Page 46 of Scoring Chance
Eighteen
Dean stood next to Chris as they watched their mother walk down the aisle to their father. Their parents renewed their vows for their twentieth anniversary in front of a crowd of 100 of their closest family and friends.
As 17-year-old Dean stood, he glanced over at his father who carefully wiped a tear from his cheek. “Your mother is the most beautiful woman in the world,” Gavin sniffled, “and I’m so lucky to have her.”
Throughout the ceremony, Dean noticed how his father looked at his mother. He was completely in love with her and couldn’t focus on anyone else, not even the minister.
Dean wondered if he’ll ever find a love like that.
It took a few days for everyone to arrive from San Francisco and Chicago. There were lots of laughter, some tears shed, and lots of marriage advice. Their puppy, Boss, served as ring-bearer. Sarah and Jameson acted as Best Man and Maid of Honor. Dean’s brother, Chris, officiated the ceremony. Sapphire was the official wedding photographer.
In the backyard with their friends and family, under the moonlight of Manhattan Beach, Sydney and Dean exchanged “I Do’s.” She wore an off the rack strapless white lace cocktail dress and went barefoot. Dean wore the same open collar tux from Jameson’s wedding, and also barefoot.
Dean swallowed his emotions as the memory dissipated into the background. His voice cracked as he struggled to hold back tears. Standing in front of him and before God, family, and their friends, was his fiancée. It felt like it was only the two of them in the universe as time slowed for them.
“Sydney, you’re all I could ever want in a wife. You’re my best friend, my lover, my soulmate, and my everything. I promise to honor you in your absence as well as your presence.” He pledged. “I will honor you all of my days. They say love is forever and honestly, you’re the forever I need.”
Sydney sniffled and as she lightly patted her eyelids. “You’re going to make me ruin my makeup, babe.”
Dean kissed her forehead. “I love you, raccoon eyes or not.”
Sydney managed to get the strength to say her vows, written on a small piece of paper. “I look into your eyes, Dean, and see my future. I see our children, who won’t be named Bobby or Betty because you hate those names.” The audience giggled and Dean mouthed, ‘It’s true.’ “I look into your eyes and forget about the world around us because you’re all I need. Love is a funny thing. You expect it to be easy, with nothing but puppies and roses. It’s then you realize how hard it is but how much worth it can be. It’s not about how good-looking someone is but rather, if they can listen to you for hours. It’s not about them liking your quirks, but if they still love you when you get on their nerves.
“While relationships are never 50/50, love always is. You give and take, hoping you can meet the partner who has the same goals and dreams.” Sydney folded her vows and looked into Dean’s eyes. “I have a lot of growing up to do but you’re the only person I want to grow old with. I loved you the day I met you, I loved you when I left you twice,” she chuckled, “and I’ll love you forever.”
“By the power vested in me via the Internet,” Chris replied, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dean, you may kiss your bride. Syd, welcome to the family!”
Everyone around them hollered and cheered as the couple shared a romantic first kiss. “We did it, babe.” Sydney smiled.
“We did.” Dean grinned.
Ian’s restaurant catered the affair and everyone took turns toasting (and even roasting) the happy couple.
Dancing to “All My Life,” Sydney carefully wiped tears from Dean’s eyes as he held her close. Amidst the camera flashing and everyone’s eyes on them, Sydney and Dean only focused on each other.
“We is married now,” Sydney giggled, using a line fromThe Color Purple.
“We is,” Dean nodded, “how do you feel, Mrs. Winchester?”
“I feel like we should’ve gotten married a while back. Our relationship, through its many ups and downs have been so magical and I don’t regret anything.” Sydney agreed. “How do you feel, Mr. Sydney Walker?”
Dean laughed. “I don’t mind being called that at all. I could get used to it. It has a nice ring to it – Dean Walker.”
“Hmm…I like Sydney Winchester better,” she nodded, “that has a better ring to it.”
“Are you ready to take on the world?” Dean asked.
Sydney pulled Dean’s face close to hers and kissed him. “With you, babe, I’m ready to conquer anything.”
~~~~~
“What do we have here?” Dean looked at the half-empty bottles of liquor in their outside bar. After the guests left, it just left him and Sydney alone where they continued the party. “We have Henny, we have Jack, we have…” He shook a bottle of nearly empty tequila. “We have guests who partied harder than we did. Syd, do you want anything else? Syd?” Dean looked behind him and found his new bride sleeping on the chaise lounge under the patio.
Dean walked up to her and softly shook her. She was out cold. He looked around him and noticed it was lovely summer night out, and had a brilliant idea. He hurried back inside to retrieve a few pillows and blankets and rejoined Sydney.
Underneath the stars, with his bride snuggled up against him, Dean smiled up at the sky. “I hope you enjoyed the wedding, Dad. You probably had the best seat in the house.” He then fell asleep.
