Page 39 of Matrimonial Merger

I dabbed my tears that ran even more.

“You are so fierce, my love. And I know that you will be a dedicated partner and mother to our future children.”

Children. Clearly, we were on the same page.

“And while that trajectory may have starteda bitsooner than we intended originally, I wouldn’t want to live this chaotic life with anyone else.”

“Wait, are you pregnant?” One of my aunts asked.

I turned momentarily and nodded.

Those in the room whodidn’tknow erupted, interrupting Cal’s flow. He paused like the adept speaker he was.

“We’re both really happy,” Cal clarified. “But this wedding was rushed atDaphne’surging, not because of any external pressure.”

I clarified, “I really just wanted to not be miserably pregnant.”

I turned back to Cal, signaling he should continue, “I promise to show up, to take care of you, and to always be an equal player in life and parenthood. Daphne, you have made me the happiest man alive. And for that… I could not be more grateful.”

“I couldn’t either,” I said, starting my vows. “Cal, I am glad I gave over to the love before me rather than ran from it. Things were messy. Things weren’t always easy, but we never gave up. And you? You taught me to accept love the way I never knew I could—and in a way I never know I deserved.”

I sniffled, fighting sobbing tears. “Oh, God, sorry. I’m falling apart.”

Cal squeezed my hands. “Take your time, Daph.”

Delanie handed me another tissue and I took a deep breath. “You are so wonderful. You love me so purely and so fully. I have no doubt that you will always treat me with love and respect. I am so lucky, Cal, that it finally worked out. And I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life. I promise to always support you, love you, and trust you.”

That last one brought tears tohiseyes.

Delanie handed him a tissue and gave him a pat on the back, eliciting a deep chuckle from the crowd.

The judge waited for us to confirm he could move on with the rest. He picked back up with the ring exchange. Cal slid my wedding band on—with a little bit of force since my fingers were swollen. I did the same for him. And then, we were done.

“And with the power of the great state of Illinois, I pronounce you husband and wife.”

Cal didn’t wait a second longer to kiss me. And I could have swore that I held onto that kiss forever because I wanted to give our photographer the best view of a kiss, but it was mostly because I never wanted it to end. I wanted to bottle this moment—the moment when I finally became Cal Markham’s wife and partner for life.

When we pulled back, Cal said, “I love you, Daph.”

“You too, Cal. So much.”

We turned to look at the crowd which was now on its feet cheering us on.

“And with that, I am so proud to introduce you to the Delphine-Markhams.”

And we were. It was the best merger of my life.

Cal

“It was the best wedding I’ve been to in ages,” Kristy said. “An ambush wedding where everyone was happy for the couple and no one seemed stressed.”

I shook my head. “I was sweating bullets all day waiting for something to explode.”

“You looked truly in the moment by the time we got to see you,” Kristy promised.

I smiled. “I was. It was truly the best feeling.”

She patted me on the back. “It was wonderful to see. You love her. She loves you. It was always the way it should have been.”

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