The Survivor (15 page)
Authors: Rhonda Nelson
One month laterâ¦
“I
REALLY LIKE HER
,
SON
.
I think she's a wonderful girlâ¦but don't you think you're rushing things a little?”
“Yes,” Lex said, looking across the backyard to his soon-to-be-bride. Sooner than any of his family actually realized, in fact. His uncle Thomas was a Baptist preacher and was going to marry them in approximately five minutes.
“And you think that's wise? You've only known her a month.”
“Dad, how long had you known Mom when you knew you were going to marry her?”
His father got a faraway look in his eyes, and a slow smile dawned over his lips. He glanced up at Lex. “About two weeks,” he admitted.
Lex chuckled. “Then I'm actually giving it twice
as long as you did. How long have you and Mom been married?”
“Thirty-two years.”
“You want to offer me any more advice?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. She's always right. Even when she's wrong, she is right, you understand? And never let the sun go down on an argument.”
Lex had only been ribbing his father, but that actually sounded like very good advice. “I love her, Dad,” Lex said. “She makes me happier than I ever dreamed I could be.”
“Then you're a very lucky man,” his father told him.
“Ladies and gentleman,” Uncle Thomas called. “Can I have your attention please?”
The crowd assembled in his parents' backyard turned, kids included, and he and Bess shared a look, then slowly made their way forward. His sister had been braiding Bess's hair and had wound little bits of baby's breath in it, making her look especially beautiful. He held out his hand and she took it.
“Now, I know y'all showed up here today thinking that you were coming to a regular old barbecue, made fine by lots of good company and good food,” Thomas said. “But today we're doing something a little more special than that. Today, Lex and Bess have decided to get married and I'm officiating.”
Several gasps, a few whoops and a round of ap
plause burst through the crowd. “Lex,” he heard his mother say. He turned around and saw she was patting her hair, worried over her appearance.
He winked at her, then looked back at Bess. “I love you, Bess,” he said. “And I always will.”
“I know you've never gotten married before, boy, but I'm supposed to tell you what to say,” his uncle admonished.
The crowd laughed and tears of joy sparkled in Bess's eyes. He followed his uncle's instructions, repeated his vows, exchanged rings, then he kissed her and she became his wife.
His wife.
And nothingânothingâhad ever made him happier than hearing his uncle say, “May I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Lex Sanborn.”
She was his, Lex thought. And always would be.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-1539-9
THE SURVIVOR
Copyright © 2011 by Rhonda Nelson
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