Both of our in laws fill the table. Mines on my side and Jace's on his. I recall him telling me his silent treatment will be professional. I wonder if that'll just escalate things with his family. Both of our folks have to give speeches. A new fear has been unlocked...fear of wedding speeches. Everyone is seated and watch the main table. The commotion renders it impossible to hear the voices of my peeps. Aunt Trish says something I can't understand.

Velma takes over for the ordainer since all they do is officiate the ceremony. I listen closely to my earpiece for her commands. "The speeches and toasts will begin in 5 minutes. Gather your best man and maid of honor first. Then parents and siblings."

My husband speaks into the ear mic. "My family aren't allowed speeches just toasts."

This is heard by his mother who sits beside him. Her wounded expression isn't fake. Meredith is sincerely regretful. She speaks loud enough to be heard by Jace over the cafeteria ambience. "Please, I was wrong, Jace. Forgive me...don't do this!" Her son acts as if no one is talking. Jace ignores her existence. "What will the world think if we don't congratulate you? That we're horrible??"

His father leans closer to speak his two cents. "Sam is best man...since he's on your good side. We've worked it out for you. Allow his speech. Accept our apologies and end this foolishness!"

My husband gives them zero attention, he stares ahead at the buzzing room. I keep quiet. I accepted his choice. So I don't intervene with family business.

"Only Madison's family will speak?"

"Yes." He answers Velma. "Only my in laws will speak." Jace says it loud enough so his parents and siblings hear.

"That's not the traditional way...I doubt your family will sit tight."

"That's exactly what they'll do. They'll sit tight and accept the arrangement...or my guards will drag them out regardless of causing a scene. They have no say so." He gives a side glance to the men in black. The suited men march up the steps and post behind the chairs of his family. Only his family...not mine. The eight men are intimidating.

His parents gasp, appalled. Kim hangs her head low in shame. Tom looks frightened. And Sam...the one I thought was good...is just as guilty. I tried my best to win them over. I bent myself in half...hoping my resilience would make them reconsider. That my stubborn, bullheadedness would impress them. I'm done now...same as Jace. I don't expect nothing more from them than what they are.

(PLAY THE VIDEO AND READ ALONG)

The band performs Beautiful In White. Velma ascends the platform and turns to face the crowd. "Hello all, thank you for attending." The crowd quiets little by little. "The time has come for speeches and toasts. Please welcome the maid of honor to the stage." Velma claps to signal the rest of the crowd to do the same.

My aunt stands and approaches the stand. I hope for the best. Please don't say anything embarrassing!

Trish smiles and clears her throat. "Please excuse me if I stumble over my words." She grins charmingly. "Hello. My name is Trisha Hart. I'm Madison's aunt...and her second mom. I just want to say how proud I am. Madison has reached a place women dream of. I'm not talking about the fame. I mean the stability of love. Which isn't easy to find." She focuses on me. "Trust a pro on this. There aren't many couples who can say they overcome all of the obstacles and grew together. Most part ways...cheat...or fake the love because it burned out. I know in my heart that the love of Mrs & Mr. Harrison will stand the test of time...and may even transcend death. To my lovely, powerful niece and my amazing nephew in law. Be forever happy...that's the key to life." She raises her glass of bubbly. The audience applaud my aunt, same as me. I get a little sensitive. I truly hope mine and Jace's love goes on after death.

My mother is next, she shows no fear before the endless crowd. "I always knew whoever my daughter chose would be special. Madison made it her mission to wait until marriage...that surprised me. Especially nowadays when old fashion is dying. I'm beyond proud of her restraint and commitment. Although I knew she'd find a great match...I never expected she'd find a match made in heaven." Her attention goes to me and Jace. "My son in law had a reputation before meeting my daughter. Despite how scandalous, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and was not disappointed. We constantly change. Everyone in this world looks back on past choices and grow into better people. Our future is what we make it. And the future of Jace and Madison is brighter than the North Star. Congratulations and happy wishes." The crowd toast their wine glasses with her.

Okay her's wasn't too emotional. Good...I really don't want to cry on camera and become a meme.

Dad is next. My gut warns me I will lose to the crying battle...just by how choked up he is. Aww dad...don't activate the waterworks.

"Even though I walked you down the aisle and gave you away...doesn't mean I stopped walking beside you. You're my baby girl. As a kid you were my shadow. I couldn't make a move without my little silhouette tracking after me. As a father, I will always cherish your presence no matter how far apart we are...you will always be my shadow." I let tears fall. There's no way I can combat it. Dad's breaks eye contact, looking down to avoid too much emotional damage. "Although you have a new protector in your husband...I still managed to spilt the role 50/50. Being your second source of security is still a blessing. My son in law is a true businessman. I swear I didn't threaten him." He adds comedically, this wins laughter from the crowd. "I felt no need to chastise Jace because minds that think alike strive forward in harmony. I have faith in Jace to secure my daughter's future and to include me along the way. If he doesn't, they'll be a brawl." He holds up his fists. "Until then." He meets my and Jace's eyes. "Strive forward in harmony."

JACE

Paul's toast wins more cheers than the rest. Mostly because father and daughter relationships are far more cherished. The loveable dynamic of Madi and her father is unique. I wished my bond with mine was the same. That way I wouldn't be blocking him out right now. I'd be grateful. I would love to hear my father's kind words on my wedding day. But they'd be false and all for clout. He can remain silent.

My wife beams so wide, wiping her eyes. The speech was touching. The crowd toasts once more. Of course Lil takes the stage. Madison's sister from another mother. I'm curious to hear what she has to say. Lily is a loose cannon. I sense my bunny on the same wavelength as me. She's anxious to hear the speech too.

"Hey, hey peeps! I'm Madi's sister. Although we're not related by blood we still have a bond just as strong. One strong enough that I went out my way to play matchmaker. I'm the reason my stubborn sis took a chance on Jace. Their connection was never about money. The fame and fortune never appealed to Madi. All she wanted was love. I'm glad I helped her find her happily ever after." Lil fights of sobbing. "Because she was missing her other half for so long that it pained her. I had to pick up the broken pieces and cheer her on. And I will always do that. I'll always be your lilypad. So hop across the pond...I'll forever be there to keep you from drowning, little froggy." She stifles the sobbing the best she can, but the sniffing is too overwhelming. "So...anyway. The bride and groom owes me big time. I expect 50% of your income." She raises her glass.

Madi claps while wiping her tear stained eyes. Lil hugs her bestie before returning to her seat. Awww...they're so cute. I hold her hand and stroke the back of it. Velma storms the stage to announce my family. "The groom's side have opted to give toasts over speeches. Please raise your glasses one last time."

My family stands in unison and hold up their wine glasses. I know they won't try anything. My threat wasn't a bluff. They know this from the silent treatment. I've never used this method on them before.

The waiting staff is dressed in cream and white suits. A 5-course meal is on the menu. Chili Crab Dip with Shrimp Chips are the hors d'oeuvre, also known as appetizers. Along with gourmet salads and cashmere soup. Madi feeds me some of the chili. Its rich lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and crystalized salt explodes the flavors.

I return this adorable gesture. Of course, the cameras go wild, photographing the romantic moment. Spicy Lobster Pasta is the main course. A luxury, supped up version of a spaghetti hybrid. The lemon, pepper flakes, and cherry tomatoes are stark in taste. Every tastebud lights aflame as if I've never experienced high class dinner. The diners enjoy the luscious cuisine. Of course there are those who take food selfies.

The first 4 courses take a span of 45 minutes. The time flies. I hardly notice. My whole universe is channeled to my impossibly dazzling wife. "I meant what I said." I lean to speak just for her. "You're too gorgeous to be real."

She gazes deeply into my eyes. The softness and intensity of hers cripples my gut. "So are you. I had dreams for a reason."

"Well, I think my daydreams beat yours. I was conscious during mine. I mentioned how you lived in my mind."

"What exactly did you see?"

"You shining in the sun like an angel."

"So that's why you called me that?"

"Yes."

"Wait until you see me in my next dress."

"Is it better than this one?" I curl my fingertips between the lace around her neck.

"You'll see." Her slim lips peck mine. "I'll be back." I love watching her walk away. Her sculptured silhouette and the subtle sway of her hips. Her perky, tight ass. Is she aware of my satisfaction? I should've told her to switch to a private feed for some dirty talk.

"Wardrobe change?" Velma's voice pierce from my microphone.

"Yes." My baby answers.

"Make it quick. The cake will be in soon. It's time to prepare for the candle ceremony. Stage yourselves at the arch in 5 minutes." I spot her switching from our radio feed to another, to update the tent occupants. "The candle lighting ceremony will begin momentarily."

I leave the main table and stroll to the arch. It's just as jumbo as the one at the arena. I wait for her return. The dangling lights and multicolored pink peonies. The same ones I bought Madison when she was in the hospital.

A waiter brings over tall candle sticks; each will sparkle bright once lit. A twenty-tier wedding cake is rolled in by workers. The columns stack high and wide. The cream design is beaded and embroidered with flowers. Everyone gawks at the insane height; the cake is over 5 feet. Along the bottom of the cake are 100 candle wicks that stretch around the entire circumference.

The number symbolizes the days I've loved her. From the very first day until now. 100 long...insufferable days.  

My honey is a showstopper for the second time in one day. The reception dress is short and ethereal. Something an ice queen from an epic fantasy would wear. It hangs off her shoulders, the hanging lace resemble snowflakes. It's a true winter wonderland aesthetic. The pattern is the same as viewing a snow flurry under a microscope. The crystallized icy art. It has lots of flow. The hem dances with every step she takes.

"My little snow angel." I greet her.

All eyes fall onto us. "Hold the sparklers." Madi and I follow the instructions of Velma on the radio. Taking the sparklers from the waiter who lights the wicks for us then steps off. "Jace, state the meaning of the candles."

"These 100 candles represent the days I've waited to be part of your world. 100 days of confusion. 100 days of hurt. 100 days of emptiness. 100 days of weakness to finally find love."

My wife is bothered by my wording. She doesn't like how depressed I sound. Her overly expressive face pinch together, creasing her forehead and eye muscles. She forces herself to recover, being clever enough to recite her days as I did. "These 100 candles represent how long I've waited for you in my dreams. 100 days of lost. 100 days of torment and hopelessness. 100 days of bitterness to finally find a home in you."

We lower the crackling, golden sticks in our hands to light the many wicks. The wax of each blaze with fire same as a falling domino effect. A wave of flames whoosh along the tips of the candles as enchantingly as casting a spell.