Doug’s chair tipped, and he fell backward. He jumped up and straightened his tie and then looked at me with a stunned look on his face. “She’s pregnant?”
“Yes, but again, that’s not why I’m marrying her. I’m marrying her because I love her, and I don’t want to spend another day without knowing she’s mine and I’m hers.”
Jill walked out about that time and sighed dramatically. “That is so romantic, Dirk Littlewood! I always knew you had it in you.”
“Romance, or finally getting someone knocked up?” Doug asked.
Hitting her husband on the shoulder, she laughed. “Stop it.” Jill faced me. “She’s almost ready. The pastor I arranged for y’all will be here any minute, and the photographer friend of mine showed up a little while ago. She wanted to catch Merit getting ready, so she went straight up to the bedroom where she’s getting dressed.”
I nodded. We had gotten into Lake Tahoe three days ago. In that short amount of time, we’d gotten our marriage license, contacted a pastor, hired Jill’s friend to take photos, and shopped for something to wear for the wedding. Merit wanted to keep it simple, so I was in jeans, a button-down white shirt, and a light blue tie. Doug and Jill, who were our witnesses, were dressed up, as well. Doug was wearing the same thing as me—Merit had bought two ties—and Jill was in a blue dress that she and Merit had picked out together yesterday.
“Jill, was Merit able to find a dress she liked?” I asked.
With a huge smile on her face, Jill nodded. “The first store we walked into, as a matter of fact. I think it was fate. It fits her like a glove. I have a feeling it won’t stay on long after Doug and I leave.”
The loud pounding in my ears was my heartbeat, I realized.
“My only concern was that her heels might get caught in the boards out here on the deck,” Jill said as she looked around their massive wood deck that overlooked the lake and mountains. “But she informed me she wasn’t wearing heels.”
I frowned. “What’s she wearing?”
Jill winked. “You’ll see.”
The photographer walked out onto the deck. “Jill, I think the pastor is driving up.”
With a little hop and squeal, Jill quickly ran out the door.
The photographer, Mary, headed over to me with her hand outstretched. “You must be Dirk. It’s a pleasure.”
“Pleasure is all mine,” I said as I shook her hand.
“Sorry I didn’t come out and introduce myself, but when Jill said that Merit was getting ready, I wanted to document it.”
I held up my hands. “No worries at all.”
“Let me just get you to stand over here, Dirk. Doug, will you stand on the other side and play Merit?”
Doug frowned. “Why can’t he play the girl’s part?”
I fought to keep from smiling as Mary rolled her eyes. “He’s the groom, therefore he’ll stand where he’s going to be standing. Besides, you’re shorter, so this will work out well.”
This time I lost the battle and laughed. Doug shot me the finger as Mary walked around us, bent down, and snapped a few photos. She looked at her watch and smiled. “I’m going to get amazing shots once the sun goes down.”
Someone cleared his throat from behind us. The three of us swung around to see a man standing there who wasn’t that much older than myself. He held a Bible and was dressed in a suit.
“I was told to make my way out here and tell everyone it’s show time,” he said with a smile.
Suddenly, my stomach felt uneasy, and beads of sweat started forming on my forehead. Doug slapped me on the side of my arm. “Breathe, Dirk.”
“I’m breathing,” I stated.
The pastor walked up and reached for Doug’s hand, and then mine, as we exchanged introductions.
“I’m told there are no personal vows, so we’ll stick with the traditional ones?” he asked.
I swallowed hard and tried to speak, but nothing would come out. After another attempt, I gave up and nodded.
Doug went into the house and walked back out. “It’s show time!”
Mary positioned everyone exactly where she thought she would get the best photos. Then, she looked toward the large, sliding glass doors and gave a thumbs up.
Jill walked out carrying a small bouquet of flowers as Mary snapped pictures. I had no idea how Merit and Jill had pulled off this small, yet well-planned wedding. Especially since they’d only met a few days ago.
I closed my eyes and took in a few deep breaths as I attempted to calm both my heart and my breathing. I wasn’t scared about getting married. Not in the least bit. I was, however, terrified I’d be a crappy husband and father.
One quick look at Jill, who flashed me a wide smile as she stood across from me, and I felt the air around me change. I turned and saw Merit stepping out onto the deck.