I had elected to not speak as I knew it would be an epic disaster. It would either end with me speaking and just letting my mouth run away with me and not knowing what would actually come out or tossing my lunch up because I was too nervous. Shauna and Mom both vouched for my excuses, which to be honest are more truthful than just excuses, so no one pressured me into doing it.
Shauna on the other hand was a great public speaker and elected to share her thoughts. I was a bit apprehensive at this thought as she was very blunt and open. As she stood up my nerves picked up as I had no idea what was about to come out of her mouth.
"I've known Sera for a while now and honestly I always assumed I'd get married before she would. She has been very picky with who she dated, so much so that she really hasn't gone on more than a few dates each with only a handful of men. It's like she knew what she was looking for and was not willing to waste her time with anyone else.
"That is how I knew her relationship with Ethan was special. She knew with him and did not doubt. It's like he was the one she was waiting for and once they found each other there was no reason to wait anymore. Some may say that their relationship was hurried and wonder why. I believe it is because they both just knew so soon afterward and didn't see the point in waiting. I mean I saw Sera wait for years to find the right guy, I don't blame her for not waiting to marry him after she found him.
"Ethan and Sera, I wish you happiness and success as you go forward in life. Just remember to go with as much enthusiasm and surety into everything that feels right as you did with your relationship with Ethan and with as little care for the naysayers that will criticize you for your decisions. Please raise a glass to Ethan and Sera! May you two continue to grow in your love for each other!"
I actually had to wipe a few tears from my eyes because of her speech. She basically subversively told off those that were saying things about us, to their faces and smiled while doing it. Shauna is the best, she really is.
Sean, the best man, stood up next. "As the poet Dante once said, 'A great flame follows a little spark.' The day after the encounter Ethan mentioned in his speech, he called me and let me know about the little spark, although in this case that spark was more than a spark by the next day. We're lucky we live in a wet climate or there may have been a devastating fire from how hot that spark grew overnight. From the way Ethan spoke about Sera I could tell this spark was something special.
"Let me backtrack a minute, Hi, I'm Sean. I met Ethan our Freshman year in college. We hit it off pretty quickly and were roommates for years as we did our studies. I could tell you a lot of embarrassing stories about Ethan, but I'll refrain for the more sensitive ears in the audience. He's a great guy, he would ask before he got rid of his textbooks if I would need them in the next year and if I did, he just gave them to me.
"I would tell you amazing things about Sera, but I don't really know her that well since I've been traveling since they got engaged. But I can tell you that she makes Ethan happier than I have seen him in years and just that knowledge makes her perfect for him in my book.
"May the flame burn long and may the sparks continue to fly - To the newlyweds - Cheers!"
After Sean finished, Ethan and I led the way into the ballroom. When we walked in the music was playing and he took my hand and led me onto the dance floor. Can I just say that Ethan is an amazing dancer? I mean could he get more perfect? I guess I'm suppose to feel this infatuated on my wedding day. It's probably a good thing!
After our dance as a couple, he danced with his Mom while I danced with my Dad. Then I danced with his Dad while he danced with my Mom. Then Sean claimed the next dance, followed by Ethan's brother then mine. At that point I needed a break so I sat down, Ethan found me not long afterward.
"I think we've danced with everyone we're suppose to now." He whispered to me.
"I hope so, I'm not sure if my feet want to dance anymore." I sighed.
"How about one more dance with me on the terrace?" Ethan looked expectantly at me.
"Just give me the rest of this song to rest."
"Deal." He pulled out his phone and sent a message, but I didn't get a chance to read it.
At the start of the next song, Ethan stood, held his hand out to me and helped me up as soon as I put my hand in his. He led me to the terrace and we danced a slow dance together. He held me so close that it was hard not to step on his feet. Just as the song was ending I realized there was a strange sound coming toward us. It took me only another minute to figure out it was a helicopter.
The helicopter landed on the lawn just beyond the terrace. Ethan pulled me toward it and I was shocked. He'd arranged a helicopter ride away from his parent's house! I guess we were leaving for the honeymoon…
"Wait, I need my stuff!" I yelled toward him, pulling him to a stop.
"No you don't, Adam already took it to the resort." Ethan reassured me and we started moving toward the helicopter again. We stopped and waved goodbye to everyone and then got into the helicopter and buckled into our seats. It was a really nice helicopter, probably my Dad's, judging by the fact it reminded me of the private plane we'd taken. I was amazed that Ethan planned all of this without me even suspecting!
Just over an hour later we landed and Adam was there waiting to pick us up to take us to the hotel we were staying at. On the way there I couldn't help wondering how Ethan and I's 'Happily Ever After' would turn out. But I knew that however it turns out, having him by my side is what mattered.