again. His lips massaged hers as his tongue slowly parted them. A moan escaped as he lightly bit her lip. They both smiled as they heard someone clear their voice behind them.

  Emily looked around and saw a server next to her. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Mason. But this was just dropped off for you and I was asked to personally deliver it to you.”

  The server handed her a card and disappeared. Emily looked at Eric in confusion. “Who do you think it’s from?”

  “I don’t know, open it,” Eric said as he walked behind her to look over her shoulder.

  Emily removed a beautiful wedding card from the envelope and read the note that was enclosed.

  Emily,

  I’m sure you are a beautiful bride today. I hope you and Eric have all the happiness in the world because you deserve it. You will always have a piece of my heart but Eric’s a good guy and it helps me to know that you will be taken care of and loved for the rest of your life. I’m always here as a friend and partner in the art world.

  Alex

  “I feel bad for him,” Eric said as he walked around her and looked into her eyes.

  “Why?”

  “Because I know what it feels like to lose you and it’s not something you can move on from easily.”

  Emily smiled and kissed him again. “Alex is a good guy but you are my life and future.”

  As the night ended, Eric and Emily gathered together with their family and friends and thanked everyone for their hard work to make their day perfect.

  The following morning, they would head back to their new life in Denver. Eric surprised Emily right before they left to come home for the wedding with a room designed for her art projects. It looked like the one he created for her at her parents’ house but much larger.

  Their house was beautiful and fulfilled both of their dreams. When he bought the house after the draft he knew he was creating a home for them even though they weren’t with him yet. It warmed Emily’s heart that he was always planning on them finding their way back to each other.

  A few days after the wedding, Emily and Eric were standing in their backyard watching Emma run around and play on her swing set.

  “She looks so happy,” Eric said putting his arm around Emily’s shoulders.

  She nodded. “I have some news to share with you.”

  “What’s that, Gorgeous?”

  Emily smiled and turned towards him. She looked up into his eyes. “Emma is going to be a big sister.”

  Eric was speechless but finally grabbed Emily and spun her in the air. “That’s incredible! My beautiful family is getting bigger.”

  Emily started to tear up as she always did and smiled. This was the life she wanted and always dreamt of. It was perfect and no matter what was planned for her, she knew that she had a wonderful husband and beautiful children to stand by her side.

  THE END.

  EPILOGUE

  It had been a long time since Emily had been in Buffalo. They had made it a tradition to fly both of their parents out to Denver for the holidays so they wouldn’t have to fly with their children.

  Emma was growing up so fast and her little baby brother, Lucas was a bundle of joy. It was a struggle handling both children but Emma was old enough to help out with the baby.

  Emily returned to Buffalo to handle some paperwork at Henry’s gallery. Her career was taking off and she couldn’t keep up with the demand. Every piece of work that she shipped off to Henry’s was selling. Barbara was constantly calling her for more paintings.

  She stopped at her parent’s house to freshen up after the flight and to visit. She was only in town for the day and tried to make the most of it. She missed Buffalo but she was happy in Denver.

  Eric’s career had also taken off at full force. His second season in Denver was in full swing. He was the official starting quarterback after a winning season the previous year. He balanced being a superstar with fatherhood wonderfully. He was always there for their family dinners and made time for the kids.

  Emily said goodbye to her parents and headed in her rental car towards Henry’s. As she drove through the city, she realized that she was getting closer to Alex’s gallery. She hadn’t seen him since before she married Eric and she had an overwhelming feeling to stop and see how he was doing.

  She turned off onto the exit and headed down the street. She pulled in front of the gallery and hardly recognized it. Alex had done so much work to the building.

  She got out of the car and opened the door. A young woman greeted her as she entered.

  “Good Afternoon. Is there anything I can help you with today?”

  Emily smiled as she looked around the room. It was beautiful. The décor was very elegant. The fireplace which was falling apart when she last saw it was finished in all stone and was the centerpiece of the room.

  She looked at the young lady and smiled. “I’m here to just look around, is that ok?”

  “Of course, if you have any questions about the pieces, just let me know.”

  Emily smiled as she walked around the room. The pieces that he picked out were stunning and moving. It looked as if he was selling some of the pieces but the most of the pieces were from his personal collection.

  Emily reached the stairs as she headed upstairs to look around. She stopped as she spotted her painting of Emma. It was the painting that he bought at the high school auction. She smiled as she read the note underneath the painting.

  “It’s still my favorite piece.”

  Emily turned quickly to spot Alex standing behind her. “Alex.”

  “Hey Emily, how are you?”

  “I’m doing wonderful, you?”

  “I’m great. The gallery is exactly how I wanted it to be.”

  Emily smiled and admired him. He was still a striking man. “It’s beautiful. I was on my way to Henry’s and wanted to stop in. I don’t get back to Buffalo much anymore.”

  Alex nodded. “I’ve been following Eric’s career. He’s a star, Emily.”

  She nodded and smiled. “Yes, he is. I’m very proud of him.”

  “How are you doing? Henry mentioned that your work is really shining now.”

  “It’s beyond words. It’s all thanks to you, Alex. You opened doors for me and I thank you for that.”

  He smiled at her and leaned against the wall. “It’s your work, Emily. I was just there to help you find your way.”

  “Well, thank you.”

  Alex didn’t say anything right away as Emily caught out of the corner of her eye Sue approaching them.

  “Sue!” Emily gasped.

  “Hey Emily, how are you?”

  “I’m great, do you work here now?”

  Sue nodded. “After Alex quit the museum, he asked me to join him here as the office administrator.”

  Emily smiled. “That’s great to hear.”

  “How’s the family?” Sue asked
.

  “We are great. We just added a baby boy, Lucas to the mix. Emma is a big sister now.”

  Alex smiled at her. “I’m so happy to hear that, Emily.” He reached for Sue’s hand as Emily smiled at them.

  “I knew you guys would find your way to each other.”

  Sue laughed. “We are taking it slow but it’s been a great time so far.”

  Emily nodded. “Well, I should be heading to Henry’s. I have an eight p.m. flight tonight back to Denver. I’m exhausted already.”

  “Thank you for stopping in, Emily. It’s always a pleasure to see you. Tell Eric that I say hi and please say hi to Emma for me.”

  Emily nodded and hugged both of them. She finally felt closure from her relationship with Alex. He was happy and she knew that they would remain friends for years to come.

  As she drove down Lakefront Drive, she watched as the sun set upon Buffalo. Life was going to be great. There was no stopping them now.

  Please check out these other books

  By: Melissa Johns

  FIRST LOVE (Now & Forever Series #1)

  EVERLASTING LOVE (Now & Forever Series #2)

  Her website is now up: http://melissajohns.webs.com

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