FicWad

The morning of our wedding we both woke up early. The service wasn’t until 3:00 that afternoon. But we still had things to get done before we could get ready. We had to get the food and the cake from town. The flowers still needed to arrive and be set up.

The kids got up early too and were full of energy and excitement. Getting Marvel to sit and eat her breakfast was a challenge. Thankfully Dale was able to get her to do what we needed. Saint was starting to get nervous and needed some reassurance. He was convinced that he would do something like, trip and fall as he walked down the aisle and ruin the wedding. I talked to him and convinced him that no matter what happened, he could not ruin anything. That his Dad and I wanted him to stand up there with us because I wasn’t just marrying his Dad, I was joining their family. And we wanted all of them with us.

Dad, Scott, and Bronx disappeared after breakfast. They didn’t tell anyone where they went. When I asked if anyone knew where they were, Lisa told me they wanted some private bonding time with Bronx. I didn’t know what they were doing, but as long as they were back in time to get ready, I couldn’t really do anything.

Rose and her team arrived with the flowers and went to work on decorating both the wedding site and the reception area with them. She brought in my bouquet and Lisa and Abby’s. She also had some fresh rose petals for Marvel to use as the flower girl.

Mom, Dale, and Amy took charge of everything that day. They didn’t want Pete or I to have to do or worry about anything except getting married and having a fun day. All three of them were amazing and if there was a problem with anything, I never heard about it.

Dad, Bronx, and Scott came back to the house after being gone for over an hour. None of them would tell me where they had been. They each just smiled at me and would only say, “you’ll see.”

I did find a few minutes to be alone with Pete before we started to get ready. I pulled him into our room just so I could get a hug from him without being interrupted.

“Are you ok, Baby?” He asked me as soon as I had my arms around him.

“Yeah, I’m ok. I’m just in need of a hug. And only your hug will do.” I told him as I rested my head on his shoulder.

We stayed like that for a few minutes. Just taking advantage of a few free minutes to hold each other. He pulled back enough to kiss me. He started off sweet and gentle, but it turned deep and passionate when he licked at my lips. We eventually separated and went our separate ways to get ready for the wedding.

When it was time, I headed out to the guest cottage to get ready with Lisa and Abby. Lisa helped me with my hair. I wanted to curl it, so she took the time to do that for me. I did my makeup and then helped Abby with hers. Lisa gave permission for lipgloss, mascara and eyeliner only. We kept it to just that. She’s so pretty she didn’t need anything really. But she wanted to wear makeup to the wedding. She’s thirteen, of course she wanted to wear makeup.

I put on my dress and my grandmother's pearls. The neckline of the dress was lower and square. The necklace filled the space nicely and the contrast of the light dusty blue gray dress and the ivory of the pearls was lovely. The earrings and bracelet went on next. Lisa noticed the charme on the bracelet and asked about it.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a Honeysuckle blossom. I had it made for the wedding.” I told her. Then answered her questioning look. “When we were here this summer, Pete really took an interest in it. He said the smell reminded him of me. He wants to plant one in the yard back home. It was in bloom everywhere, and, it, I don’t know how to explain. It became special to us.”

Lisa gave me a sweet smile. “That’s really sweet. Did you get him one too?”

“I had one made into a tie pin for him.”

“You really belong with him.” She said before she helped me with the bracelet.

Lisa had found dresses for her and Abby in the same style, but in both of the colors I used for the wedding. She was in the sage green and Abby was in the blue. Both dresses were simple, but classic. They had a boatneck neckline, cap sleeves, and they came to the knee in a slightly flared skirt. They had a very Fifties flare to them. Both of them looked beautiful.

We got into our dresses and were ready. We stayed in the cottage until Dad came to get us. The guests had all arrived. Pete and Bronx were waiting for us at the altar. It was time to get married.

We got very lucky and the weather was about perfect. It was still warm, but not hot and humid. The sun was shining, and there were only a few puffy white clouds in the sky.

I had my bouquet. Lisa and Abby had theirs. Lisa had Pete’s ring. We were ready to go. Marvel was dressed and had her basket of rose petals. Dale walked with all of us to the back pasture. Saint was waiting for us there. Dale said one last word to Marvel and then came up to me.

“You look beautiful. And your grandmother’s pearls are perfect. I’m so happy you’re joining our family. And that we’re joining yours.” She hugged me and then made her way to her seat.

Dad, Lisa, Abby, Saint, and I were back a bit and behind some trees so we weren’t seen. I realized I was smelling something sweet in the air. Honeysuckle, I smelled Honeysuckle. I took that as a good sign. I took a deep breath to smell the flowers and looked over at Dad. He had a huge grin on his face.

“Are you ready Gracie?” He asked.

“Very ready.” I said and nodded my head.

He had his phone in his hand and pressed something. He had a text ready to send to my brother to let him know we were ready. I heard the music for the walk down the aisle start. Lisa gave Marvel a little push to get her started. She did a fantastic job as the flower girl. Saint and Abby went next. They got to the front and took their places. Lisa went next. Once she was at the front the music changed to the wedding march. Everyone stood and turned to watch as Dad walked me down the aisle.

I only had eyes for Pete. I didn’t really look at any of our friends and family members. He was waiting for me with the best smile on his face. This was his true happy smile. I smiled back at him. Someone, I’m sure it wasn’t him, had pulled back and braided the front part of his hair. Very much like how he had it in the video for Love from the Other Side. I loved it and thought he looked so good.

When he and I made eye contact he mouthed, “Wow” at me and then flashed his grin.

I felt the same way looking at him. He was beautiful to me. I am so in love with him, he is everything to me.

Dad and I got to the front and he stopped us at the front row of chairs. He removed my arm from his and kissed me on the cheek. Then he sat down next to Amy. I walked the rest of the way to Pete on my own. I loved my father and wanted him to walk with me, but I didn't need him to give me away. He did that already. This time, I just wanted him to take part of the journey with me. This time, I went to my husband as an independent, grown woman making a choice for my life. And I knew when I looked at Pete, it was the right choice.

I got to Pete and handed my bouquet to Lisa. Turning to take his hands, I looked into his wonderful, deep, amazing eyes and knew without a shadow of a doubt, this man was my forever.

Patrick started the ceremony, “We are gathered here today to witness the matrimony of these two people. Peter Wentz III and Grace Campbell. I’ve known Pete for over twenty years. He’s been my best friend for that entire time, and I’ve never seen him as happy as he has been since he met Grace. It’s my sincere pleasure to be the one to officiate these nuptials.”

“The bride and groom have decided to say their own words to each other as part of their vows.” He paused and turned to me. “Grace, you may go first.”

I took a deep breath and decided not to pull out the notes I had tucked into my pocket. I knew what I wanted to tell him.

“Pete, when we met, I had been on my own for a long time. I had made peace with my life and was enjoying it to the fullest. Then you literally walked into my life one day with your wonderful, amazing children. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that moment changed my life forever. And in the best possible way. You have embraced my need for adventure and travel. You did the unthinkable and joined me in my pursuit of them. Even going so far as to drag the kids with us. And it’s been the best time ever. I never want to be without you. I want to travel the world with you and have the most amazing adventures together. I love you. I love you so much. I want to spend the rest of my days with you living the best life ever. Just being with you is the most wonderful adventure I’ve ever had.”

I paused just long enough to take another deep breath. “I never thought I’d get the chance to meet my favorite poet. Turns out, the man that wrote all those words I had loved, and held close to my heart, was the man of my dreams. I’m so grateful you walked into my life.”

I could see the tears in Pete’s eyes. I know my own voice was cracking with withheld tears at the end of my speech. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat. He let go of one hand and reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a piece of paper. He glanced down at it and then put it back in his pocket.

Taking my hand back he said, “Grace, you have brought so much joy to my life. When we met I was trying so hard to just be a good dad, a good son, and friend. I was busy, so busy working, busy with the band, and the kids and not thinking of myself or my happiness. I wasn’t looking for someone to love, I was just trying to get through life one day at a time. I didn’t have time to look for someone. And then you just arrived in my life. Like you were sent to us. I needed you so much and didn’t even realize it. I’m sorry it took me a few months and a push from Bronx, to realize I had the most amazing woman right in front of me. You have brought so much love and adventure to my life. You’ve created a sense of home and family that is so unique to you. I love you. You inspire me. I hope I continue to be your favorite poet. You’re my favorite YouTuber. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life living the adventure we’re taking.”

“Pete, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to honor, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do you part?” Patrick asked.

“I do.” Pete answered, looking me in the eye.

“Grace, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to honor, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do you part?”

“I do.” I said as I smiled at Pete.

“Do you have the rings?” Patrick asked.

Pete let go of my hands so he could take my ring from Bronx. Taking my left hand he held the ring to my finger.

“Repeat after me. I, Peter Wentz,” Patrick said.

Pete repeated Patricks word, “I, Peter Wentz,”

“Take you, Grace, as my wife.”

“Take you, Grace, as my wife.”

“With this ring, I thee wed.”

“With this ring, I thee wed.” Pete said and slipped the ring all the way up my finger.

Lisa handed me Pete’s ring.

“Grace, repeat after me. I, Grace Campbell,” Patrick continued.

“I, Grace Campbell,” I said.

“Take you, Peter, as my husband.”

“Take you, Peter, as my husband.”

“With this ring, I thee wed.”

“With this ring, I thee wed.” I said as I slid the ring on his finger.

“With the power vested in me by the states of Illinois and South Carolina, pronounce you husband and wife. Pete, kiss your bride.” Patrick said with a huge smile.

Grinning at me, Pete cupped my cheek with one hand and kissed me for the first time as my husband. The kiss was as sweet and wonderful and wow as our first kiss had been.

“I love you.” He whispered to me after the kiss.

“I love you too.” I whispered back. Then I kissed him again.

We pulled apart and were cheered on by our family and friends. We turned to face everyone. I finally saw the Honeysuckle that was mixed in with the flowers that were decorating the area.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Wentz.” Patrick announced.

As everyone clapped for us, Pete and I walked down the aisle hand in hand. Our wedding party followed us. Our guests followed them as we headed back towards the house where the reception area was set up.

“Where did you find the Honeysuckle?” Pete asked me as we walked back to the house.

“I didn’t. I thought you were behind it.” I said.

“No, it wasn't me.”

Bronx, who was right behind us, spoke up. “That was Pops, Uncle Scott and me. Pops overheard you and Rose talking about it. He took us out to find some. That’s where we were this morning.”

I stopped walking and turned around to look at Bronx. “That was so sweet of you. Thank you so much.” I told him and then hugged him tight.

He just flashed me his grin that looked so much like his fathers. “You and Dad wanted Honeysuckle so we got it for you. You guys deserve to have what you want today. I’m glad we found some for you.”

“Bronx, I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again. You are the best son a father could have. I love you so much.” Pete told him before hugging him.

The Moms went in and got the food ready to be brought out. They had warmed up the items that needed to be hot. And they set it all up buffet style. They had even made sure to have labels for each item so everyone knew if it was vegan, vegetarian or full of meat.

As the Moms got the food ready, Elliot started taking the wedding party photos. When we got all the shots of us, the kids, and the wedding party it was time for the pictures with the parents. The Moms had just brought out the food. We grabbed them and took the last of the formal pictures.

We asked everyone to come, eat, enjoy the company and music. To have a good time. Our reception was great and a lot of fun. We didn’t have a DJ. We just had a playlist on Scott’s phone hooked up to the sound system.

We ate dinner and talked and laughed with our guests. After everyone was finished eating, Pete stood up and got everyone’s attention.

Once he had it he spoke up. “Grace and I want to thank all of you for coming here to celebrate with us. I know it was short notice and for many of you, it was a long trip to make. We appreciate it more than we can express. Today wouldn’t have been the same without you here.” He raised his glass in a toast to the people we loved.

“We also want to make an announcement while we have you all here. As you know, Grace is pregnant. We had an appointment before we came out here.” Pete looked down at me and smiled his tender smile. “We are thrilled to announce that our daughter, Star Dale Wentz, will be here sometime in February.” Dale heard the name and started to cry. “And,” Pete had to raise his voice to be heard over all the talking about a girl and the name. “Our son, Jupiter Jonathan Wentz, will also be here in February.”

“Twins!?! Oh my God!” I heard from my Mom. And then she started to cry. “I can’t believe it. Oh Grace, I’m so happy for you.” She said through her sobs.

“You’re naming her after me?” Dale asked Pete.

“Yes, we are. I hope you don't mind.” He told her.

“How could I mind?” She answered before throwing her arms around her son and sobbing as hard as my mom.

I looked at Dad to see his reaction to the news. He was quietly crying in his seat.

“Dad? Are you ok with us giving Jupiter your name?” I asked him.

“Baby girl, I couldn’t be happier.” He told me. He hadn’t called me by that nickname since I was a teenager.

Amy couldn’t hold back any longer. “Those are the most perfect names for your children.”

We got lots of congratulations and hugs and pats on the back after the announcement about the twins.

Once everyone had settled down Scott turned up the music and asked Lisa to dance. That was the cue for everyone to dance and have fun.

At one point Pete went over to Bronx and talked to him quietly. Bronx nodded and went into the house. Pete came back over to me. I looked at him with an unspoken question in my eyes. He just grinned at me and said, “You’ll see.”

A few minutes later Bronx came out of the house with my new gray hat and Pete’s white hat. I didn’t even know he had brought them with us. He put his on and handed me mine.

“Come on cowgirl, let’s dance.” He said as he took my hand and headed for the dance floor.

Now, I know Pete can’t dance. He tries, but well, it’s just not his thing. However, he surprised me. He gave Scott a signal and the music changed to Fake ID by Big & Rich. He started the line dance. And, he actually knew the steps. I smiled and joined him. Bronx, Saint, and Marvel joined us too. By the end of the song, the dance floor was full. Pete told me later, he and Bronx looked up the steps and practiced them together. He wanted to show me that not only was he my Rock Star, he could also be my Dancing Cowboy.

When it was time to cut the cake, we did the traditional feeding each other a bite. But we didn’t smash it in our faces. We had such a good time.

Everyone enjoyed the evening. As it got later in the night people started to leave. All the children had been playing together and most of them were falling asleep by the time the parents were ready to go. Marvel had fallen asleep in Dale’s lap. Lisa took her and put her to bed in the guest cottage. Saint was trying his best to stay awake until the end of the party. And he made it, but barely. He was ready for bed when the party ended.

We tried to help with the clean up as the night went on. But Amy would not allow it. She was adamant that we not lift a finger. She and Dad had already paid Rose extra to help with the clean up the next day when she and her team would pick up the tables and chairs.

Finally, the party was over and all the guests had left. I was happy, but tired. I did thank my Dad and my brother for the Honeysuckle. They were both so happy to surprise us with it.

Pete and I headed in and went to our room. We were ready for some alone time and to go to sleep.

“So, wife of mine, are you happy?” Pete asked me as we closed the bedroom door.

“I’m very happy, husband of mine.” I smiled and then chuckled, “I can’t believe you danced with me. That was so much fun.” I told him as I wrapped my arms around him.

He smiled and then told me about how he and Bronx had practiced the dance. “I want to be your cowboy as well as your rock star.” He said.

“You know what they say about horses and cowboys, right?” I asked him with a smirk.

“No, what do they say about horses and cowboys?”

“Save a horse, ride a cowboy.” I told him with a straight face.

“Oh, well, you can ride me anytime.” He said as he gave me his best sexy look.

“I plan on it. Starting tonight.” I said before I kissed him. “I’m so happy to finally be your wife. I love you so much.”

“I’m happy to be your husband. I’ve never been this happy and content with my life before. Thank you so much for putting up with me.”

“Putting up with you is easy. I’m the one that wants to be on the go all the time. I don’t know how you put up with me.” I told him.

“Are you kidding me? You’re so much fun. You’re my favorite person. I can't even think of living my life without you in it.” He told me sincerely.

He kissed me hard and long. And then I took him to bed and showed him just what I meant about riding a cowboy.