Page 80 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
We’re both selfish, I want to tell her. This is a new journey for both of us.
“I will remain faithful, through the good and the bad, always your wife, forever.”
I tug her close. There’s not even an inch between us, and I’m losing myself in her eyes, ready to press my lips to hers.
Pastor Thompson chuckles and interrupts my intentions. “Hang tight, Austin, let's do the rings, and then you can get to the kissing.” I bite my lip, and glance down at Raegan's pink cheeks and the teasing glint in her eyes.
“Keep going, pastor. I want to kiss my wife.” I say without taking my eyes off Raegan.
“Austin, do you have a ring to present to Raegan?”
I fish a simple band from my pocket that matches the engagement ring that I gave her back in September. Pastor Thompson tells me to repeat after him, “With this ring, I covenant myself to you. To love you, to cherish you. To serve God with you, until death parts us.” In a whisper I add, “Which I hope is never.”
“Raegan, do you have a ring for Austin?”
Jaimie hands her a simple silicone band, perfect for a ballplayer. This way I’ll never have to remove it for games. No matter where I go, everyone will know that I’m a married man.
Raegan says the same ring vows, and to the end of hers adds, “And God, please let us be married in heaven too.”
“You have covenanted together before God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to live together in marriage. By the power vested in me by God, and the state of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” And before Pastor Thompson can say the final words of, “Austin you may kiss your bride,” my lips are devouring hers. She’s mine, and I’m kissing her as often and as much as I can.
One of her small hands cradles my cheek and the other pulls on the back of my neck, until there’s no space between us. Her fingers play with the curls at the back of my neck.
The wedding attendees clap and cheer. I pull back a fraction of a centimeter. “I love you Raegan MarieThomas.”
Raegan presses another kiss to my lips. “I love you too.”
“Ladies and gentleman, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Austin Thomas.” We turn and face the congregation, lifting our intertwined hands and smiling, as Pastor Thompson speaks.
“Mama,” Grace yells from her spot, reaching for Raegan. Raegan gladly takes her from Chrissy. Then, with ease, I scoop up both of my girls and carry them down the aisle and out to the foyer of the church.
Raegan
This evening after the reception I snuggled Grace tight before handing her over to Mom. Leaving her for a week for our honeymoon is harder than I anticipated. She and I have never spent a single night apart. I know she’s safe and loved with my parents, but I can’t help the shiver of anxiety that ripples through me every now and then.
“She’ll be fine. Right?” I whisper to Austin as we drive to a bed and breakfast in Tyler for the night. Tomorrow we’re headed for an all inclusive resort.
“You know how much she loves your mom, she’ll be just fine.” He gently squeezes my knee, before taking my hand. “I know you’ll miss her,” he clears his throat, and his lips turn up in a smirk, “but, I’ll keep you busy.”
I’m not the innocent girl I once was, but my cheeks still color at his implication. My stomach even flips at the thought, as I think of things I’ve tried my best not to think of for so long now. I have no reason to be nervous, wehavedone this before. But this time it’s different. This time it’s pure and right, and God-honoring.
“I know you will.” I giggle. “Austin?” I turn so I can see his face better.
He glances over quickly, then turns back to the road. “What’s up, Rae?”
I chew on my lower lip. “I’m nervous.” I squeak the words out before covering my face.
His hand draws lines back and forth just above my knee. “Oh, Rae.” He swallows. “I’m a little nervous too. Even though we’ve done it before.” I grab his hand and squeeze. “Either way, we’ve got the kissing part down. We’ll figure it out. Right?”
I sigh and interlock my fingers with his. “You’re right. And there’s more to life than sex, right?”
“Would it help to talk about something else?” He squeezes my hand reassuringly.
“You think that’ll help?” I raise my brows and laugh. “I can’t think of anything else, Austin. I’ve pushed it from my thoughts for so long, and now I actuallycanthink about it.”
“Rae of sunshine.” He brings my hand to his lips. “I would say let's talk about baseball, but that’ll make you think about my butt. ‘Cause you know baseball and my butt go together.”
Oh, this man. I’m so glad he’s mine. I laugh, the tension in my chest easing. “That is true.” I lean back, watching the scenery pass as the sun sets on the western horizon. “How are you feeling about our plans? You’ll be okay with driving from cowtown after every home game?”
