Finding Infinity (18 page)

I can’t take my eyes off of her. I can hear some sniffles and coughs, and I’m aware that everyone here watching this is getting it. They finally see what we mean to each other. It’s her and me.

Everything else around us fades to grey. I watch her lavender eyes twinkle as she walks towards me. She’s smiling at everyone, and winking at the South kids that are almost cheering her on, as if she’s a running back that was just handed the ball by their daddy. Charlie’s radiant. She’s not uptight or nervous. She’s the Charlie that’s busting my balls for something stupid that I said. She’s the Charlie who gets up early to run with me, and makes sure that she wins. She’s my Charlie, who snuggles up to me in her sleep, even though we don’t need a large bed, since we can only sleep pressed against each other. She’s my Charlie, who just told me that she’s ready to be a mom. In this moment, staring at my girl, my life is complete.

When the song is over, Brad asks Charlie’s mom to join us. I glance over at her, and see her tear-stained face, and my heart softens in my chest. It was important that both of her parents be a part of our wedding. Charlie’s mom was kick-ass, even when it was tough for her to be. I’m so proud of my girl for acknowledging her mom on our special day. She stands beside Charlie and takes her hand, giving it a squeeze.

Brad clears his through and begins. “Caroline asked for me to read this on her behalf. ‘Colin and I would not have made it to this point in our lives without the support of all of you here today. We’re sorry that this had to be a surprise, but we wanted our wedding to be about us and you, our dear friends, and not the distractions. Colin and I feel so blessed that we’ve found each other again, and don’t want to waste any more time letting things that don’t matter impede our happiness. We’ve decided to not have a bridal party, because how could we choose which one of you is more important to us than another? So, think of yourself as our bridesmaid or groomsman, only you don’t even have to wear ugly clothes.’”

Everyone gives a slight chuckle, and I look at Charlie, who’s got a huge toothy smile that meets her eyes. And those eyes…her lavender eyes are on fire with love. Seeing her smile like that confirms that this is absolutely the right way for us to get married.

Brad continues, “But before we can get Caroline and Colin married, we have to take care of some housekeeping. A long time ago, Colin promised Marley South, his goddaughter, that he’d marry her, so Marley, would you mind coming up here?”

I look towards our friends and see Marley with her little ponytails and a T-shirt that reads, “If you think I’m cute, you should see my daddy.” She bounces her way to my side and looks up at me, very shyly.

I kneel down next to her and whisper in her ear, “I can’t marry you because I’m marrying Auntie Charlie, but how about if I make you my best girl?”

She nods her precious little head bashfully, and I pull out a ring that I had made for her. It’s a heart, and Charlie had it engraved with the words “best girl.” I put it on her finger, and she looks at it with pure excitement.

“Uncle Coyin, I wuv it. Tank ewe,” she says, as she gives me a big hug.

I watch her bounce back to her family. Janis is beaming at me. God, is it possible to love my own child more than I love that kid? I don’t think so.

“Now, that we’ve got Colin’s other woman squared away, let’s get back to the wedding. So, let’s see, where were we?” Brad quips as a light smattering of laughter floats throughout the crowd. “Oh yes. Caroline, these are your parents, that you’ve asked to stand by you today.”

I said that there was no way in hell I was letting her father give her away to me. I also don’t need his permission, or blessing, to make her my wife. Fuck that shit. He forfeited that right when he kicked her when she was down because he got butt hurt by what I said. Nope. Not going to happen.

“Yes, I’ve asked my mom and my dad to stand by me today as a tribute to them.” I watch as Charlie turns to her mom. “Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader, and giving me your unwavering support. Thank you for making sure that our house was always filled with love, even when we knew you were struggling. You are an example of the kind of woman that I want to be. I love you dearly.” She hugs her mom, and her mom whispers something in her ear. Charlie hugs her again and kisses her on the cheek. Her mom goes back to stand with her three sisters.

When Charlie turns to her father, I have to choke back a laugh. Jack looks like he’s just tasted the sourest lemon around. “Daddy, thank you for inspiring my love of medicine, and giving me my first job out of school. Your expertise and devotion to your patients has made me a better doctor. I will always be thankful to you for sharing your talents with me.”

That’s it. Jack stands there waiting for her to continue. It’s awkward. In fact, I think I hear birds chirping. Finally, Charlie adds, “I love you.” She looks at me with a tight smile and pleading eyes. I feel for my girl in that uncomfortable moment, but let’s face facts. Jack Collins is an asshole. When you leave your wife and four daughters for your knocked up nurse, what do you expect? Hugs, and motherfucking kisses?

Thankfully, Jack catches on that this is really it. He’s not giving her away. He takes his cue and goes and stands by Carmen.

Now, it’s just my girl and me. Fucking, finally! I slide into the spot that Jack vacated, and reach down to grab her hand. I find it nearly impossible not to touch her all the time. Her skin is like an aphrodisiac. I want to feel her touch for the rest of my life. I want to tell Brad to hurry the fuck up. I’m ready to be married. But he’s Brad, so he has to drag this out a little longer than necessary.

“Colin and Caroline asked me to officiate the wedding today. And, just so you know, you can now call me Reverend Brad. Alrighty, kids. Let’s do this. Colin, you go first.”

I turn and face Charlie. We’ve already said what we needed to say to say to each other in the privacy of our bedroom last night. I’m sure not sharing those words with anyone. They were for my girl’s ears only. We both feel like we’ve shared too much of ourselves with everyone. Those sentiments are ours, and ours alone. I mouth to her, “You heard my words last night. It’s all for you. The past is forgotten”

I see her tear up. That’s not what I want. Today is supposed to be fun. So I smirk at her. “Who knew that needing ankle surgery would be the best thing that’s ever happened to me?” Everyone gives an obligatory laugh, which I’m grateful for. She beams a smile at me that makes my heart feel complete. “I told you when I got in your car and you tried to push your CD case off on me that I wanted to get to know you better. Little did I know, that that morning, you would steal my heart and soul—as well as kick my sorry behind in everything. You amaze me, Caroline. Just when I think that I’ve got you figured out, you do something to shock me,” I lower my voice, and whisper only to her, “like drop your little bombshell on me a few minutes ago.”

Then, so everyone can hear, I say, “I promise to love you for the rest of my life. I promise to protect you, to keep you safe, and cherish everything about you. I promise to make sure that you never have to question my devotion to you. Most of all, I promise to be the best husband that I can to you. I’m going to screw up, and I’ll probably do it spectacularly. But, whatever I do, it’s not because I don’t love you; it’s because I’m a stupid guy.” Everyone laughs, even Charlie.

Brad says, “All right, Caroline. It’s your turn.”

I watch her chest rise as she takes a deep breath, and slowly fall as she lets it out. I wish that we had just done the traditional vows…love, honor, and obey. It might have been nice to have something that was normal about this wedding. However, she insisted on somewhat personal ones for the ceremony.

I don’t know if I can hear her words to me. I hope to God that she takes a humorous route, because I’m on the verge of hauling her out of here and making the rest of the day about us.

She squeezes my hands, and then begins speaking. “Brad and I started a list behind your back of all the things that you don’t care about. It’s a rather impressive list. I’d be happy to share it with you one day,” she says, as she peeks at me through her long eyelashes. I smile reassuringly at her. However, I will see the list when all of this is over. “But it got me thinking. When you love Colin, you love hard, and completely. When you do care, it’s with your whole being. You are my black and white. While I sometimes wish that you could see shades of grey, I love that you are absolute when it comes to what you want.” She smiles shyly at me. “Your passion about things that you love is a testament to what an incredible man that you are. I promise to love you for the rest of my life. I promise to be your partner, and to support you in your career. I promise to wear your jersey when you win the Super Bowl, but not a day before. Most of all, I promise to be the best wife to you, and mother to our children, that I can be.”

I raise my eyebrow questioningly. Does she have something else to share with me? I plan on finding out when I get her alone.

Brad says, loudly, “Because Colin and Caroline refuse to remove their rings, you’re not going to get to watch Colin try to shove something on Caroline’s finger. But, before we get to the good stuff, I want to share a blessing with you written by Anita Revel, because this is a wedding, after all. Alright, here we go.” Brad fidgets with a notecard, and I want to smack it out of his hands. I want to be married now, not hear some damn blessing. I’m impatient. My girl and I have some things that we need to discuss. Brad is now a roadblock, and that doesn’t work for me.

“‘Right now, right here; this moment is the culmination of a thousand moments.’” He pauses, and gets choked up, as only Brad can. I shift from foot to foot. Brad needs to hurry this up.

“‘Ordinary ones, magical ones, memorable ones, and perhaps ones that you’d rather forget.’ I’ve been privy to a couple of those, so I guess with that, by the power entrusted to me, I pronounce you husband and wife.” I freeze, staring at this beautiful woman in front of me. I feel my hands get sweaty. I glance anxiously at Brad and wonder briefly why I’m waiting for his permission to kiss her. It’s like we’re not really married until I feel her lips on mine. “Oh, for the love of God, man, kiss her already,” he teases.

I want to do much more than kiss her, but that will have to wait a little while. I dip her back in my arms, and I go straight for the kill. I go all in. I kiss her with everything that I have. I want her to remember her first kiss as my wife for the rest of her life. God, what a beautiful sound the word “wife” makes in my head. Charlie McKinney is my wife. Mine.
Forever.

I hear Clay yell, “Get a room.” Which makes me want to reply, “Don’t tempt me.”

When I finally let her come up for air, Jenny starts my iPod and “Whatever It Is” by Zac Brown Band starts playing. Charlie and I don’t get to walk back down the aisle together, because we are bombarded with hugs and congratulations. I look over at her, and she’s beaming. She’s radiating happiness, and that makes me the happiest motherfucker on the planet.

Brad yells over everyone, “Go inside. Let’s eat!”

Chapter Eight

Charlie

Model Lucinda Montally says that her and Colin McKinney are just longtime friends, and rumors of them rekindling their relationship are false. However, we’ve been able to uncover other sources that are reporting that Lucinda and Colin disappeared together for an extended period of time inside the clubhouse hosting the tournament. This could get interesting. Other sources are reporting that Colin is hosting his after-tournament brunch at his house today. We have a photographer on-site, hoping to catch Lucinda and Colin together.

Of course, we eat my mom’s Coca-Cola chocolate cake first. Colin doesn’t take a bite, but he sure enjoys feeding my slice to me. Then, everyone fills their plates with Colin’s mom’s great cooking – huevos rancheros, maple flavored bacon, refried beans, tamales, and Earl Campbell sausage. That’s when I see him fully appreciate his food. No grains, no champagne punch, and no wedding cake. What do I care? It’s official. I’m Doctor Caroline Jane Collins McKinney. My next battle is making Colin get on board with me keeping Collins as my professional name, and signing a postnuptial agreement.

Aiden and I briefly discussed it before the wedding, and he advised me not to bring it up. He thought that I had a better chance of getting Colin to see my point after the wedding was behind us. He advised that it’s just as legally binding as a prenuptial agreement, and becoming increasingly more common.

Those are my challenges for tomorrow. Today, I’m just enjoying our special moment. As I refill my third glass of champagne punch, I feel an all too familiar hand squeeze my arm. I look up into the green eyes that I adore. “Come with me for a moment, Mrs. McKinney.” The way that he says “Mrs. McKinney” makes my lower stomach clench. Colin means business, and I hope that it’s the kind of business I’m yearning for.

I follow Colin out of the kitchen, through our gargantuan living room, and into our bedroom. He shuts the door behind me, and turns the lock with a click. His eyes are blazing green when he looks at me. “You expect to drop your little grenade on me and not give me more of an explanation?” I’m not sure if he’s upset with me, or curious. I can’t read him at the moment.

I bat my eyelashes at him, and say in my best southern voice, “Why, Mr. McKinney, I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about?”

He pushes me up against the wall in our bedroom and attacks my mouth. One of his hands goes for my hair, and the other for my breast. He’s kneading and tweaking my nipple through my sundress and bra, and his fury is making me insane. I love out-of-control Colin. His passion is one of the things I find hottest about my husband, and it’s on full display right now, in Technicolor.

He growls in my mouth, “Why didn’t you tell me that you were getting off the pill?” His hands are fighting to get my sundress off. I could help him, but at the moment, I’m concentrating on not spontaneously combusting, because I need him that much.