Speaking of Pete, he and Cory have been gawking the whole time as they find themselves surrounded by professional football players, their wives and girlfriends. Troy didn't invite the whole team, but at least six members of the starting defense and a few other players he's formed friendships with made the trip, and I think the caterer finally understands why our wedding party of forty-six ordered a sixty-person buffet. Even I'm still shocked at the massive size of some of Troy's teammates, who have accepted me and Laurie with generally open arms, especially the ones here today.
I actually feel bad for Cory. He's still a manwhore, at least in his mind, but he works too much to actually be one. He's not too sure who he can approach around the wedding without possibly incurring the wrath of very large, athletic men who could inflict serious harm on him. Troy told me last night that he would make sure that Cory was introduced to some of the single ladies at the reception, just to be on the safe side. Cory's trying to calm down, and I think if he can find the right lady, he'll be a good man someday.
Cory and Pete are not the best man, though, as next to Troy is the man who had, through his own love of Troy, brought us back together. When I'd gone to his house, in tears and begging, Coach Steve Jackson had not only immediately agreed, but booked our reservations right away, and he even promised to not tell Troy about it. Thankfully, Troy's diligence on financial matters didn't ruin the surprise.
So it’s only appropriate, I guess, to have 'Coach' as Troy's best man while Dani is my maid of honor. After all, who else has done more to bring the two of us together? The man who is Troy's de facto father and the woman who is my soul sister could have no other place in our wedding than as the people who stand by our side during this important moment.
Troy clears his throat, and I have to restrain myself from reaching up to kiss him already—he looks so handsome, and yes, a little nervous in his tuxedo. "There are some couples, some situations that are just fated. Whitney, we've been through a lot, but at each step of the way, my heart has belonged to you. I know that with you by my side, life is going to be a wonderful adventure, and I love you for that. I can't promise you that every day is going to be easy, but I do promise you, forever and always, that I’ll love you, respect you, and honor you. This I vow."
The minister turns his head to me and nods. "Whitney?"
"I've so many times in our relationship been just about the stupidest, most hard-headed, self-destructive woman that I can think of. But each time, there have been three things that have saved me. First," I say, turning my head to glance at Dani and Mom before returning my gaze to Troy, "some very good people whom I love and who love me enough to have helped me, even if it meant being firm with me. Second, a good dose of luck. But third, and most importantly, your unfailing, never wavering, infinite love. Troy, you've told me so many times in our relationship that I saved you from going down a dark path, but what you never realize is that you saved me too. It’s because of this that I promise you my love, my heart and soul, my everything . . . forever. This I vow."
When it’s time for the rings, Laurie is nearly so nervous as the ring bearer that she has to get a gentle nudge from Mom to come up with her little pillow with the rings, earning a chuckle from the crowd. Still, she’s fascinated to be right there as her mama and daddy slide the rings on each other's finger, and she’s cheering louder than even the adults when we exchange our kiss.
The reception takes place at the same resort as the ceremony, where we dance and feast as the June sun descends into the Caribbean. Troy and I share a laugh when Cory comes over to our table, red-faced. "What's up, Cory?"
"Uhm, Whitney . . . would you be too upset if I asked your Mom to dance with me?"
It takes me a second to realize what he's saying, and when I realize what he’s asking, I laugh so hard and give him a kiss on the cheek. "With my blessing. Just be careful."
"I know. I don't want Troy mad at me."
Troy shakes his head and points at Mom, who’s currently chatting with Coach Jackson's wife, while Laurie and Gregory Jackson, Coach's son, both share some cake. Greg is just about ready to go to junior high school, and I can tell he's torn between wanting to hang out with Laurie, where he can at least feel safe and have fun, and wanting to hang out with the adults, especially the women who are suddenly becoming more enticing to him. Still, Laurie's fun to hang out with, and they're content for now.
Troy looks at Cory. "I won't sugarcoat it, Cory. She might be more woman than you can handle. And don't let the fact that she's forty-two fool you. She's got more energy than half the guys I play with."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks," Cory says, turning and walking away. Troy and I follow him with our eyes, and Troy leans over, whispering in my ear and putting on a horrible accent—trying to mimic one of those national geographic voices, probably something he picked up from Dani.
"The young buck, not at all aware of the possibilities and potential danger before him, goes into the territory of the cougar, who eyes the buck with interest. It’ll be interesting if—yes, the cougar has decided to toy with the young buck, to see if it’s as delicious a meal as it appears."