The guests begin to disperse towards the location of the reception. Chris and Daphne, along with the rest of the bridal party, stay behind for photos. They're both surrounded by words of congratulations and swarmed with hugs. The couple can't seem to lose the smiles that have invaded their faces and hearts.
Cynthia leads the group back up to the front to begin full bridal party photos. "We'll take a few minutes for party pics and then release everyone except Chris and Daphne."
The photographers assistant steps in and begins directing everyone into place. She steps back and let's everyone know if they can't see the camera then the camera can't see them.
The photographer counts down and begins clicking away as the assistant changes poses every few moments. As quickly as they began the bridal party is released and everyone leaves except the bride and groom.
Chris keeps glancing at his watch making himself aware of the time. Looking over at Cynthia she gives him a discreet thumbs up.
The assistant takes Daphne's bouquet from her and instructs them to just be themselves with one another; feel the moment. She tells them the photographer will snap away as they just enjoy this time together.
Following her direction is easy for both of them as all they want to do is hold each other. Chris first stands behind Daphne, wrapping an arm around the top of her chest and kisses the top of her head. Daphne's hands grasp his arm that rests across her and turns her head with her eyes closed. Click.
Daphne then lifts her head to look at Chris as he moves his head to return the look with a smirk. Click.
Daphne comes to stand behind Chris, leaning her head on his shoulder, hand clasped with his. She closes her eyes while Chris looks at the camera. Click.
He turns to face her. She looks up deep in his eyes. Click. He cups her cheeks with his hand and places a gentle kiss on her forehead. Click.
Quickly, he lifts Daphne by the waist and spins earning a hearty laugh from his bride as she wraps her hands around his neck. Click, click, click.
The assistant instructs them to walk back down the aisle as the trees frame the image. Chris leans into Daphne's ear as they walk and whispers, "I can't wait to cover your entire body with kisses." Click goes the camera capturing the deep blush rising in Daphne's cheeks and the large grin across Chris's face.
They stop mid aisle as Chris goes back behind Daphne. He wraps his arms around her waist as Daphne lifts her hand to reach around and hold Chris's head. They look longingly at one another. Click.
The photographer says he's happy with what he's captured. "So we can head to the reception then?" Daphne asks Cynthia.
As Cynthia is about to answer Daphne they hear the sound of sirens close to the park. "Oh no! I hope nothing is terribly wrong," she says looking at Chris. "What are you smiling for? Shouldn't your firefighter EMT instincts be itching to help?"
Chris shakes his head with a small laugh. "Nope. Not today." He takes her and walks her closer to the road just outside the park. A vintage fire engine pulls up directly in front of them. Daphne gives Chris an inquisitive look as she sees Chris shake hands with the man that hops out of the truck. The second man that comes around is Chief Parrs. "Chris?" She asks.
"Mr. and Mrs. Evans, I'm Chief Dryer of the Savannah fire department," he says introducing himself to the couple.
"It's nice to meet you," Daphne says still confused.
"I really appreciate it this Chief Dryer," Chris tells him.
"Well," the Chief starts, "your chariot awaits." He
guides them around to the back.
"Wait...we're riding in this to the reception?" Daphne questions wide eyed. "Yep," Chris says popping the P. Daphne jumps up and down excitedly.
The photographer continues snapping photos as the couple find their seats. Both Chief Parrs and Chief Dryer climb back in the front for the short ride.
Chris and Daphne relish in the few moments they have alone with one another. He continues to tell her how beautiful she is, how he couldn't catch his breath when he first saw her. Daphne finds herself basking in his compliments, her confidence radiating from her. He holds her close as they continue the half mile ride to the museum.
The vintage truck pulls up to the museum as the couple are met by their guests cheering. Chris jumps off the back first and holds his hands up to Daphne. He lifts her the same way he did on their first date. But this time he doesn't close his eyes and as he brings her off the truck he spins her around once again. Holding her close to his chest he says, "I don't have to close my eyes anymore. Your 'world' is now mine too." He tosses her a devilish smirk as she hides her face in his chest laughing.
Chris picks Daphne's head off of his chest, "no hiding from me baby, not today. I want to see every blush, every smirk, every glint."
She brings her lips to meet his. "As you wish," she says as her lips brush against his.
The guests make their way into the museum that has been decorated for the occasion. Simple, not over the top, just like the couple.
The DJ starts the bridal party entrance song: Michael Jackson's The Way You Make Me Feel. He announces the bridal party starting with the kids, then Hazel and Hayden, followed by Scott and Rene. Once the chorus starts he announces "Please join me in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Evans!"
Chris and Daphne dance their way into the reception hall, smiling and laughing along the way. Chris takes the time to flaunt his bride, twirling her around in front of everyone. He wants her to know how lucky he considers himself that she chose him. To show everyone in attendance how beautiful she is, inside and out.
The music changes, a slower melody starts. Chris and Daphne find their home within each other's arms to share their first dance as husband and wife.
Dear God,
Just saw an angel with my own eyes
And now she's the only thing on my mind
Now I may be out of line
Is there any way that I can make her mine
Give me a lifetime
That's all that I'm asking for
Give me a lifetime
Not a second less, not a moment more
Hey, girl
Not exactly sure where to start
Want to give you the world
But I don't have it yet
So darling, here's my heart
Now I may run out of time
But I would gladly spend my life just to try
Give me a lifetime
That's all that I'm asking for
Give me a lifetime
Not a second less, but not a moment more
Baby, we will both find
Everything that we're looking for
Give me a lifetime
Not a second less, not a moment more
I want nothing more
Dear God,
Just saw an angel with my own eyes
Daphne rests her head on her husband's shoulder as they sway to the music. "I can't believe we're here," she says to Chris.
He smiles down at his wife, his hand on the small of her back. "I've wanted this exact moment since our trip to the mountains. I knew early on that you were it for me. You are everything to me."
Daphne looks up at Chris meeting his smile with her own. "Thank you for letting me be a part of your forever. I'd have been happy with friendship, but being your wife? I've won the lottery." They share a kiss, deeper this time to commemorate this moment to memory, but still tasteful since they're surrounded by so many.
The song ends with another round of cheers and clinking of glasses calling the couple in for another kiss. As they pull away the pastor announces a blessing in preparation for the meal.
Chris and Daphne sit at the table that Cynthia directs them to. It's small, just big enough for the two of them, intimate even though they're surrounded by 150 of their friends and family.
Chris POV
I pull the chair out for Daphne to sit and put myself in the seat next to her. Immediately I put my left arm around the back of her chair, recognizing the fact that I can't stand to be away from her now.
Leaning my head down I place a kiss on her bare shoulder. I feel her shudder against my touch. "You just gave me goosebumps," she says.
With a smirk I do it again. She holds my chin with her fingers and brings my lips to hers. "Careful, Mr. Evans."
I shake my head. "I don't have to be careful anymore."
She pulls her lower lip between her teeth as she shakes her own head back and forth. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Absolutely... anything... you...want," I answer her slowly with a quirk of my brow. Daphne puts her hand on my chest and playfully pushes me back as she lets out a soft giggle. I love that giggle.
I can see a quiet reprieve come over her as a waiter brings over our meal. She knows I love my food so I can imagine she thinks I'll hold off my advances. With my fork in my right hand I place my left on her covered thigh. She doesn't notice that I see the grin she's trying to hold back.
As we try to eat several guests come by to speak to us. Some commenting on how beautiful the location was. Others saying they'd never been to a wedding that included the purity ring. But then there's the one who said he had never seen a more beautiful bride before Daphne. Of course I agree with him and mention that there's never been a more beautiful woman.
As the meal comes to a close the DJ announces the moment for the father of the bride dance. Adam walks over and offers his hand to his daughter who willingly takes it.
I watch in awe at the love and admiration Daphne has for her dad. I remember her telling me that when she was a little girl her dad would get home from work and immediately scoop her up into a dance. As she got a little bigger she would stand on the tops of his boots as he guided them around the room. She told me that as a teenager he came to tell her goodnight while she was on the phone with a boyfriend. When she opened her door he saw her in tears, demanding she hang up the phone. He told her that no boy should ever have her in tears that way. I admire Adam Jeffries, thankful for the way he and Laura raised Daphne.
How could that beautiful woman with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairytales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time
I loved her first, I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it's still hard to give her away
I loved her first
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I'm goin' through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first
In no way am I surprised to see Daphne wiping away tears. To see Adam do the same reminds me of how much this day means to him as well. He's entrusted me with his most precious item in his life, his daughter.
For the last little bit of the song I take note that Daphne is standing on top of her dad's dress shoes as he moves them back and forth. The smile and laugh that escapes her makes my heart burst at the precious moment shared between father and daughter. I pray to have the same one day.
Their dance ends with a tight hug of reassurance, Adam telling Daphne he'll always be there for not just her but myself as well. I welcome my bride back to my side with a sweet kiss.
At this point I expect the dance floor to open up for guests to enjoy themselves. I'm surprised to hear the DJ say something differently.
"I need Mr. Evans to come out to the dance floor now," he says.
Daphne's POV
I see Chris walk out to the middle of the floor as he adjusts his belt and straightens out his coat. He looks at me confused as I've sat back down at our table. I just give him a warm smile.
Scott is handed the microphone. "Normally this would be when Chris would take part in a mother son dance. But our mom passed away several years ago when Chris was just 22 years old." I notice Chris kind of crinkle up his nose. I know that's his way of trying to hold back his own tears. "So, instead we are going to have a sister brother dance."
I look on as Carey comes to join Chris. He takes her hand in his, resting his other hand on her hip. They sway as Somewhere Over the Rainbow begins to play. Chris once told me that it was the song his mom sang to each of them as babies. She would sing it to them as they grew, any time they were sick or had their heart broken. He said it was the last song he ever heard her sing.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby, oh
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true-ooh-ooh
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops that's where
You'll find me, oh
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to
Oh why, oh why can't I?
Carey now steps aside as Shannon takes her place. I see Chris having a harder time keeping his emotions in check as he pinches the bridge of his nose. Shannon stops dancing and pulls him into a hug, rubbing his back. Carey looks over at me, silently saying it's okay for me to go to him.
I wanted to be respectful of their family moment but at her urging I go over to my husband. I reach for his shoulder. He turns to me and holds me tight. As he pulls back I dry his tears softly. The look he gives me is one of thankfulness. "I'm so lucky to be loved by you," I tell him.
The DJ decides its time to liven up the party and begins playing something upbeat. Chris tells me he'll be back in a few minutes. He gives my hand a tight squeeze and kisses my cheek.
I move around the room, mingling with guests, stopping for photos.
"That was quite a ceremony," Sue tells me as I make it over to my coworkers table. "Not a dry eye anywhere!"
Marilyn nudges her husband. "I saw this one even wiping at his eyes." Her husband looked back at her. "I had something in my eye, dust. Yeah, dust." I chuckle at the thought of Marilyn's gruff husband crying at a wedding.
"We miss you at the school," Sue says with a pout.
"I'll be back in August," I assure them. "Just going to let my body rest for a bit." I see Sue and Marilyn share a smirk with each other across the table as they whisper how I won't be getting much rest anytime soon. I double over in laughter telling them to knock it off.
Hazel and Rene find me and pull me back out on the dance floor as Bruno Mars Uptown Funk starts playing. We find ourselves enjoying the freedom on the dance floor to be silly. I watch sweet Ellie toddle over to dance with her mama.
While I'm enjoying myself I look around trying to find Chris. I finally spot him around a group of men. I imagine it's the guys from the station as Hayden and Chief Parrs are also there.
My heart skips a beat as I see him shrug off his coat and begin rolling up his sleeves. He stops just below his elbows. I find myself feeling flushed as I think about what may come later tonight, the feeling of his hands on me, caressing his biceps.
"You've got a little drool there Daph," Ollie says to me interrupting my daydream. I punch him in his shoulder.
I walk over to the group of men as one of them speaks animatedly. I wrap my arms around Chris's waist as his hand finds my shoulder. He is now the one talking, asking numerous questions about a recent call he missed out on because he was here in Savannah.
I feel the music playing working through my bones. I can feel the sass beginning to bubble up in me as I look at Chris and sing along with the song that's playing. "Shut up and dance with me!" I grab his hand pulling him along with me while I dance. He's dancing but I think he's enjoying my show more. I move my hips as the beat plays, enticing him.
The reception continues with all of the traditions. We cut the cake and while I don't end up with it shoved in my face Chris does put a dab of frosting on my nose. He licks it off causing a round of laughter and eww's to erupt from our guests. I toss the bouquet which is caught by someone's plus one.
Then comes the garter. I sit in the chair that Cynthia placed in the middle of the floor. Chris is a few feet away from me with a very mischevious look on his face. I drop my head into my hands forgetting that he told me I can't hide from him today.
He thinks he's going to get to slide his hand all the way up my leg to the top of my thigh but I've actually shimmied it down to my calf.
Chris nods at the DJ and I hear the chorus of Van Halen's Hot for Teacher start playing. I am definitely red in the face now. Chris walks towards me, shoving his sleeves up a little farther. I know he's doing it for my benefit because he's wiggling his eyebrows at me at the same time. He kneels down in front of me as the men from the station are cheering him on.
I stare straight at him, "don't you dare." I'm praying he's not going to do what Oliver did at his reception and put his head completely under my dress. He looks back at me as if trying to decide which direction to go. I'm thankful he's chosen to just use his hands but I can't help but bust out laughing at the change of expression when he finds the garter on my calf. "Oh, come on!" He exclaims. I give him a quick peck and tell him his time is coming soon enough. "Let's move this along then," he says tossing the garter over his shoulder without seeing if any guys were even there.
The reception begins to dwindle now although I feel like I could stay in this moment forever; happy, content, full of love.
Chris asks me for one more dance before our departure. I happily oblige as I notice the music playing is the same song we danced to the very first time he asked me to dance. If I had known then what I know now I'd have married this man the following day. As the song finishes I find myself being dipped and a long, slow kiss being granted to my waiting lips. I grasp tightly onto Chris for fear of falling.
"What do you say we get out of here? Start our honeymoon?" Chris asks looking at me lovingly.
Words have escaped me as I simply nod my head in agreement. He slips away to tell Cynthia we're ready to exit. We grab my flowers and his suit coat and make our way to the doors.
Looking out I see our guests have lined up holding sparklers against the night sky. Chris looks at me, grasps my hand and we playfully run through the aisle they've created for us. He stops me just before we reach the truck, taking my face in both his hands and kisses me with force, passion. When we release I see that glorious devilish grin has overtaken his face and I'm a puddle.
We wave goodbye to our family and friends as Chris helps me into the truck. Next thing I know we are driving back through the streets of Savannah, Chris's hand on my thigh, my own hand grasping his bicep.
"Was today everything you wanted it to be?" Chris asks me.
I breathe a sigh of content. "More than I could've ever dreamed." I find myself yawning loudly. A giggle escapes me.
"Tired?" He asks.
"It's okay. I'm sure I'll perk up soon," I answer him.
His gaze shifts to me as he parks the truck in front of a large building that looks like a home. "I'm still not going to rush anything. We have a lifetime, remember? If you want sleep, we sleep. If you want food, we eat. If you want something else..." His voice trails off as he slowly kisses me from my shoulder, to my neck and finally my lips. "Whatever you want."
I look back at the precious man who has quite literally melted me right here in his truck. "I want you."