Chapter Nineteen (Waited For This & Found The Real Thing)
Joey's POV
I can't believe it's here. It feels like I've waited a lifetime for it. But today is the day. I make my way outside. I'm not in my tux yet, and Susanna isn't in her dress. We planned it this way.
I make my way to a little wooded area with a bench deep within. Feels nice and secluded. I hear guitar strumming and soft singing and see Susanna walking toward me. "Hey." She says, blushing.
"Hey." I blush too. You would think we would be past that stage by now.
"Here's your letter for today." Susanna pulls a envelope from her jeans pocket. Next, she pulls a covered notebook from her back pack that I just now noticed. "This one is for later. When you are no longer my future husband, but my present and forever. You know, we have to make sure it's official first and we go through with it, Joey.", her baby blue eyes twinkled as she spoke and I knew she was joking, and I'm glad of that.
"Of course we will. Don't you go and get cold feet on me, Susanna Stephens." I shook my finger at her teasingly. "But seriously. I'm really excited for today." I handed her my letter, which was a bit heavier than she might expect. Since there was more than just paper inside.
After we handed each other the letters, and hugged quickly, we each then dashed away to get ready for the ceremony. Just think, after today, we won't be having to worry about the temptation of kissing.
Today is a day of dreams coming true.
I decide to read my letter from Susanna before joining the rest of the guys. As I open the envelope and take out the folded letter, something falls into my other hand. I laugh, it's a bracelet. We really are alike.
The bracelet is mainly made up of a lime green paracord, with a darker green buckle. That's not to out of the ordinary. The part that was different was the pick that hung from the middle. I brought it close and read, "Jesus picked you for me" it was carefully engraved and then gone over in white paint that contrasted the blueish metal pick.
I smiled, wiping a tear, as I opened the letter.
"My dearest Joey,
I never dreamed of actually being able to come to Nashville. It was just some far fetched dream. Then by the grace of God it happened.
I also dreamed of one day becoming a wife. To be perfectly honest, I never expected that dream to come true either.
I still remember when we first met. Well I remember both "first" times we met. The time when we were kids, and I had never had a crush yet somehow this blue eyed boy that actually noticed me, made me rethink that. Then my first night in Nashville. I shutter to think what would have happened if you had come across me. Maybe most girls can't say they met their husband as an adult and nearly sprayed him down with pepper spray. But I can. Well... I can soon. :)
I'm the same on paper as I am in person, I suppose. I tend to ramble on.
I hope you like your little gift. I looked all over for something that was just right. I couldn't find a single thing. None of it felt right. Then while packing up my stuff in my bedroom I found this. I made the bracelet, then it still didn't feel complete. I happened across a plain metal like pick and then God blessed me with this idea. It's a paracord bracelet that I made just for you. I engraved the words, myself and was praying for you the whole time. And thanking God for you.
I love you, Joey Stamper. I'm eager to spend the rest of my life with you.
God gave me you,
Susanna Stephens
(Soon I'm changing that second S) ;) "
I look up as I hear a cough, "How you doing, Broseph?" Donald is leaning against the door frame, smiling.
"Take me to her." The words flow from my mouth.
"But she's already dressed." Donald protests, but I can tell he's weak. "Fine. I had a feeling this would happen." He pulls out a green bandana and ties it over my face, then proceeds to lead me while texting noisily.
Susanna's Pov.
I am finally back and have just changed into my dress. My aunt got some photos and Lynn got a few too. Now I've got a hairdresser friend of my family fixing my hair while everyone else makes sure everything else is in line. Perfect time to read Joey's letter. I open it and a bracelet falls out into my lap.
I pick it up and first notice an orchid charm. Then a sword charm. Then finally the circular one with words on it. I had a suspicion when I saw those first charms but now I know. The words say, "A girl worth fighting for". Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. That line is from one of my favorite Disney movies, Mulan.
I dab my eyes, and opened the letter. Noticing the odd designs on the page.
"Oh Susanna,
;) You really should have seen that coming. :D
On a more serious note, I've waited my whole life for this day. Remember when the guys and me recorded 'Hide Your Love Away'? And then the follow up behind the song. I felt so alone in a way. At the time, I think Chad and Caleb both kind of knew who they would end up marrying. At least a little bit. Not me. I was blank. Cause I hadn't even met you yet. Well.... hadn't re-met you I guess. I remember praying really hard for my future wife that night, and even ended up sneaking away to write a letter to her. I was just so concerned feeling for that girl. How was I to know that she actually might be needing lifting up.
I'm guessing you found your bracelet. I know you love that movie. But there is more to it than just that. You, Susanna, are a girl worth fighting for. I've fought my whole life through for you, and for this day. You also are a girl worth waiting for. Not gonna lie, I'm glad the wait is nearly over. But it's been a good waiting time, a learning to love you deeper. Isn't it funny to think that when God was forming us in the womb that He had the other one in mind. That's amazing to me.
I just want you to know that no matter what may come. I'll always be here for you. I'm not going anywhere. Whether you like it or not.
With all my love,
Joey Stamper
P.s. can't wait for that to be your name too."
It was only then with my tears dripping on the paper, that I realized what that "odd design" on the paper was. Joey had been crying while he wrote my letter.
"Lynn!" I called out, standing in my dress.
"You want me to take you to him?" Lynn said, appearing in the doorway with a light blue bandana in her hand.
Suddenly I couldn't speak, she knew me too well anyhow, so I just nodded. "He wanted to see you too." Lynn whispered, as she led me outside.
Lynn's pov
I led Susanna outside and to a little corner of the building. Joey was already waiting there, with my Donald having a hand on his younger brother's shoulder. He smiled at me, and I melted just a little. Joey is stumbling if Donald's hand leaves his shoulder, after all he can't see since he is wearing a blindfold.
The two come together by our guiding hands and hug, whispering. I feel Donald wrap his arm around my shoulder, "That'll be us soon, babe."
"I know!" I beam at him. "I can hardly wait!" I blush, usually I'm outspoken and 'can't shut up', but today I'm taking on the shy part.
The two part ways, and with a quick kiss to the cheek us Kentucky girls have to leave our Ohio boys behind.
Susanna's POV
Well, it's time. All of my girls have already made their way down the aisle. I'm next. I take a small step as the music starts and get quicker, subconsciously. Joey sees me and starts to cry right there at the front by the preacher. I smile, battling back my own tears. "You've never looked more beautiful." Joey's says whispering into my ear, after my Dad hands my to my forever love.
The ceremony speeds right on by. Soon we have already exchanged our vows and it's onto the reception. I have a special surprise for Joey.
The guys come up to help me, "I knew that I wanted to sing something special for Joey, but I never could find it. Then one day I just stumbled across it. I hope y'all enjoy, I Found The Real Thing. It's so true, because I really did find the true thing with you, Joseph Patrick Stamper."
The music starts.......
"
Sha, la, la, la, la, la, oh, eh, oh
I have chased a thousand sunsets
Into the twilight
I got lost along the way
Hoping for a sign
And then out of the nothing
Like a lighthouse you were there
Everything I needed
Suddenly appeared...
Like a midnight star
Falling from the sky
I never thought I'd ever find it (Ever find it)
Shining in the dark
Lighting up the night (Night)
You're the answer in the silence
I been looking for the missing piece
You're the one I need
I found the real thing
Like the water, like the air I breathe
You're apart of me
I found the real thing
You're the reason I was searching
The hope I waited for (For)
Turned the shadows all around me
Into something more
I've uncovered the secret
Put together all the pieces
And now I'm never ever letting go...
Like a midnight star
Falling from the sky
I never thought I'd ever find it (Ever find it)
Shining in the dark
Lighting up the night (Night)
You're the answer in the silence
I been looking for the missing piece
You're the one I need
I found the real thing
Like the water, like the air I breathe
You're apart of me
I found the real thing
Sha, la, la, la, la, la, oh, eh, oh
I found the real thing
You're the real thing
Sha, la, la, la, la, la, oh, eh, oh
I found the real thing...
Yeah!...Whoa!
Like a midnight star
Falling from the sky
I never thought I ever find it
(Never thought I 'd ever find it, ever find it)
Shining in the dark
Lighting up the night (Whoa!)
You're the answer in the silence
I been looking for the missing piece
You're the one I need
I found the real thing
Like the water, like the air I breathe
You're apart of me
I found the real thing
I found the real thing...
"
As the music stops, Joey meets me and swings me around kissing me, taking my breath away. "I have a song too." And with that Joey takes the stage and wows me completely.
Our family's are now one. Our friends too. And our love... well that's a journey that has only begun.
------------------------------------
Author's Note:
Only one more chapter left.
And don't worry.... you will get to hear Joey's song (not sung by him, sadly) in the next chapter. At this one you can however hear Susanna's song!! :D Sha la la la la... oops. Bye now! :)
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro